Evan Maruska is not your average 11-year-old. A sixth grader at A+ Charter School in Maricopa, he has already dedicated five years to the game of football. His passion for the sport started after watching his older brother play, and since then, he has been determined to carve his own path as a quarterback.

For Evan, football is more than just a game—it’s about having fun and always striving to get better. He embraces the qualities that make a great quarterback, with leadership and attitude standing at the top of his list. His inspiration comes from Josh Allen, the star quarterback known for his ability to both run and throw. Evan admires Allen’s journey as an underdog and hopes to develop a similar skill set that allows him to be a dynamic playmaker on the field.

When he’s not playing football, Evan enjoys music, Legos, and, of course, food. But make no mistake, football remains his primary focus. Over the past three to four years, he has attended more than ten quarterback camps, where he has had the chance to meet and compete with other young quarterbacks while making lasting friendships.

Evan’s goals are clear, and he is putting in the work to achieve them. In the next six months, he wants to win a championship with his youth team, the Maricopa Pumas, and throw a 55-yard pass—an impressive feat considering he is already at 48 yards. Over the next year, he aims to refine his leadership skills, understanding that being a quarterback is not just about physical ability but also about guiding and inspiring his teammates.

Every athlete faces obstacles, but Evan has yet to experience significant setbacks. He stays focused by stretching before every game and following his personal ritual—rubbing his hand on the turf before stepping onto the field. He credits much of his development to Coach Gio, who has helped mold him into the quarterback he is today. Evan’s advice to other young athletes is simple: listen to your coaches, have fun, and be confident.

Off the field, he commits himself to improving through workouts at the park, push-ups, pull-ups, running, and conditioning with footwork coaches and Coach Gio. His hard work has already led to some incredible moments, including an 86-yard touchdown run last season. One of the most surprising things about him is that people often don’t believe he is only 11 when they see him throw and play.

Evan Maruska is a young quarterback with a bright future ahead. His dedication, leadership, and love for the game set him apart, and with his relentless drive, there’s no telling how far he can go.