The new and hopeful FHN students show up with only their cleats in hand for the 2024 football training camp at Hollenbeck Middle school. Amongst the crowd a new player emerges, displaying natural athleticism and skill that Will Crawford the assistant coach quickly recognizes.

“Would you consider having a freshman compete on the varsity level?” Crawford said. “He’s one of the better slot receivers we have.”

“A freshman, seriously?” Brett Bevill, the head coach of the varsity football team responded.

Mikey Miller, a freshman who’s already secured a spot on varsity is set to make an impact. But with power comes pressure, and being a freshman on varsity brings its own set of challenges. As a freshman Miller admits that his height, size and experience level immediately puts him at a disadvantage.

“He’s still so young and so raw in varsity football,” Crawford said, “But I know that it’s only gonna make him a better player.”

Any initial drawback received from Miller is quieted when he walks on the field with a determination that age doesn’t define capability and balances any shortcomings with strengths.

“The cool thing about football is it takes a lot of different people and different types to be able to be successful, so whenever he’s successful we as a team are successful,” Bevill said.

Talent does not always equal success, but Mikey continues to grow, his enthusiasm and optimism setting him apart and allowing him to learn and develop, even after mistakes.

“He’s quick,” Crawford said. “He can catch the ball like any of them. He has great footwork. But the biggest thing is his positivity. In the St Charles game, he was a receiver, and he dropped the ball. But he didn’t let that dropped ball get into his head. He immediately turned the page and was able to get  the ball back for us and had a huge catch in the game that led to a touchdown for another player.”

Miller has made a lasting impression, on his team, on his coaches, and in the game, showing he is not only filling a spot but raising the bar.
“I think it takes a special person to be able to step right in and play in a varsity role, especially as a freshman,” Bevill said.