In the world of youth football, certain talents emerge so early and shine so brightly that college coaches can’t help but take notice. Teddy Chan is that rare prospect – an 8th grade quarterback with such exceptional skills that he’s already secured a scholarship offer from Sacramento State before taking a single snap in high school.

Let that sink in: a Division I scholarship offer before his freshman year. That alone speaks volumes about this young signal-caller’s potential.

RepMax Reporter Bill Prentice recently sat down with this budding star, and as he puts it, “I was impressed with his confidence and football IQ.” What emerged from the conversation was the portrait of a disciplined, multi-talented athlete with a crystal-clear vision of his future.

Beyond the Gridiron: A Three-Sport Standout

While football remains Chan’s primary focus, he’s no one-dimensional athlete. Teddy currently excels in basketball and lacrosse as well, demonstrating the all-around athleticism that modern college coaches covet in quarterback prospects.

This cross-sport training has likely contributed to the advanced footwork, spatial awareness, and quick decision-making that has college recruiters already projecting his potential years ahead of schedule.

Driven by Academic Dreams and Asian-American Inspiration

When asked about his motivation, Chan’s answer reveals a maturity beyond his years.

“College scholarship, for 4 year college and 4 years of medical school,” he responded, already mapping out an eight-year academic journey that combines athletic excellence with professional ambitions.

Perhaps even more telling is Chan’s choice of role model: “Jeremy Lin inspires me the most,” he shared, referencing the Harvard-educated NBA player who broke barriers and faced down countless doubters throughout his career.

“Jeremy Lin works through adversity, don’t give up!” Chan elaborated when asked what he’s learned from Lin’s journey. This connection to a fellow Asian-American athlete who succeeded at the highest levels of professional sports provides both inspiration and a roadmap for handling the challenges that may come his way.

The Art of Balance: Managing Excellence on Multiple Fronts

The life of a youth quarterback with Division I potential is hardly leisurely. Between academic demands, social development, and athletic training, Chan has developed a systematic approach to excellence.

“Keep myself busy, fill up every moment of my time, be safe, sleeping, by doing something,” he explained. “Studying, hang out with friends, strength, training, agility training, and QB training…”

This structured approach to time management has allowed Chan to maintain the academic standards necessary for his future medical aspirations while still developing the physical tools and quarterback technique that have college coaches already extending offers.

Leadership Through Consistency

With nine years of football experience already under his belt—spanning tackle, flag, and 7-on-7 competitions—Chan has developed an impressive understanding of what creates sustained success.

“I demonstrate consistency of myself with lots of preparation. And by showing consistency to rest of my teammates as a Leader!” he stated, noting that his teams have maintained a winning percentage above 80% throughout his youth career.

This focus on preparation and dependability, rather than flashy leadership styles, suggests a quarterback who understands that true leadership begins with personal excellence and accountability.

Looking Ahead: The College Decision

Though high school still awaits, Chan already has a clear framework for evaluating future college opportunities.

“Academic, Athletic program, Location because the weather,” he listed as his top three considerations, prioritizing educational quality alongside football development.

Interestingly, he’s not swayed by the pageantry that often influences recruits: “That doesn’t really influence my decision!” he said when asked about fan base and game-day atmosphere.

As for coaching philosophy, Chan seeks balance: “The best case scenario is a coach who prioritize both winning and player development for longtime growth!!” While he prefers a player-friendly coaching style (“this way I can communicate with my coach better”), he emphasized, “I rather find discipline within myself”—another glimpse into his self-motivated approach.

Forged in Competition

Chan’s training philosophy mirrors his competitive nature. When describing his ideal environment, he quickly identified: “High-intensity competition, in strength training it pushes me get more tired and sore. In throwing, it stimulates me to be consistent and push myself harder to perfection!”

This embrace of challenging situations, rather than controlled skill development in isolation, highlights Chan’s understanding that quarterback play ultimately comes down to performance under pressure.

The Road Ahead

As Teddy Chan prepares to enter high school football—where expectations will be sky-high given his early recruiting profile—he carries with him a rare combination of physical talent, mental maturity, and long-term vision.

Sacramento State’s early scholarship offer likely represents just the beginning of what will become an increasingly competitive recruitment battle as Chan develops through his high school years.

For now, this 8th grade phenom continues preparing with the same disciplined approach that has already put him on the college football map—balancing three sports, academic excellence, and quarterback development with a maturity that suggests he’ll be ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

One thing seems certain: we’ll be hearing the name Teddy Chan for years to come.

RepMax Rising Stars highlights elite youth athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent, character, and potential. Teddy Chan exemplifies these qualities as he prepares to begin his high school football journey.