McMillon honored by late UA invite

Unlike some players in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game, Joshua McMillon wasn't selected to the game months ago. In fact, it wasn't until last month that Memphis (Tenn.) Whitehaven got the official word.

"I got the call from my coach about a month ago and he let me know that I was invited," the Alabama commit said. "I was ecstatic at the moment. Then I found out this week that I was getting my jersey and getting to put it on for real. It felt good. I know that I could really call myself an All-American."

Despite Whitehaven's status as a state power in Tennessee, McMillon is the first player from the school to be selected for the Under Armour Game, an honor he doesn't take lightly.

"It feels great to be the first one," McMillon said. "To be set aside in that category is a real accomplishment for me and I feel really good about. But receiving the nomination is a big honor for my school, too, I'm glad I can be the one."

McMillon said he gives a lot of credit to his former teammate and current Ole Miss running back Mark Dodson Jr. for helping him get a jumpstart on his career.

"Mark was the guy that was getting the attention and pub and it gave me time to grown and shine and when it was my time I was ready to perform on the big stage," McMillon said. "I give a lot of glory to Mark for bringing college coaches in and publicity to the school to help make this possible for me."

Prospects from the city of Memphis often come with a great sense of pride for their hometown and McMillon is no different. He said he plans on representing Memphis well in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Jan. 2.

"Maybe once in a blue moon someone from Memphis is given the chance that I'm given," McMillon said. "I'm going to capitalize on it and show that we do have a lot of talent. There are a lot of underrated guys in the city that have had to earn their way the hard way and I'm going to go out and represent for all of them and show what Memphis is all about."

McMillon, who has been committed to Alabama since August, said the Tide coaches were quick to congratulate him on Tuesday.

"I talked to Coach [Billy] Napier and he spoke with me about it and congratulated me," McMillon said. "I talked with Coach [Nick] Saban last week and he said the same thing. They thought all along that I should be in a game so when I got selected they were happy too."

While McMillon will be representing Memphis and most of the city will be watching him on TV, a few close family members will be making the trip.

"I know for sure my mom and dad are trying to come down and my brother is going to tag along too," he said. "My aunt is trying to come but those who can't making will be back watching at home. I'm just looking forward to getting down to Florida and having a chance to compete against the best."

McMillon said he's still solidly committed to Alabama and doesn't have any visits upcoming, outside of his official to Tuscaloosa for the Auburn game later this month.

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