On Tuesday afternoon, the Ole Miss Rebels received a pledge from a JUCO transfer quarterback who spent much of his upbringing in Europe.
On Tuesday, the Ole Miss Rebels added a unique piece to their roster by securing a commitment from a quarterback who spent his youth in Europe.
Justin Kowalak of Northeast Mississippi Community College committed to the Rebels on Tuesday, joining the team as a preferred walk-on. In high school, he played for Crystal Lake South (Illinois).
According to the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Kowalak developed an interest in American football while living in England when he was approximately eight years old. When his family moved to the United States, he became the starting quarterback at his high school during his sophomore season in 2019, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in his prep career.
He redshirted a season at Eastern Illinois before joining NEMCC prior to the 2023 season. Last fall, he threw for over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns to help the Tigers complete the season 6-3.
Kowalak, who was born in Illinois, also lived in Poland for two years of his childhood, and he holds dual citizenship in the United States and United Kingdom.
