Zaryk Nguyen, a 7th grader in the Class of 2031 at Eastmark High School, has been immersed in football since the age of six. Introduced to the game through a flag football league his mom signed him and his brothers up for, Zaryk quickly fell in love with the sport—and his passion has only grown since.
Zaryk thrives on the excitement of the game, particularly the feeling of making big plays that help his team win. He describes his style of play as driven by a strong work ethic, leadership, and a high football IQ, modeling his game after Kyler Murray, not only because of his play style but also because of his similar stature.
Football isn’t just a hobby for Zaryk—it’s a year-round commitment. He plays flag, 7s, and tackle football, constantly seeking ways to elevate his skills. His dedication has led him to attend multiple Elevate QB camps, where he hones his craft and aims to grow with each session. He also shined at a Talent ID camp for USA Flag Football, earning MVP honors.
Versatility is one of Zaryk’s strengths. While primarily a quarterback, he has experience at wide receiver and defensive back. In the USA Select Bowl 14U team, he adapted to play wide receiver against older, taller players, catching all three touchdowns in the championship game. His ability to adjust to different positions showcases both his athleticism and team-first mentality.
Zaryk sets ambitious goals for himself: he aims to throw 40 yards within six months and reach 50 yards in the next year while also improving his 40-yard dash time. His commitment to training is evident, as he participates in quarterback-specific sessions, speed and agility work, and ongoing guidance from coaches like Coach Johnson of “From a Cub” Athletic.
Despite facing setbacks, including bursitis and a fractured shoulder, Zaryk’s resilience stands out. He credits his father for much of his development, coaching him across flag, 7s, and tackle football, and consistently pushing him to improve.
Some of Zaryk’s most memorable achievements include playing up in age groups for the USA Select Bowl and making critical plays in 7s tournaments, proving that even as one of the smallest players on the field, his impact is enormous. With two brothers already representing Team USA in national flag football, Zaryk continues the family legacy, currently focusing on quarterback while remaining a threat in multiple positions.
Zaryk will also be training and competing at the 8th Annual Mike Giovando QB Camp on January 3-4, where he looks forward to further developing his skills and competing with other top quarterbacks.
For Zaryk Nguyen, football is more than just a game—it’s a way of life, a passion he pursues with skill, heart, and determination, and a journey that is just beginning.