ROCKINGHAM – All across America Wednesday, high school seniors were picking hats, shirts or other ways to show off who they plan on playing with in the fall as National Signing Day commenced.
And Richmond County was no different as the Richmond Senior High School media center was packed with fellow teammates, classmates, family members, teachers and coaches to see Dante Miller and Chase Coulthard sign their National Letters of Intent.
Miller, as highlighted in a previous article, signed to Columbia University in New York City, and Coulthard will head to UNC-Pembroke in the fall. The pair of friends and teammates made heartfelt speeches following their announcements.
Both Miller and Coulthard had superior senior seasons for the Raiders. Miller was named to the SAC All-Conference team after a 1,327-yard season that included 19 rushing touchdowns. Coulthard was named an All-SAC honorable mention, as he served as a part of a fierce offensive line that supported Miller and freshman quarterback Caleb Hood.
In early November of last year, all-purpose back Miller verbally committed to James Madison University, however in January, he decided to take his talents instead to the Ivy League after being accepted to and receiving an offer from Columbia.
“During the whole process I learned a lot, but it was a good process,” said Miller. “I went through a lot of things where I didn’t know if I would make it to this point of going to college. I’ve been doubted a lot. But my mother (Toni Flowers), she taught me to enjoy the process.”
The letter signing almost turned into a motivational speech by the Raider senior as he turned his attention to his fellow Richmond teammates.
“If you just be yourself all the time, and not worry about what people think then nothing will really bother you,” the running back said. “In order to get to a point where you can go to college, you have to always pay attention to your surroundings, and that’s what my mother taught me – always pay attention to what’s around you. Pay attention how people treat you.”
Miller went on to say that sometimes the quietest person in the room might be the smartest person in the room. Depending on those people that surround someone can affect the future, he explained.
“I’ve learned that there are a lot of athletes around here, and the mindset they have can really get them out of the county. In order to be different you have to act different, and sometimes the things that you do, some people don’t understand,” preached Miller. “Sometimes people laugh at the things you do. In order to get to the point that you want to be at, you just have to keep on hanging on to what you believe in. And throughout the process I did that.”
Miller actually had no offers, even after his junior year was finished, and a hamstring injury suffered at camp was going to hinder his 40-yard dash time. For someone who uses his speed so effectively on the field, this was something he would have to overcome.
“It’s not about what you go through but how you handle it,” Miller said. “Throughout that it was just nice to know how blessed I was.”
Again speaking to not only teammates but those at RSHS with him Wednesday morning, Miller preached that success only comes before work in the dictionary.
“If you just take the best characteristics from the people you hang out with, you will become a better person overall,” Miller concluded. “You don’t have to be the smartest person, you don’t have to be the tallest person, you don’t have to be the fastest person, you just have to be the most hard-working person.”
Unlike Miller, Raider offensive lineman Chase Coulthard didn’t make his decision until this past weekend as to where he was attending college. Nevertheless, Coulthard will be heading to Robeson County this fall to line up for the UNCP Braves.
Like Miller, on the other hand, Coulthard also remembers what it`s been like growing up playing football and how special of an opportunity playing for Richmond can be.
“Almost everyone in here I can remember going through something with, whether it’s family, football, class, coaches, teachers, everything. That’s just what Richmond County’s about,” said the senior lineman. “I know there’s not many places like this. Don’t take it for granted. I wouldn’t trade anything for this place. Playing in the green and gold means everything.”
Playing football has presented opportunities to make more friends and make more memories for Coulthard – something he’s cherished.
“It’s a tough process, waiting and waiting and giving everything you’ve got, but it’s worth it,” he said.
Raider head coach Bryan Till knows how important both Miller and Coulthard have been to the team as dependable leaders.
“They`re really good football players, but they do the little things right,” said Till. “On the field, those are the guys we can count on, every down, down after down, and that`s what they mean to us. Kids we can rely on and it’ll be tough to fill those shoes next year.”
When helping players decide on a college or just simply giving advice, Till said he likes to play devil’s advocate. So, when he asks players what they like or don`t like about particular schools, he also asks, “Why?”
“What I want is I want them to make the decision. I want them to think about the decision, be well-rounded with it,” said Till about helping with decisions. “We talk about the money side of things. Let’s look long-term at your college, how that can set you up in life, so we’re weighing those options. We do a lot of playing the schools against each other trying to find what’s the best fit for those guys.”
