Milton enrolls early to ply his trade at Tennessee



While the rest of Mascoutah High School's (Illinois) senior class was enjoying a holiday break, Matt Milton had already graduated and was practicing with the University of Tennessee football team. 

"They wanted me to come in early because they thought I could be effective my freshmen year and be on the  field a lot," said Milton, a multitalented threat for the Indains who shared News-Democrat Small-School Football Player of the Year honors with Mater Dei quarterback Tyler Detmer.  "I wanted to get in there as soon as possible and start learning everything.  It was a pretty easy decision for me."

He'll be playing receiver for the Vols after spending time at numerous offensive and defensive positions and as a return man with Mascoutah. 

"They love his size and speed and think he catches the ball at an above-average level for his size," Mascoutah coach Scott Battas said.  "He's already the strongest receiver on their roster as far as the weight room numbers, and that's impressive."

Milton's 3.4 grade-point average and early graduation isn't bad, either.

"He's a smart kid and he's got his priorities in order," Battas said.  "He's a well-rounded kid and just a treat to be around.  I think Tennessee's getting a steal of  a kid.  He's as good of an athlete with his size that you'll find, and Tennessee really caught on to that early."

Among Milton's early Tennessee highlights were meeting and practicing against All-American safety Eric Berry.

"It was kind of surreal because his locker's right next to mine," Milton said.  "He's definitely the real deal, he's great.  It was a little bit intimidating the first few days because he popped me a couple times."

"But after getting used to seeing all those guys you see on TV, it just comes natural after that."

Watch Milton's senior highlights at the bottom right of page.  To read the full article from bnd.com CLICK HERE.