Peters Township graduate ready to awe Florida fans
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Donovan McMillon paid a visit to his old high school in Peters Township before setting off to Florida to start his second season of football with the Gators.
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Donovan McMillon relaxes after pumping some iron in the weight room.
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Donovan McMillon
By Eleanor Baile/The Almanac
Donovan McMillon sits in his old high school locker room before preparing to workout. The Peters Township High School graduate is a sophomore defensive back at the University of Florida. The Gators open their 2022 campaign on Sept. 3 host Utah at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Donovan McMillon wears his heart on his left leg where he has tattooed the names of his parents and siblings.
Donovan McMillon sports a tat on his right forearm dedicated to his grandmother.
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Donovan McMillon stretches before a workout at his former high school track. The Florida defensive back excelled as a defensive back at Peters Township High School, where the Indians participated in two WPIAL championship contests.
Donovan McMillon and his recent foursome don DM polo shirts. The clothing line is part of McMillon’s branding through NIL.
Last fall, Donovan McMillon was a wide-eyed freshman from Peters Township playing football in front of tens of thousands for the University of Florida in the Southeastern Conference.
In front of millions watching on ESPN, he even tackled Alabama’s Jameson Williams, who was selected 12th in the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.
“That was one of the craziest things of my life,” said McMillon. “I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s me running down the field against Alabama and I’m tackling (Williams) on the first play of the game, on a kickoff.'”
Insane, and yet another pinchable moment, for McMillon was running out of the tunnel for the first time and being greeted by 90,000-plus cheering fans at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
“So surreal,” McMillon said. “I used to watch people doing this and now I’m on the same fields playing. This is just amazing. It’s crazy.”
Today, McMillon is a sensible sophomore poised to make a bigger splash on the field. The 6-1, 205-pound free safety was ranked second in the depth chart behind Rashad Torrence II heading into training camp.
“This year is different,” McMillon said. “I understand I am the guy who went through it now.
“It wasn’t like my mind was off the game, but the whole thing was so cool, going to different cities every week and the fans. Now, it’s like ‘Let’s play football.'”
McMillon doesn’t want the awe of college football to wear off.
“I am going to enjoy the experience I have been blessed with and just not take any day for granted. It’s time now to do what I have to do. I’m excited for this season,” he said.
McMillon hopes to help the Gators improve upon a lackluster 6-7 campaign in 2021. Florida finished 2-6 in the East Division of the SEC.
“We have to shake back,” he said. “Six-and-seven is a not a good season for Gator football. We want to compete for the SEC championship.”
During the offseason, Florida did something about improving those odds as well as its record. The Gators hired Bill Napier as the new head coach. In turn, Napier made significant changes to the coaching staff.
Patrick Toney is the co-defensive coordinator. He also is responsible for the safeties. Corey Raymond is the assistant head coach and in charge of the defense and cornerbacks.
“I’m happy with the coaching changes,” said McMilon.
He noted this is his third shift regarding defensive back mentoring since his arrival at Florida.
“Those guys are brainiacs,” he said of the specialists. “They will put us in the right places at the right time. They have a plan and are sticking to it. I can’t wait to see what it looks like once we come out of the tunnel and start to play. But, it’s great so far.”
During his debut season in 2021, McMillon saw action in all 13 games. He finished with 10 tackles, six of them solo. He anticipates 2022 being a breakout season.
“It should be a fun year,” he said. “I think I am prepared to compete at the highest level and make plays because my skill work and technique have improved.
“I want to be able to contribute as much as I can to the team,” he added. “I need to be as smart as I can be, too. If you are smart, the game comes easier. You know the game and it makes you play faster.”
PT proving ground
McMillon learned the game and then some while growing up in Peters Township. He was a two-sport standout in high school, excelling also in wrestling where he was a district, regional and state runner-up.
In football, he was a two-time all-state selection. He led the Indians in tackles for two seasons in a row and guided Peters Township to back-to-back WPIAL championship appearances, firsts in school history. The Indians also were three-time conference champions during his tenure.
McMillon credits his education as a critical factor in helping him make the transition to college football. Having parents, Shelley and Darrin, who are both educators, was a bonus too.
“They pushed me in the classroom but they didn’t put any pressure on me,” he said.
“Peters Township also is one of the top school districts in Pennsylvania and Florida is one of the hardest schools, maybe top 5 in the nation. There are no easy classes,” said McMillon, who is majoring in marketing and telecommunications. “So that transition went smoothly as did being away so far from home. Some people struggle with being alone.”
McMillon did not struggle with the game or the competitive athletes. He said playing at Peters Township at the Class 5A level was just as intense because the Indians’ playbook sported complex offensive and defensive schemes.
“We were one of the best teams in Pennsylvania and 5A was no joke. There were a lot of crazy athletes and there still are super athletes. The difference is you have to know the game. If you play with a smart, intelligent brain, then that helps you transition well.”
McMillon evolved enough during his inaugural season at Florida that he is prepared for the challenges that are ahead this autumn.
“The lessons you learn aren’t always from the tackles,” he said. “After my first-ever losing season and coaching change, the biggest thing that I have learn is how to fight through adversity and to shake back. It comes with the territory because as a defensive back you have to have a short-term memory and lock in for the next play.
“I understand that last year there was a reason for it. To build character and be a man about it. What happened, happened. But what are we going to do about it?”
McMillon will play his role. He has projected no numbers for the season.
