By Mike West, Contributing Writer
San Diego State announced two local San Diego High School Players on December 20th as part of their first signed Commitments in round one of two deadlines for receiving National Letters of Intent to play for the Aztecs.
Defensive Back Isaiah Buxton and Running Back Anthony McMillian honored their commitments to the Aztecs by signing their respective Letters of Intent on December 20th. The two were part of a class of 26. The new signees are part of new Head Coach Sean Lewis’ first recruiting class at San Diego State.
Isaiah Buxton Sr Defensive Back Mater Dei Catholic in Chula Vista
Mater Dei Catholic defensive back Isaiah Buxton has been one of the state’s most productive defensive backs over the past three seasons. At 6 feet 1, 165 lb, the Crusader broke out his sophomore season and developed into one of the best cornerbacks in the state of California.
The highly regarded 3* Defensive Back was rated 54th as a Cornerback in California and 73rd Corner Nationally, and is considered the Number 720th player nationally according to On3’s Industry Rankings.
The versatile Defensive Back debuted his sophomore season with two interceptions for touchdowns, including a 92 yard return in the 2021 CIF State Division 2-AA Championship Game against Modesto Central Catholic. Entering his Senior year, the talented CB accumulated 52 Tackles, and 7 Interceptions. He decided to switch positions, moving to safety his senior year, tallying 23 Tackles, 2 Sacks and 3 Interceptions.
He totaled 77 tackles, 9 interceptions, 2 Sacks and 2 forced fumbles over his three varsity seasons, helping the Crusaders capture CIF State titles in 2021 and 2022. Buxton committed to Arizona in April, choosing the Wildcats over several offers including Cal and Washington State. He reopened his recruitment and announced December 10th that he is committed to San Diego State as his home beginning next season.
Isaiah Buxton Sr Defensive Back Mater Dei Catholic in Chula Vista
At 6 feet 225 pounds Anthony McMillan possesses the kind of size any major school looks for. Known as a shifty runner, McMillan ran for 1,270 yards, with a 6.8 Yard per Carry Average and 12 Touchdowns his Junior season. He followed up his Junior campaign with 545 Rushing Yards with a 7.0 Yard per Carry Average, and 9 Rushing Touchdowns and one Passing Touchdown.
The 3 Star prospect will be joining a crowded RB group, which gives him time to develop his skills further. Having committed to former head coach Brady Hoke, McMillan should benefit from the change to new head coach Sean Lewis. Lewis’ offensive system provides opportunity for running backs because of the high volume of plays per game. Keeping the group fresh will be a high priority.
Although McMillian gained fewer yards his senior season, he was more effective in scoring and running. His elusive style garnered more explosive carries this fall. McMillian committed on June 3rd, before Coach Hoke was replaced by Lewis. The change in coaching staff did not deter his commitment to the Aztecs as McMillian considered himself a commit to the school, instead of the coaching staff.
Both Players were instrumental in Mater Dei’s success on the field in 2023. Although Mater Dei did not repeat as Champions this year, they ended their season as the Southern Section Division 1 runner up to James Madison after losing to the Warhawks 27-0 on November 3rd. Congratulations to Isaiah Buxton and Anthony Mcmillian! We will follow the new players closely.
