LEADERS OF THE PACK:
— Three game-changing players.
Jones is in his 11th season as the head football coach of the Santa Ana College football team. In 2010, Jones led the Dons to their second bowl victory in three seasons, following the Dons 52-43 win over Grossmont College in the 2010 Beach Bowl. The former Don, who is the 15th head coach in Santa Ana College football history, spent six years as an assistant coach under Dave Ogas, who is now the team’s linebacker and special teams coach. During Jones’ tenure, 129 players have received a scholarship to continue their athletic and academic careers at a four-year university.
FRESHMAN LINEBACKER KEYS DONS’ DEFENSE
Player Profile: MARC MILLAN.
Redshirt chosen team captain after exhibiting strong leadership characteristics.
Before game-time, freshman linebacker Marc Millan howls in the middle of the team huddle, like an alpha wolf calling the pack to follow his lead.
“He is in the moment and he is dragging them up with him,” Head Coach Geoff Jones said.
Prior to the first snap, Marc is reading the quarterback, processing everything from his hours of film study, directing teammates on where to go and who to cover.
Because of that approach, the Dons draws up its defense around Millan, Jones said.
“He plays within the structure of the defense, but sometimes that gives him a lot of leeway, leaving him to run and be the instinctive player that he is,” Jones said.
On the sideline, Marc continues to strategize with fellow defensive linebackers.
As a red shirt freshman, Marc has had time to understand some of the intricacies of college offensive schemes.
His experience is a trait his teammates and coaches observed. The players chose Marc as one of the two defensive captains.
“He is a little older and more mature than the other guys, who are mostly true freshman right out of high school,” said Mike Cobleigh, linebacker coach.
Marc is an athletic specimen. The 6-foot-1-inch, 215 pounder runs a 4.5 second 40-yard dash. Through seven games, Marc compiled 44 total tackles, including 13.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks.
“He is fast and instinctive. He has one of the best motors you’ll ever see. He just never stops,” Jones said.
The Mission Viejo resident has piqued the interest of multiple universities, including D-1 powerhouse Ohio State, Arizona State and Eastern Michigan.
“He definitely has D-1 potential. It has to be the right system. He can play linebacker anywhere,” Jones said. “Who ever gets him is going to get one heck of a football player.”
The 20-year-old is a product of a broken home, but his parents worked to make it seem normal anyway. That has produced a well-adjusted but hyper-competitive child born to become a leader.
“They have been divorced for as long I can remember, but both are a big part of my life,” Millan said. “They never miss one of my football games and it makes me work that much more knowing that they are screaming for me.”
Marc takes his role of student-athlete seriously. In the classroom he is articulate, inquisitive and attentive.
“He is a B+ to an A- student. I had him in my sports and society class and I think he got the highest grade in there,” Jones said. “He only has one blemish on his whole transcript. He had an issue with a math class, other than that he has all A’s and B’s.”
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