Interview: 2019 Florida ATH LaMontrez McMillan is That Pure Football Player
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some college scouts look for certain measurements before breaking down film on a player, but that practice may not always net the best talent. With Class of 2019 athlete LaMontrez McMillan, he is the embodiment of the old school term “football player” and will surprise you with his abilities.
One has to take their hat off for McMillan’s style of play. At 5-9, 184-pounds, he essentially played middle linebacker for Gadsden County during his junior season although categorized as a safety/rover. Lining up against 4A Florida varsity talent in the box is never easy, but McMillan made it work. He ended the season with 70 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, six sacks, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Adding to the resume, that was his first time playing linebacker.
College coaches may get a better feel for McMillan’s overall talents during his senior season as a next level fit. An offseason move from Gadsden County to Jefferson County High School (Monticello) will put him at cornerback and running back.
With an offer on the table from Warner and interest from Division-I programs picking up, I sat down with McMillan for an exclusive one-on-one interview covering his junior campaign, offseason workouts, and recruiting interest.
Interview
LaMontrez, you may be a rover/safety but you spent a lot of time in the box last season kicking butt as a Mike-backer, what was that experience like for you?
“At the beginning of the season I did not know how to play linebacker. But, I watched a lot of film and got coached up. By the end of the season I was great at it.”
You were tough against the run and did a good job using your speed on passing downs to get to the quarterback, what are some of the other strengths of your game?
“I play fast. I’m on another level. I can play any position on the field. I can cover, I can drop and go into the zone. I can read well – run or pass.”
You touched on this a minute ago, but was there an area of your game that was a weakness to start your junior year but became a strength by the end of the season?
“Playing linebacker, I did not know how to read the linemen. In our first game, I think I had seven tackles but I should have had 12; I did not know how to read the guards.”
Where all will you line up during your senior year?
“I am playing running back and corner.”
Are you excited about playing running back during your senior year?
“Yes, sir. I sent my film out to 30 coaches, they liked my film and like me at running back.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on catching out of the backfield and my ball skills at corner.”
Where are you seeing your biggest growth in your skillset this offseason?
“I’m getting better at back pedaling and being an overall corner.”
Have you attended any camps this offseason?
“I was invited to a Nike Camp Combine and competed at a Troy camp.”
Do you have any other camps scheduled?
“I am going to another Troy camp on July 15 and to a Florida camp upcoming.”
What is the best 40-yard dash you’ve ran at a camp?
“At the Troy camp, I ran a low 4.5.”
Which schools are showing interest in you?
“Navy, Wake Forest just hit me up, South Florida, Troy, and South Alabama.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“I took a Junior Day visit to USF (South Florida).”
Do you have any upcoming visits planned?
“I am trying to set up one with Florida off their camp.”
Do you play any other varsity sports?
“Yes, sir. Track and field.”
Which events?
“The 400 and 200.”
That is some endurance running. Did you PR this past season?
“Yes, sir. In my first track meet I ran a 52.”
When the Tigers kickoff in 2018, what can the fans expect of the team?
“This one of the best teams I have ever played with. We won our spring game 26-0 against a great team. I think we can go to state this year.”
What kind of player are you on the field, are you a talker?
“No, I am a leader.”
I like that. What gets you pumped up before kickoff?
“I just get into a zone. I get focused.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“My coach talked about that; our No. 1 goal is to win state, our second goal is for me to go over 1,000 yards, and the third goal is to get 20 or more touchdowns.”
Before the season begins, are you doing anything fun this summer away from football?
“No, sir. We went to Panama City Beach already. I’m focused in for the rest of the summer.”
LaMontrez, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your camp schedule.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 22 LaMontrez McMillan