“Just make plays on the field. Be a playmaker,” he said. His long-range plans are to stay at Florida and get his education then see where football takes him.
“Ever since I strapped on a helmet and put on the pads as a kid, my goal has been to play in the NFL. To make it in that league is the goal but right now I want to make an impact at the University of Florida on and off the field.”
Man on a mission
During a summer mission trip, McMillon did just that. He traveled to Greece and Santorini as part of GatorMade. The holistic player-focused and purpose-driven initiative develops athletes during their tenure at Florida and beyond. The program, which is directed by Savannah Bailey, who is also the senior director of player relations, serves as extension of the resources and experiences offered to all athletes.
During the six-day excursion, McMillon stayed in Greek homes with other Florida athletes and they helped their adopted houses by repainting walls, reorganizing storage areas, serving up food at homeless centers and helping the children.
“It was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” said McMillon of his first trip out of the country. “It warmed the heart.”
McMillon was thrilled with his interactions with the children. He especially enjoyed his time playing soccer and basketball with them.
“We made it all about them and they were so awed by the big American football players and the girl athletes who came on the trip. To put smiles on their faces was amazing. Awesome,” McMillon said.
McMillon was astonished by the whole bonding experience. Not only did he take the trip with some of his football teammates, he journeyed to Athens with other Florida athletes such as those on the track, swimming and basketball teams.
“That was cool,” McMillon said. “I never thought I would have friendships with those athletes but the trip enabled us to gain close bonds and build relationships and that is so important.
“It’s what you preach when you have to be a team. Trust each other. Teams that win have that. If you have that togetherness and hold each other accountable, then you’ll be successful. It could lead to a breakout year for us.”
Ever since he started his tennis shoe collection as a youth, Donovan McMillon of McMurray has exuded chic.
“Yes,” he admitted, “I’ve been a stylish guy since I was kid.”
Today, he has his own clothing line, sporting golf polo shirts. They debuted Aug. 1 on Twitter and on his website at www.donovanmcmillon.com.
The Peters Township graduate, who is a defensive back in his sophomore season at Florida, has other offers and deals and it is all thanks to name, image and likeness (NIL)
Conceptually, NIL means that college athletes can now earn and accept money doing commercial endorsements, appearances and social media posts, writing books, hosting camps, giving lessons and performing various other commercial activities outside of their schools, all without running afoul of NCAA rules.
It’s unprecedented because amateurism has been part of the fabric of collegiate sports since the NCAA’s earliest inception.
McMillon started building his brand around the time he committed to Florida. He has worked with Jordon Rooney ever since.
A New Castle native, Rooney is the CEO and creative director of the branding agency Built Different Creative as well as the sports branding course Slash Athletes. His LinkedIn page also touts him as the first personal brand coach in the NCAA. Mr. Rooney also made the Gator commitment video.
“We have had an amazing relationship since,” McMillon said.
McMillon also noted that NIL has had an ‘impact’ on collegiate sports that he believes is a good thing.
“The NCAA makes so much money. Why can’t a regular (athlete) market himself and make money?” he asked. “A regular student can work and make his own money. I think this is a good thing. Something real cool.
McMillon added, “NIL is a thing that has been needed in college football because the players have been putting their bodies on the line. It’s interesting.”
Should McMillon have the breakout sophomore season he anticipates having for the Gators, his value will increase and his NIL deals likely will multiple.
“This year is an important year,” he admitted. “When it come to NIL, it pays when you make the plays. With the higher-profile players, the offers mostly come.”
Though he has not thought about it ‘too deeply’, McMillon weighed in on the PIAA considering allowing high school athletes to take advantage of NIL deals.
“Kids getting paid to play high school sports is interesting but it’s hard enough to get paid at the college level. It would have to a be a top Blue Chip guy. To get those in high school is so sporadic.”
Whether he continues to benefit from NIL or not, McMillon will not forget why he plays the game.
“It’s a blast,” he said. “You never get used to running out of the tunnel, being cheered by 90,000-plus fans. When I get on the field, I never want it to end. It’s a blessing have this opportunity.”
When Donovan McMillon left Peters Township to play football at the University of Florida, he cast off his signature No. 3 for his jersey and instead adopted No. 13.
“People say it’s unlucky but I love it,” said the 6-1, 205-pound safety. “I think it’s the perfect number.”
The digit fits for several reasons, one of them sentimental. McMillon’s mom, Shelley, wore it in high school when she played softball.
“So it all fell together,” McMillan said. “It’s a nice change.
“I never saw myself being the guy wearing two numbers on his chest but I think it fits me real well. So far on the field it has treated me well.”
Arguably the greatest American athlete to wear No. 13 was Pitt Panther and Miami Dolphin quarterback Dan Marino.
“DM, yea, he’s a little bit out of my time but my dad was a major fan,” said the son of Darrin McMillon.
McMillon has many fans back in McMurray, including two younger brothers, Darius, Dane and Davin. For them and his former football teammates who hope to play at the Division I level and beyond, McMillon had this advice.
With recruiting, “take your time. Fall in love with the campus and the school, not a staff because coaches come and go.”
Of McMillon’s Top 5 choices, only one of those school’s coaching staffs are still intact.
Players even leave. Some transfer and some declare early for the draft.
“So commit to a school,” McMillon said.
On the field and in life, keep an even keel.
“Life is full of ups and downs. The person who stays steady and and finds a way to get through the adversity is the one that succeeds the most.”