Class 2012: Emile Milton is dominant one man wrecking ball

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 star defensive tackle from the Citadel Phoenix, Emile Milton. Emile has played football for seven seasons.

Emile Milton

Positions:
Defensive Tackle

Height/Weight:
6’1, 275 lbs

Teams:
Citadel Phoenix (high school: NSSAFFL)
Halifax Chargers (bantam)
Halifax Argos (peewee)
Team Nova Scotia under-15, under-17, under-18

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Mount Allison, St. Francis Xavier, Open

Class:
2012

Over the course of his seven year football career, Emile has made his presence felt on the field as an enforcer. His impact was greatly felt in the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) as a defensive tackle with the Citadel Phoenix.

During Emile’s time with the team, he won team rookie of the year and helped the Phoenix win three NSSAFFL Tier 1 championship titles (2009-2011). For the last two seasons, the defensive standout was selected to the NSSAFFL Nova Division first all-star team for the defensive line.

In the tier 1 semi-final against the Dartmouth High Spartans, Emile experienced a special football moment when he caught an interception that was a key in the Phoenix’s win.

Emile has also played with the peewee Halifax Argos and the bantam Halifax Chargers. Additionally, he has also played on three provincial teams: Team Nova Scotia under-15, under-17 and under-18. Most recently, the Phoenix defensive tackle represented Team Nova Scotia at the Canada Football Cup in Lethbridge, Alberta (July 2011).

All the football accomplishment Emile has achieved is in large part due to the coaches that have helped him to become the dominant player he is today. Phoenix defensive line coaches Harrison Petropolis and Dan Parker have been a big influence on the defensive tackle’s career; however, Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Lawley has been a steady influence on Emile’s career.

“Coach Lawley is like a second father not only to me but the whole team and it shows how much he loves the game and makes me love it a lot more,” adds Emile.

A big source of encouragement and support in Emile’s career has been his entire family.

“There isn’t a specific one in the family because they all help me and have told me I can do anything I want as long as I work hard for it,” comments the graduating defensive star.

After he graduates from Citadel High in the spring, Emile hopes to study physiology in university. A career goal for him is to be able to work with troubled kids.

Ultimately, the Phoenix standout hopes to use one thing he’s learned in football to tackle all endeavours on and off the field.

“I learned from football that if you can work hard on the field take that motivation and use it in other aspects of your life,” says Emile.

Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator Lawley says that Emile is an inspirational leader.

“Emile leads by example on the field and in the weight room,” says Lawley, who just completed his 22nd season as co-head coach. “As a result of his tremendous leadership, he was designated a defensive captain in his senior year.”

During his seasons with the Phoenix, the defensive tackle has not lost a game. Lawley credits Emile’s success on the field to the time dedicated in the weight room.

“His efforts to become a strong force in the gym leave nothing to chance on the field,” adds the Phoenix co-head coach.

Overall, Emile’s style of play is aggressive and his strengths contributed to the success of the Phoenix’s defensive game execution plan.

“Emile is a one man wrecking ball at defensive tackle,” explains Lawley, who’s been one of the main architects in the Phoenix’s string of four consecutive NSSAFFL tier 1 championship titles. “There were times when our defensive game plan led to us using a three man line with Emile as the lone tackle in the middle.”

“Emile was very successful in this position to stop the run after defeating multiple double team blocks.”

As Lawley says, the future does bode well for the Phoenix’s star defensive tackle.

“Emile definitely has the physical ability to be an impact player at the next level,” says Lawley.

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