Diamond in the Rough: Zander Milton

Zander Milton is a strong safety and outside linebacker for Kenner Discovery High School in Kenner, Louisiana. He stands at 6’1” and weighs 170 pounds. He has clocked a 4.78 40-yard dash and 4.26 shuttle. Milton’s vertical is 33” and he holds a squat personal-record of 315 pounds. He has 19 college football offers at this time.

Watch Milton’s highlights here: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13116627/Zander-Milton/about

At what age did you begin playing football?

7 years old, for the Greenlawn Eagles.

What motivated you to get into playing this sport?

I saw some of my older cousins playing, and I wanted to be like them. I just really like to hit things.

What’s your favorite thing about playing football in Louisiana?

It’s really competitive. Depending on what city you’re in, all the schools are really competitive toward each other.

What’s your favorite thing about your position?

I get to play in the box and I get to hit a lot. It’s more contact with the running backs and less coverage. I don’t prefer one position over the other, though.

What would you say was your favorite memory from playing football?

My favorite memory is when we beat Pope John Paul on their homecoming night my sophomore year.

How was it adapting to new restrictions with COVID?

It was hard, but we fought through it as a team. We were able to fight through it and make the playoffs for the first time in school history.

What would you say are your main strengths on the field?

Being able to come down, make a hit and play coverage in the flats. 

How do you think coaches and teammates would describe you? 

I am a goofy guy, but when it comes time to work, I get the job done. And when they need a big play during the game, I’ll go and make it.

Three words to describe yourself?

Hard working, dedicated and caring.

How do you balance your schoolwork and football?

I usually get all of my schoolwork done during the day. That way, after school and after practice I can go watch film.

What would you tell younger players who want to play high school football one day?

You have to be passionate about the sport and really dedicated. If you want to play in college, your grades are really important, from freshman year to senior year.

What would you like to major in?

Criminal justice. I would probably join a SWAT team.

How do you prepare for an upcoming game?

I prepare by getting my mind right. I get really angry for some reason.

Is there a specific song or artist that gets you hype before each game? 

Goat Talk- Polo G

How do you handle wins and losses?

Wins, we go and celebrate. I usually go out to eat with some of my friends. Losses, I take it as it is and look for ways to get better, so we can beat the opponent next week.

What things are you looking for most in a college football program?

A school that cares about their players both on and off the field. Not just as athletes.

Do you have a favorite NFL or College Athlete and what elements, if any, do you take from their game?

Eric Weddle. He used to be a safety for the Chargers, Ravens and Rams. I learned how to get off the ball and attack from him.

If you can pick any one dead or alive to sit down with and ask anything you want, who would you pick, and what would you ask?

Sean Taylor. I would ask him, what did it take to get to where you were in life, and in football?

What would you bring to a college team that is different?

I think I can bring passion and the will to get better every single day. I would want to raise everybody’s game, as well as mine.

Do you have aspirations of playing in the NFL?

Yes, I really want to play in the NFL.

What’s the biggest thing that you learned through football? 

Football has taught me that there is more than just winning a game. The bonds that you can build with your teammates can really go a long way.

What does football mean to you?

It means a lot. It’s the way I can go to school, get a better education and help my family.

What is one thing could you not go a day without?

South Park, the TV show. I watch it every day.

What was your favorite subject in school?

World History

What hobbies do you have outside of sports?

I like to walk my neighbors dogs.