Louisiana Football: Interview with Kenner Discovery 2022 Safety Zander Milton
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Kenner Discovery High School finished 6-4 in the program’s first season going against Louisiana 3A competition. Unfortunately, they were the only team in the state to fail to make the playoffs with a winning record. In 2020, the Swamp Owls will ready to make the postseason for the first time. One of the rising stars on the team who is ready to lead the program into the playoffs is sophomore safety/linebacker Zander Milton.
The 6’1”, 170-pound, playmaker racked up some impressive numbers during the 2019 season including 49 total tackles, 14 for a loss, five pass deflections, four sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Milton has a nose for the football and possesses tremendous athleticism, speed and strength to make big plays all over the field whether it be in the opponent’s backfield or in the open field.
This class of 2022 prospect is already garnering interest from several colleges and it’s only a matter of time before his recruiting process explodes.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Zander to discuss his first season at Kenner and his recruiting process.
Interview
Zander, first off, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“We came out strong as a first-year program and did a lot of things people said we couldn’t. We came up short of the playoffs but that only motivated us to be better for next season.”
How would you grade your individual performance last year and why?
“I would give myself a B-plus. I had a very impressive season, way better than my freshmen year but there is room for improvement before I maximize my full potential.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths are being able to read the play and get straight to the ball, tackling in open-field, and being able to come fast and hard off the edge on a blitz.”
What kind of challenges did you face last year?
“The only challenge I faced was in Week 2 when I broke my right hand.”
How did you overcome your injury?
“I overcame that challenge by playing smarter and more aggressive than my opponent making it easy for me to be in the back field 24/7 even with the club.”
What was your most memorable moment?
“My most memorable moment was the goal line stand against Pope John Paul when on third down I busted into the backfield pulling the quarterback back for a loss. Then on fourth down, the running back ran my way and I stuffed the hole up for the win. “
What is your training schedule like during this extended offseason?
“My schedule for the offseason is track on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then football Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On the weekends, when there is no practice, I’ll do some ab workouts at home and maybe go to a park with a group of players to get some field work in.”
What are your maxes in the weight room?
“My bench is 145, power clean 165, and squat is 300.”
Do you have a pregame ritual to prepare for a game?
“Yes. Its kind funny but I always watch a Gordon Ramsey video before I go play. It gets me focused and hungry to go make some big plays.”
What schools are showing you interest at this time?
“The schools showing interest would be the University of West Florida, Kings College, Bethany College, and Southeastern Oklahoma State.”
Have you attended any college camps?
“I have not attended any college camps but this summer I will be.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“Track and Field, javelin and 4×200 relay.”
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“I try to be like Eric Weddle (Chargers). He motivates me and my game. He’s the reason I wear 32.”
What do you like most about playing safety and linebacker?
“I like hitting and blitzing the most. Every game I go into I plan on hurting someone and letting them know my name because football is a physical sport. It is hit or be hit.”
What is your GPA?
“I currently carry a 2.6 GPA.”
Thank you for your time and good luck next season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Kenner Discovery SS/LB Zander Milton
He will be a star on the field next season.