Lashi Miller hasn’t followed the usual path to a spot in Polk County’s starting lineup.
No lifelong love of playing football. No middle school success transitioned to the high school level.
Miller’s journey, instead, began when he first got to Polk County High School and decided to listen to a suggestion offered by some friends.
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“I played a little bit (of football) in rec, but I didn’t play that much,” Miller said. “My friends really wanted me to come out my freshman year, so I did. I’m glad I did because I really love it now.”
Polk County’s program is also glad Miller heeded the call. The senior has developed into a key member of the Wolverines’ front on both sides of the ball, and he’ll be counted on to help Polk County in Friday’s non-conference matchup at Blue Ridge (S.C.).
On a team full of youth, the Wolverine senior has quietly evolved into a team leader, his work ethic and offseason dedication setting an example for the entire squad according to head coach Dustin Fry.
“Lashi is a true program guy that has gotten better every year,” Fry said. “He really turned it on in January of this year. He started really focusing on his nutrition and weight training.
“He had a great offseason. He made it into the top 10 all-time on squat at 465 and increased his lifting numbers every time we maxed out. He has been a great lead-by-example guy that just goes to work every single day. His consistency is a coach’s dream.”
Miller admits he had to mature during his time in the program to become that type of teammate.
“Freshman year, I didn’t really have any goals,” he said. “It was just come in here, practice, go home. That’s all it really was.
“I guess I just fell into it. I saw how everybody else was, the competitive side of it. Once I saw that, that’s what I wanted to be, the top of that.”
Miller had a rewarding start to his final season in the Wolverines’ year-opening 34-32 win over Chase. He helped open holes for senior teammate Loreynzo Sanchez to rack up 234 yards rushing, including paving the way for an 89-yard touchdown scamper that proved key in Polk snapping an eight-game losing streak dating back to last season.
“People say we’re not the best, but I believe this team can go far if we really try,” Miller said. “Getting that win in week one, it just felt so amazing. I loved it.”
Ask Miller what he loves about playing on the offensive line and his face breaks into a large grin.
“Pancakes,” he said, his smile growing while thinking about a block that knocks a defender on his back. “That’s it, really running through someone. That’s the best part.”
He also doesn’t hesitate in citing the down side of playing in the trenches.
“After doing it so long, your knees start to hurt,” he said. “That’s the worst thing.”
When Polk County’s captains take the field before every kickoff, Miller is among the group, chosen for that role by his teammates. Fry pointed to that as another testament to Miller’s statute in the program.
“He was voted, by the team, as a captain this year, which shows how much respect everybody has for him,” Fry said. “I have enjoyed watching him develop and grow into a great player and a great person.”
For his four-year Polk County career, Miller can thank the friends that talked him into returning to the sport. But he no longer thinks of those teammates as his friends.
“We’re brothers now,” he said. “Not even friends any more. It’s a family bond, that’s what it really is.”
