Louisiana: Interview with Catholic-Baton Rouge Class of 2017 FB Ben Miles
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
When Catholic High in Baton Rouge opened the 2015 regular season 0-2, there were some people who wondered if the team could back on track. Then the Bears responded by winning seven of their next eight contests before entering the playoffs. In the first round, Catholic travelled to New Orleans to take on Brother Martin where they won an exciting shootout 49-48.
In the semifinals the Bears were once again on the road in Shreveport where they battled Evangel Christian Academy. Catholic faced a 21-0 halftime deficit but clawed their way back to win 27-21 in overtime. In the state championship game, the Bears took on an undefeated Archbishop Rummel team but once again came out on top when they squeaked out 31-28 victory in the Superdome in New Orleans.
One of the keys to their championship season was the play of their offense which averaged 33.5 points a game. Some of the leaders of the offense was senior quarterback Ian Brian and junior running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire however another leader was fullback Ben Miles.
Ben Miles is also the son of current LSU head coach Les Miles. The 6’1”, 210 pound, playmaker spent his junior year playing all over the backfield including halfback and fullback. After the season, Miles was selected as second team All-District at running back.
The Class of 2017 recruit currently has five college offers and is also receiving interest from several other schools including Iowa, Kansas State and Navy. Miles has plans to visit several colleges during his spring break and attend several camps before his senior season.
The star fullback also works hard off the field where he currently has a 3.4 GPA and has plans of going into coaching.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru, I sat down with Ben to talk about his career at Catholic High, his recruiting process and what it is like having a dad who also the head coach of a SEC Powerhouse Program.
Interview
Ben, what are your thoughts on the 2015 season?
“It was great. We came out 0-2 and then it was a growing process where we got better every week. Obviously it was great because we won the title.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance in your junior season?
“I can get better at a lot of things. I’m stronger and faster than last year. I did a good job but there is a lot of room for improvement.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“Second team All-District as a running back.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My versatility pretty much. Some other big strengths is that I can do so much in multiple formations.”
Catholic won a state championship which was a great moment for you and your team. What are some other memorable moments from your junior season?
“When we beat St. Thomas More and then when we beat Teurlings Catholic for our coach’s 300th win and then every playoff win was great.”
In your semifinal game against Evangel Christian Academy, you won 27-21 in overtime however at halftime your team was down 21-0. What was the message from your coach to help turn the game around?
“Man up. Go out and fight regardless of the score.”
Are you receiving any interest from any schools?
“Navy, Nebraska, Kansas State, Louisiana-Monroe and Iowa.”
Do you have any college offers?
“University of Texas-San Antonio, Boston College, LSU, Northwestern State, and Jackson State.”
Your dad is the head coach at LSU. Is there any pressure to go play for your dad?
“My family wants the best for me. If there is pressure I don’t really notice it. As a coach my dad wants me to come to LSU but as a dad he won’t make do one thing or another.”
Do you plan on attending any camps?
“I plan on going to Nebraska, Kansas State, and probably Michigan.”
Do you have any visits planned?
“Navy and Boston College during spring break.”
What is your favorite part about playing football?
“When we are at the goal line and we run iso (isolation) and the other team knows it and its mono vs mono.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“A lot of coaches from little league on up. The whole coaching staff helps me stay on top on everything and have an attention to detail. Then my dad, every morning gives me something to take to practice.”
How does Catholic look going into next season?
“It’s very early but we return our whole backfield, our whole d-line and a lot of playmakers. There is room for growth so you shouldn’t count us out.”
Is there any pressure to win a second straight state title?
“If there is any pressure it’s within the team. Before the season we’ll talk to the team about the goals and another state title is a goal but after that it will just be one day at a time.”
Do you have any personal goals for your senior season?
“Because I play FB or HB a lot, I just want to improve especially vision and blocking and if I do that stats, awards, and accolades will come.”
What is your current GPA?
“3.4.”
What is your fastest 40 yard dash time?
“4.83.”
Ben, thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: twitter.com/bear_nation2015; Catholic FB Ben Miles
Photo credit: theadvocate.com; No. 29 Ben Miles in action.