Interview: 3-Star 2021 Arizona QB Bear Milacek Talks New Mexico Lobos Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The goal of every college football recruiting class is to improve the talent on the roster, so a tip of the hat to the New Mexico Lobos coaching staff on landing Class of 2021 quarterback Bear Milacek. On the 4th of July, Milacek went public with his commitment to the Lobos giving the Mountain West Conference program a steal along the recruiting trail.
Milacek earned QB Hit List three-star recruiting status after a junior campaign filled with 2,379 passing yards and 14 touchdowns with 274 yards on the ground and two trips into the end zone against 6A Arizona competition. Given the talents of the 6-3.5, 212-pound, field general, the Boulder Creek recruit was flying under the proverbial radar. Even though the spring evaluation period was limited and with little to no camps for prospective players to further showcase their abilities, the Lobos found Milacek stealing him away from offerees Valparaiso, University of San Diego, and Western Kentucky.
In a return to the RNG Lab, Milacek gives us the inside scoop on how the Lobos won his verbal commitment.
*Click link for June 3 RNG interview with Bear Milacek
Interview
Bear, congratulations on your commitment to New Mexico.
“Thank you.”
If you will, walk us through the recruiting process between you and the Lobos’ coaching staff.
“It started with my head coach and the recruiting coordinator at my school reaching out to Coach (Jordan) Salkin (QBs), and so did I. It took a while for the process to heat up, but then they showed a lot of interest. They got to me in their second wave of offering times.
“I was working out and training and Coach Salkin reached out to me; he is an awesome coach, I can’t wait to work with him. He talked to my coach and that gave me the opportunity to get my offer. My recruiting coordinator at school talked to him for a couple of hours; after that they offered. I did Zoom calls with Coach Salkin going over coverages and defenses for a couple of hours at a time. He talked to my parents; he built a great relationship with me as a player. During the process, Coach Salkin was not trying to change me for the QB that I am, he offered me off my film. That was the recruiting process with them.”
What style of offense do the Lobos execute?
“They got a new staff this year; they brought in Coach (Danny) Gonzalez (head coach), Rocky Long (DC), Coach (Jordan) Somerville (RB). I am not sure what they will run. They were a running team last season (flex bone/triple-option), I think they will pass more going forward. That is my strong suit, throwing the football.”
New Mexico offered on June 14th, at what point did you go from considering the Lobos to wanting to commit?
“I knew pretty much about a week and a half ago knew that I would commit. I am going to be an early graduate, and I am not positive that we will have a season. A lot of guys are committing early, but I did not commit under pressure. UNM did not give me a deadline. I just felt that was the place for me to be. That is why I choose to commit there.”
What was that thing that made New Mexico the ideal fit for you?
“The coaching staff and the recruits that they are bringing in. It shows what they are doing by the recruits they have brought in, it will be huge at UNM. I wanted to be a part of it.”
When did you commit to the staff and how did you do it?
“It was a phone call with Coach Salkin for about five minutes. I told him I wanted to commit; he was super fired up. After that I got a call from Coach Gonzalez; he was fired up too. The whole staff texted me. I did not release my commitment for three days, I was waiting for the video to be done so I could release it to everyone.”
The moment right before you told Coach Salkin you were committing, what was going through your mind – what were you feeling and thinking?
“I spent hours talking to my parents and multiple family members, and both uncles that played college football. I knew UNM was at the top, and I did not know to wait. While talking to Coach Salkin, I felt it necessary to commit to him then. I wanted to come to his school, and was going to do it at some point. I thought right then and there to pull the trigger. I am 100 percent commitment to New Mexico.”
Now that you’ve accomplished a major life goal, how does it feel?
“Amazing. I am excited about playing in the Mountain West Conference – that is a huge college football division. They have an amazing schedule and they travel a lot. Hopefully I am part of it my freshman year. I feel great about my decision.”
What did you do to celebrate your commit on the 4th of July?
“It was my grandpa’s 70th birthday. I released my commitment at 6:00, and then was with my family for his 70th – that is a big birthday year.”
All sounds great. Bear, again, congratulations on your commitment and thank you for your time today.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Milacek family; Bear Milacek
Outstanding interview, I love this guy’s confidence, he’s tough! He’s grown a lot since training him in 8th. I’m sure the maturity in his high career would put Bear in a great situation! The UNM Lobos got a Gem, Diamond that will shine bright in. Albuquerque! I enjoyed working with him, Bear alway wants to be pushed. I see great things happening at UNM Football! A lot great players I seen as youth in Fort Worth, Texas area! Great WR with this QB.