Broken leg sidelines MCC football standout Miller

Thursday, August 16, 2007 - Muskegon Catholic Central will launch its 2007 football season next week without its best player, senior Donnie Miller.

The standout running back/linebacker broke his right leg in a freak accident at Tuesday's practice and is expected to be sidelined at least six weeks.

MCC coach Mike Holmes said Miller was running the ball during a team scrimmage and ran into a blocker. Miller's cleats were planted as he twisted and fell to the ground in pain.

An ambulance transported Miller to a local hospital, where he was diagnosed with a broken tibia (the non weight-bearing bone in the leg).

Miller (6-1, 210) has a doctor's appointment today and should know his status for the rest of the season afterward.

For sure, he is expected to miss most of the regular season, including the opener Aug. 24 at Kehren Stadium against Mona Shores.

"It's a devastating thing for us," MCC coach Mike Holmes said. "But we have to keep playing. If you coach a long time, unfortunately, these things happen."

Last season, Miller rushed for more than 1,000 yards (9.1 yards per carry) and was a key two-way player as the Crusaders won the Division 7 state championship.

A college prospect with good speed and power, Miller has received attention from Ivy League schools and Division I schools in the Mid-American Conference.

Miller said there is no cartilage damage and the leg suffered a clean break. He's currently in a splint and will have a cast put on the leg.

"I'm trying to stay positive," Miller said. "It's not as bad as it could be. I'll just keep my head up and help keep my team together."

Holmes is busy making adjustments with Miller's absence. He's been through this before -- most notably when all-state running back candidate Jason Eichorst suffered a season-ending knee injury in a 1992 scrimmage.

"We're crossing our fingers and hoping he'll come back at some time," Holmes said. "If he has a chance to come back later and help us out that would be great. I know we don't have him for the near future."

On Monday, Miller received a hand-written letter from Harvard coach Tim Murphy. Miller, who has a 3.8 GPA with a 27 on the ACT, hopes his injury won't scare away schools in the recruiting process.

"It will be a tough few weeks," Miller said. "People in the Catholic community have been very supportive. They're all helping to keep my spirits up. That helps, I don't have to go through it alone."

Source: http://www.mlive.com/preps/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1187273710121100.xml&coll=8