After two seasons at Episcopal High School, Isaiah McMillian returned home to Katy—and he’s quickly become that guy in the district.
The rangy cornerback with blazing speed has drawn college coaches from across the country to the Tiger fieldhouse, and it’s easy to see why.
“My strengths are tackling in the open field and my speed,” the junior said. “I feel like I have great ball skills and a deep understanding of defensive concepts. Not to be cocky, but I do things other kids don’t—and that goes all the way back to junior high.”
McMillian, an all-district football selection, has also made plenty of noise on the track. Over the past few weeks, he’s set personal bests in both the 100 and 200 meters. His 200-meter time of 20.77 landed him in the Katy High School history books as the program’s all-time best.
“I’ve been running track since I was nine,” he said. “It’s always been a part of my life. My goal is to break the Katy 100-meter record and keep improving my times. I’m also chasing the best 200-meter time in the country.”
As McMillian gears up for the recruiting rush, he’ll be able to lean on two experienced guides. His mom, Cydryce, is the head volleyball coach at Episcopal and played her college ball at Indiana. His dad, Charles, played football at Utah State.
“I’m looking for three things,” McMillian said. “A great coaching staff, a great environment, and great academics. That always comes first. I want to play football as long as I can, but I also want an accounting or marketing degree to fall back on.”
The offers are already stacking up: Houston, TCU, North Texas, Utah State, Texas State, Oregon State, and Pittsburgh, among others, have come calling.
But McMillian is still grinding.
“I’m always working to get better,” he said. “These days, I’m really focused on my press coverage. I have long arms, which helps me lock in on a receiver at the line of scrimmage.”
As the middle child of five—with four sisters—McMillian has picked up some important life skills off the field, too.
“It’s not that bad,” he laughed. “They’ve taught me a lot of patience.”
And, apparently, some zone coverage, too.