Athlete of the Week: Kwayde Miller
By Bill Tamburrino
Offensive linemen are anonymous. They seldom get their names called over the public address system or written in the newspaper. Whenever the quarterback gets sacked or a ball carrier gets dropped for a loss, somebody in the crowd will yell, “Block line,” even if it was a back that missed his block.
Plenty of people, however, have heard of Kwayde Miller. Kwayde started his football career as a tight end and caught his share of passes but late last season he was moved to the position that over 25 colleges were recruiting him to play — offensive tackle. Kwayde has also played guard.
“Kwayde is the most recruited player that we have had since I have been here,” said Coach and Ramona High Athletic Director Damon Baldwin. “He is not just big. He is a big athlete. He was a legit tight end. He has great skills.
“The last three games he has really come into his own. He has developed a tough attitude, which is good. He is a very good lineman. He had an excellent game against Rancho Bernardo.”
For his efforts in the Rancho Bernardo game, Kwayde Miller is the Ramona Sentinel Athlete of the Week.
Kwayde has played some defensive line this year, but he considers himself an o-lineman.
“I feel like I suddenly found it in myself,” he said. “I am really comfortable and confident. It is all coming together. The o-line is a lot of fun and we are a very close unit.”
The 6-foot 8-inch tall 290-pound senior will be attending San Diego State University next season on a football scholarship. When asked if he is happy with his choice he said, “Absolutely!”
San Diego State is close to home and his mom, Kristi, and his dad, Karl, can see his home games.
“Kwayde took visits to Midwestern schools when the weather was nice, but he realized that it gets cold in Wisconsin and some of those places,” his father said when Kwayde selected San Diego State.
Kwayde has a 3.5 grade point average and plans to major in criminal justice and pursue a career in law enforcement when his playing days are over.
“I would like to play in the NFL, but if that doesn’t work out I would like to pursue a career in the FBI or CIA.”
At 6’8, undercover work is out.