Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 defensive star and recent University of British Columbia commit, Coleton Miller. Coleton began his football career in Cochrane, Alberta five seasons ago.

Coleton Miller

Positions:
Defensive End (has played on both offensive and defensive line)

Height/Weight:
6’4, 240 lbs

Teams:
Cochrane Cobras (high school)
Cochrane Lions (bantam)
Team Alberta under-18

Commitment:
Commitment to University of British Columbia

Class:
2012

When Coleton started playing football in grade nine for the Cochrane Lions, he got to experience success instantaneously. That season, the Lions made it to the provincial finals; however, they did lose in the championship game.

For the past three seasons, the defensive standout has suited up for his high school team, the Cochrane Cobras. He started on both the offensive and defensive lines for the past two seasons. During his time there, the team advanced to provincials each year.

“The past year and a half has had to be my most success I’ve had in my career due to the success I have shared with my former teammates and their ability to make me a better player,” comments the Cobras defensive star.

As a result of his exceptional defensive play on the field, Coleton has been honoured with many awards and honours. He received the school’s Tony H award for excellence in the weight room. However, he was most proud of being named both league and team defensive lineman.

“I was proud for both of those because I believe on my team there were two defensive lineman who were just as good as I was and they both equally deserve it in my opinion,” adds Coleton of the honours.

In July 2011, the Cobras defensive standout represented Alberta at the Football Canada Cup in Lethbridge and says it was a great opportunity to play against the top teams and players in the nation. This experience along with the opportunity of traveling with the Cobras to San Diego have been the highlights of Coleton’s football career.

“Both showed me the level of competition and both improved me as a player,” explains Coleton. “The football experience in Lethbridge at the Football Canada Cup showed me that I still have a lot to work on and that playing at that level showed me the speed and tenacity of the game.”

“Where as the football in San Francisco showed me how Americans play football, how relentless they are and how important the game is to them.”

Recently, Coleton decided where the next chapter of his football and academic life will take place. He will leave Cochrane and make the move out west as he has recently committed to the University of British Columbia (UBC). His factors in deciding that the school was the right fit for him included academics, football career and the coaching staff.

“UBC is a great school; I believe that this school is going to be a contender and be able to compete for a national championship,” says the future Thunderbirds player of his decision. “We have an amazing core of guys on the team, great leadership, and most importantly an amazing coaching staff.”

“The coaches made it an easy decision to commit because I feel the same way they do in the fact that it’s a program heading in the right direction and that it’s something I want to be a part of with everyone. Not to mention it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, so that really eased my decision.”

In football, Coleton credits his coaches Rob MacNab and Bruce O’Neil for his development into an elite defensive star.

“My coaches Bruce O’Neil and Rob McNab have taught me how to be a better person, leader and football player,” comments the Cobras graduating player. “They’ve taught me to never take a play off and play every snap like it’s your last.”

“They’re both on me about my football life as well as my academic life and I wish them the best for the future.”

Overall, Coleton’s mother has been a source of motivation and encouragement, which has enabled him to achieve all his football and life goals.

“My mom has taught me to not give up and no matter what kind of adversity I face, to strive for what I want,” explains Coleton. “She has been to all of my football games and that is equally as important to me as anything else.”

“She is supportive on any decision I make.”

Additionally, the Cobras standout says his stepfather has played an instrumental role in his life.

“My step dad, Marc-Andre is a very influential person,” comments Coleton. “He picks me up from every practice, comes to my games, has taught me adversity and to apply myself as hard as I can wherever I can.”

Away from the gridiron, the Cobras defensive star enjoys playing other sports including soccer, lacrosse and basketball. Additionally, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

While he attends UBC, Coleton will study business. With aspirations of making it into the pro-football ranks, the standout does have a backup career plan should it not work out. Those career goals include working in the business sector for a few years and then attending law school with the hopes of becoming a lawyer.

As he prepares for the move to British Columbia, Coleton will use all the things he’s learned from the game in order to achieve more milestones and success in his future endeavours.

“I have learned from football that it is a game of inches, a game of tenacity and in the biggest scheme of it all a game of life,” says Coleton. “It has taught me no matter how down you are there is always a last chance to succeed before the last whistle.”

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