Every young football player has one goal in mind: making it to the NFL. Rontez Miles is no different.
After leading his team in tackles and interceptions this past season, Miles’ next step is the NFL Draft. If drafted, Miles will be only the fourth player in Cal U history to be drafted, joining Elmo Natali, Judson Flint, and Tommie Campbell.
“It would mean a lot to be only the fourth person to be drafted from Cal U,” Miles said. “Just to be in the same category as those guys and also this year’s draft is a blessing no matter what the outcome is.”
Miles recorded 43 tackles and picked off four passes for the Vulcans this past season. He finished 5th in the PSAC in interceptions, also.
Miles is projected to be a mid-sixth round pick. If he’s drafted there, he’ll be the highest player ever drafted from Cal U.
“It will be a humbling thing and an honor to be that guy,” Miles said of the possibility.
Just like he always has, Miles has been working hard this off-season. He says he’s been working out with the people at the TEST Football Academy. Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco is also a product of the TEST Academy. So far, Miles has worked out with the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints.
Being ready physically is always an important thing, but Miles is working to make himself an all around better player, and that included being mentally ready for the NFL.
“I’m mentally getting myself ready because I know that I can play with the best of them,” he says. “The greatest players, if you notice, are some of the smartest football players in the game.”
Miles compares his game to that of Ryan Clark of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but not for the reason most people would assume.
“He plays every down, every snap the same way. He plays with heart and passion and those are things you can’t teach.”
With the Steelers in the hunt for a young safety, Miles just might get his chance to play with Clark.
The NFL Draft kicks off this Thursday at 8:00 pm ET.
Photo Credit: draftbreakdown.com
