Quarterback is the most important position in football. On Monday, SDSU got a pledge from a signal caller who could be leading the team as early as 2025.

QB JP Mialovski, a rising senior at Millikan High School in Long Beach, CA, committed to the Aztecs this morning. He chose SDSU over offers from Ole Miss, BYU, and Cal, among others.

“The connection I had with (head) coach (Sean) Lew(is) and (QB) coach (Matt Johnson),” Mialovski told EVT on Monday night when asked why he chose to be an Aztec. “Being there and being at the stadium, that connection I had with the coaches and where they saw me in their offense and the future of the program.”

Mialovski stands 6-foot-2 and weighs about 205 pounds. That frame should be more than enough to be the dangerous player head coach Sean Lewis envisions for his attack.

A component of Lewis’ designs is a QB that can help in the run game. A signal caller doesn’t have to be as adept at running as Michael Vick or even 2023 starter Jalen Mayden, but they must do enough to keep defenses honest and allow the read-option game to excel.

Last season, Colorado’s rushing attack stalled because defenses could ignore CU’s QB, Shedeur Sanders. Lewis could not create a numbers advantage because Sanders did not occupy a defender.

Mialovski should have little trouble in this regard. He even started competing in track this year to increase his speed. With time and a college weight program, he might develop this aspect of his game more than his 77 rushing yards as a junior in high school suggests.

More than using his feet to gain yards, Mialovski utilizes his legs to create time in the passing game. He has an advanced feel for the pocket and is able to climb into or out of it effortlessly while keeping his eyes downfield. Unlike many high school passers, who because they are the best athlete on the field are rewarded for hanging onto the ball too long, Mialovski is efficient with his steps.

What stands out most about his game is his quick decision-making. Millikan runs an up-tempo, spread attack that thrives because Mialovski knows where to put the ball. Combined with excellent accuracy, explosive plays come in droves for the Rams.

“I feel like I am dynamic,” Mialovski replied when asked to describe his game. “I can make every throw on the field. I’m pretty well-rounded. I can use my feet when I need to. I wouldn’t say I’m a complete dual-threat, but I can definitely run and scramble and get out of pretty bad situations. I can hit every part of the field, and I have a pretty strong arm. So, I have all the goods to make it at the next level and take San Diego State to the next level as well.”

John Peter Milaovski

Born John Peter Milalovski to a Russian father and an Italian mother, SDSU’s new signal-caller is the first generation from his dad’s side of the family and only the second generation on his mom’s side born in the United States. His father worked in a Russian circus before coming to America and taking a job at the world-famous Cirque De Soleil show in Las Vegas. Milalovski’s parents met in Sin City. He was born and raised there before coming to California as a freshman in high school.

Since the age of two, Milalovski has trained in martial arts. In middle school, he competed in MMA fights. He holds a second-degree black belt in Shorin-ryu, an Okinawan-style karate. The discipline learned there translates well to the gridiron.

According to Mialovski, SDSU is only taking one QB from the Class of 2025. In landing the So-Cal signal caller, the Aztecs got the player at the top of their recruiting board. What stood out to them most was the poise with which Mialovski competes.

Relationships played a huge part in his decision. Playing in Lewis’ system has been described as a QB’s dream. Mialovski echoed those sentiments and is excited to play for the men leading the program.

“His drive to get out there and win games,” Mialovski said, describing Lewis. “You can hear it in his voice when he’s talking. He’s very confident. I loved that when I was talking to him and listening to interviews. It looks like he’s going to drive this program to the next level.”

“Coach Johnson, that’s my guy,” Mialovski added about SDSU’s QB coach. “Coach Mattyj, he’s great. I feel like he’s an older brother to me now. He’s very competitive, and I feel like he’s going to take me to the next level in my game. I’m excited to get to work with him.”

Mialovski took an official visit to SDSU the weekend of the Aztec Fast Showcase. During the trip, he sat in a film study with his future teammates and enjoyed some of the local restaurants. He even attended a Padres game with the Aztecs staff.

With his recruitment behind him, Mialovski said he can focus on preparing to win a championship with Millikan. Some of that preparation might come at SDSU in June. There’s a chance he will compete at one of the passing camp weekends this summer.

QBs are expected to be leaders. As the first pledge for SDSU’s Class of 2025, Mialovski plans to be a recruiter to bring in athletes to compete with him on The Mesa. He won’t have to go far to find them; the Aztecs have offered some of his Milikan teammates.

Paul Garrison

My earliest sport’s memory involve tailgating at the Murph, running down the circular exit ramps, and seeing the Padres, Chargers and Aztecs play. As a second generation Aztec, I am passionate about all things SDSU. Other interests include raising my four children, being a great husband and teaching high school.