Sports
 

Former UH defender makes a name in AFL

By Mario Mohan
The Daily Cougar

Graduating from college while playing sports has innumerable benefits. Former UH football player Hamin Milligan came from Coconut Creek high school in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. It was his first time venturing outside the comforts of home and the popularity of his high school friends.

"It was starting all over," Milligan said. "I had to prove to my new teammates that I can play." 

Milligan, a 6-3, 230-pound safety found new friends fast. He was assigned to wear No. 44 and made his mark as the starting safety for the football program from 1999 to 2001. His uncanny ability to get to the ball allowed him to put up career numbers with UH. Milligan said he recorded 101 tackles, two interceptions and many breakups of pass plays that began to bring attention from the next level of competition. 

"It has always been a dream of mine to play professional football," Milligan said. "I knew I was part of a program that could help me achieve that."

Teams such as the Dolphins, Texans and the Redskins were calling with interest in Milligan, he said. After receiving some attention from the NFL and AFL, he was invited to the pre-draft camps. He ran the 40 in 4.31 seconds and demonstrated great lateral movement and agility. 

In the fall of 2003, he was picked up by the San Jose Sabercats and later traded to the Chicago Rush where he is sure to be productive. He wears the No. 3 jersey and is considered to be a "defensive specialist."

"The speed of the game and the no-room-for-error law has been the greatest challenge," Milligan said on his transition to the AFL. He had a standout game against San Jose Sabercats where he shut down the league's best receivers. "I knew after those performances that I could play game on the next level, I just need my chance," Milligan said.

His desire to play at the NFL level still drives his efforts on the AFL playing field.

"The NFL teams want to see me play a full season, and they will evaluate me from there," Milligan said. 

The AFL experience has been great for him.

"The fan's support of the games are very intense," Milligan said. "The Allstate arena, where we play, is sold out, and I am even starting to get asked for my autograph."

He returned to school to graduate in the fall of 2003 with a degree in sociology and had an impressive grade-point average. He attributes his commitment to staying in school to his family. His mother pushed him to stay in school and was his role model, Milligan said. After football he wants to work with children and be more hands on.

"I will give the NFL my very best effort, but if I can not make it there I will always have my education to fall back on," he said.

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