The Mad Hatter may have made his mark on the national at scene at first Oklahoma State and then LSU, but his collegiate career began as a player at Michigan. And, if the Tigers head coach had his druthers, it would appear he’d like for his son to become a “Michigan Man” as well.
Manny Miles, son of LSU head coach Les Miles, attends Baton Rouge (La.) University High School and is a quarterback prospect in the Class of 2015. Beginning Thursday, the younger Miles is in his dad’s old stomping grounds of Michigan to participate in the “Sound Mind Sound Body” football camp with other potential recruits.
Being in the state that saw him both play and coach for the Wolverines, the elder Miles was of course asked by the local media about whether he would want his son to follow in his Big Blue footsteps. Not so surprisingly, given Miles’ affinity for -- and flirtations with -- his alma mater, he answered very much in the affirmative.
“I would love to see him at Michigan,” Miles said according to the Detroit News. “The first place that I took him to tour was Michigan, and he fell in love with the place. He said, ‘Dad, I know why you went here.’”
While Miles would love to see his son head down the same path in the same place he did, it doesn’t mean he’s not still thinking of his current football program. In fact, the dad happens to think his son will be a very good player at the collegiate level and has been utilizing the “home-field” advantage on the recruiting trail.
Unfortunately for the coach/dad, it appears to be an effort that will ultimately be in vain.
“I said to him, ‘Under what circumstance could you come to LSU?’” Miles told the paper. “He says, ‘None.’
“He said, ‘Dad, you’re the head coach. I don’t know see that path.’ Right now, I’m recruiting him. The good news is, I can work on him pretty good.”
A promising quarterback who appears to have a good, sensible head on his shoulders? Yeah, someone’s going to get themselves a quality player and person.
It just doesn’t appear, though, that dear ol’ dad will be a part of “themselves.”