Although the University of Texas Longhorns football program has some incredible talent, three guys’ paths to Austin started in Houston.
Before attending CFISD for high school and now playing for the Longhorns, senior wide receiver Thatcher Milton, junior safety Graham Gillespie, and rookie quarterback Trey Owens all began their athletic careers with the Cy Fair Sports Association.
Every participant has a distinct tale of tenacity, development, and the priceless lessons they have discovered during their journey. Future athletes who aspire to forge their own routes to success are motivated by their experiences.
Thatcher Milton, senior wide receiver, UT Longhorn, Cy Fair Bobcat, Lamkin Texan
Milton excelled as a player for Cy-Fair High School, where he was coached by Ed Pustejovsky, prior to enrolling at the University of Texas. Among Milton’s many noteworthy accomplishments throughout his high school career were his selection to the first team All-District 17-6A defensive back in 2019 and 2020. The 2020 Touchdown Club of Houston Defensive Player of the Year award was another honor he was considered for. Milton recorded 60 total tackles during his senior year, which includes 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two sacks, and a score on a punt return. His efforts contributed to Cy-Fair’s overall 10-2 record.
When Milton was admitted to the esteemed UT Engineering School in January 2021, his path to UT officially began. He was offered a preferred walk-on (PWO) position by April of that year.
To be honest, I was initially quite nervous, Milton admitted. I didn’t think that was feasible given the requirements of both Longhorn football and engineering. But I did say yes, and it turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
Milton became a wide receiver after initially joining the Longhorns as a safety. Milton had to swiftly adjust and develop his skills because players like Ryan Wingo, Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, and Silas Bolden were ahead of him on the depth chart.
Learning pass formations and the fundamentals of wide receiver splits is crucial for athletes who want to play wide receiver in college. Due of the high amount of man covering at the collegiate level, footwork is crucial. According to Milton, you cannot play at your best if you are unable to manage man coverage.
Milton’s early aim was to become a pilot, even though football has always been a part of his life.
“I never looked that far into the future, unlike most people who had a dream of playing in the NFL,” Milton said. I adore the game, but as a child, I was engrossed with watching Cy Fair High School, therefore my main desire was to play for them. I’ve been grateful for the chance to do it here at the University of Texas since I performed well there.
Milton is now majoring in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on nuclear energy, hoping to leave a lasting impression in his post-football career.
There must be other things you can use for your profession or life after football finishes, as it will. Power systems, energy conversion for grid usage, and propulsion technology are areas that interest me, added Milton.
Thatcher’s Success Advice: You are not the person you believed yourself to be in high school. Since you start anew in college, having a strong work ethic is quite important. Additionally, you won’t even have a chance to make the team if you don’t take academics seriously in school.
Junior security Graham Gillespie: UT Longhorn, Ault Falcon, and Bridgeland Bear
His passion for the game and the guidance of key coaches like his father, Dave Gillespie, and Coach Matthew Valmore helped pave the way for Gillespie’s journey to the Longhorns. David Raffield was the head coach at Bridgeland High School, where Gillespie played. His on-field leadership enabled the Bears finish 11-3 and qualify for the 6A Division II quarterfinals in 2021. As a senior, Gillespie recorded 81 tackles, six tackles for loss, nine interceptions, and one blocked field goal, earning him unanimous first-team All-District 16-6A accolades.
Gillespie, who grew up as a UT supporter, was overjoyed to get a PWO offer in his senior year.
It was great to be given that chance. “It was the best feeling ever to be told I had the opportunity because I grew up as a UT fan and always wanted to play here,” Gillespie said.
When Gillespie first joined the Longhorns, he was a safety and faced competition from players like Andrew Mukuba, Michael Taaffe, and Jelani McDonald for playing time. In order to make a smooth transition into college football, Gillespie has always concentrated on honing his footwork, tackling, and fitness.
Recognize your skills and shortcomings if you want to play defensive back at the collegiate level. Ball carriers are more athletic and shiftier at the university level, so practice staying square when tackling and concentrate on footwork drills to enhance coverage, Gillespie said.
Gillespie, who is majoring in sports management, hopes to work as a coach once his playing days are over. He intends to advance from college to the NFL.
Graham’s Success Advice: Believe in God and strive to be better than everyone else every day. Hard work is always rewarded.
Trey Owens, a freshman quarterback, Buccaneer, Cy Fair Bobcat, UT Longhorn
Long before high school, Trey Owens had an ambition of playing for the Longhorns. Owens, who has been playing quarterback since third grade, rose to prominence as one of the state’s most sought-after recruiters. Owens was twice selected to the All-District team at Cy-Fair High School and received All-America accolades. Throughout his high school career, he threw for more than 6,400 yards, 81 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions. Owens had a stellar senior season in 2023, passing for 3,303 yards and 43 touchdowns, earning him the title of District 17-6A Offensive MVP.
Owens recognized that his first year at Texas would probably involve watching and studying from two of the best quarterbacks in the country, Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, after he was offered a scholarship during his junior year. While Owens spent most of his freshman year as a scout team member, he seized the opportunity to develop his skills behind two experienced players.
Playing under those two quarterbacks, I learned what dedication and preparation looked like at the elite level. According to Owens, there are several factors to consider while analyzing a team’s defense, including the red zone, open field, third down, etc.
Owens was a huge Aaron Rodgers fan growing up and put a lot of effort into honing his skills.
“I grew up in it because my dad was a fan,” Owens added. Rodgers’ throwing technique is unmatched, and I truly admired it. He tosses with such ease.
For athletes hoping to play quarterback at the collegiate level work on your craft as much as possible. Always try to increase your understanding of the game by studying the defenses of the opposition. Speed was my biggest weakness coming out of high school, but I ve worked hard to improve it, said Owens.
Owens plans to major in sports management with hopes of one day playing professionally.
The journeys of Thatcher Milton, Graham Gillespie, and Trey Owens reflect the power of perseverance, mentorship, and staying true to one s passion. From their early days with Cy Fair Sports Association to high school to their current roles on the University of Texas football team, they have not only honed their athletic abilities but also learned invaluable life lessons. Their advice, rooted in hard work, dedication, and faith, will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes to chase their dreams whether on the football field or beyond.
