2016 Oklahoma LB Lon’Trelle Miller Talks Commitment to Lindenwood Lions

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Self-sacrifices are a big part of the adult world, especially when it comes to family. On Saturday, Edison High School linebacker/running back Lon’Trelle “Trey” Miller made a sacrifice of ego and collegiate headline glory for an opportunity to stay closer to home to be with his three-year-old daughter Rhianna when he committed to Lindenwood University.

The St. Charles, Missouri, program, compared to most schools, is still in an early development phase having started a football program in 1990. By 2008, the program became a NAIA force being a regular in the playoffs finishing as NAIA Football National Championship runner-ups in 2009. In 2010, the program applied for the Division-II ranks being accepted becoming a full member in 2012. The staff has been anchored by head coach Patrick Ross since 2004 posting a 90-49 record over his tenure, more wins than the previous four coaches combined.

There is no denying Miller is a Division-I talent, and the offers back up the claim. Memphis, Maryland, Louisiana Tech, and Virginia Tech have all offered, as has other Division-II programs. The Lions are getting a gamer and Miller is getting a great program in a great area where he can excel and showcase his gridiron skills every Saturday for the next three to four years. Over the last two seasons, the 6’1”, 215 pound, linebacker has amassed 176 tackles, 23 sacks, 98 tackles for a loss, and one interception becoming one of the better linebackers in the state of Oklahoma.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Miller after he made his verbal commitment public on a local Tulsa sports talk show. I received the inside scoop on his mid-week visit to Lindenwood and how his commitment took place.

Interview

First off, congratulations Trey on your commitment to Lindenwood.

“Thank you.”

Kind of an obvious response to the next question, but how did your Thursday visit to Lindenwood go for you?

“I flew in on Thursday and went right to the campus. It’s a small area, small campus, but in a big city. They have everything there that pertains to a D-I school. It felt like a D-I program. The coaching staff was great. The linebackers coach, Coach (Deion) Melvin, he coached at Ball State and at Western Illinois, he’s also the defensive coordinator, Coach (Kenny) Sims (wide receivers), Coach (Kent) Maugeri (defensive backs coach) – he’s good – they were all great. The head coach, Coach Ross, was great too. The facilities felt like D-I. Everything they had there was more than what I expected.”

You did a public verbal commitment this morning but I have to ask, did you commit to the Lions during your visit?

“Yes, I committed when I was there. I committed on the last day. I committed to Coach Ross.”

What was Coach Ross’ reaction when you committed?

“He was pumped up and excited. They are ready to win championships like I am. They are ready to have me on the team. I’m looking forward to working with them to help make me a better man and a better football player.”
How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I was excited. I was ready to get working. At that moment I was ready to the throw pads on and start practicing. I was really excited and happy.”

Are you going to take any other visits before National Signing Day?

“I’m done with official visits. A JUCO is coming in to talk to me next week (Independence). Coach Jason Martin is coming by the house to talk to me. He told me “you are a D-I player, I can make you into a better D-I player.” We’ll see how the visit goes.”

When do you report to Lindenwood?

“I report the second week in July. I start summer school and summer workouts then and start getting ready for camp in August.”

What are you doing to celebrate your commitment?

“My parents and I are going out to eat and have a good time. We have nothing big planned. I’m looking forward to spending time with my family.”

Did your parents go on the trip with you to Lindenwood?

“No, they did not go. They had to work. They flew me out there. They did not have a chance to go on Thursday and Friday.”

Are your parents happy with your commitment to Lindenwood?

“They are happy. They feel like I made the right decision. They left it up to me. My dad was emphasizing to me about weighing out my options. Right now I am settled in, I am going to be a Lion.”

One last question about the trip. What stood out to you about the campus and the school? All of your responses have been very favorable of the program and coaches.

“They have what they call the “St. Louis Mafia.” I want to get a communications degree and they have a lot of connections to the local radio stations – all Lindenwood grads and alumni. They have a lot of networking connections there tying back to the school. They have a great communications program, great cameras. Everything is hands on from Day 1. I’m looking forward to learning a lot.”

Trey, thanks for your time today and, again, congratulations on your commitment to Lindenwood.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Miller family; Trey at Lindenwood.