When Rontez Miles heard his name called as he came charging out of the tunnel for the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium this Thursday, as the team’s starting safety, it marked the end of a remarkable journey from college prospect to NFL starter. Yes, Miles’ start was due to several injuries in the Jets secondary, but that doesn’t make his story any less impressive.
Miles, a 6′ 205 lb Pennsylvania native, was highly recruited out of Woodland Hills High School where he played with current teammate Darrin Walls and New England Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski. The hard-hitting safety was sought after by several big-time college programs, but Miles opted to attend a smaller school, Kent State, in neighboring Ohio.