Neuqua Valley cornerback Miles Miskel often knows what receivers are thinking.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound junior is a receiver too.
“They do certain things where I just think, ‘I know what they’re about to do. I have to stop that,'” he said.
Miskel broke up two passes during the Wildcats’ 37-0 win against Lane Tech in the first round of the Class 8A playoffs on Friday.
But that wasn’t all. He also caught three passes for 39 yards, scored on a 4-yard run and returned a kickoff 42 yards.
“Miles is an explosive player on both sides of the ball,” Neuqua Valley coach Bill Ellinghaus said. “He makes plays wherever we put him. He has made big plays as a receiver, rushed for a touchdown, has several pass breakups, tackles well on defense and also impacts the game on special teams.”
Miskel has been making plays in all three phases for the Wildcats (8-2) since the coaching staff decided to play him at cornerback in the DuPage Valley Conference opener against Naperville North — and its talented receiving corps — on Sept. 16.
He has been so effective on that side of the ball that he was named all-conference as a defensive back.
“As long as I can contribute to the team, I will be wherever the coach wants me to be,” he said.
The Wildcats’ secondary dominated the all-conference selections. In addition to Miskel, seniors Nic Lendino, Peyton Kuhl and Josh Friedman also were picked. The defense has posted three shutouts and has allowed just 7.7 points per game.
Miskel’s personality brings the group together.
“Miles is a really fun guy to play with, always a great teammate to have, and it’s good knowing he’s out there on our side playing with us,” senior Grant Larkin said. “He’s always ready to make the big play or the big block, and he always has guys on the team laughing.”
Miskel brings breakout speed to any position he plays. As a freshman, he was a sprinter and alternate relay member for Neuqua Valley’s Class 3A state championship track team.
“I am really fast, and my main thing is being a deep threat,” he said. “I can outrun any defensive backs that come across the field against me.”
Miskel credits his father, Tony, for his intensity and attention to detail. A native of Muskegon, Michigan, Tony Miskel was a standout running back at Ferris State.
“He is always telling me what to do and what not to do,” Miles Miskel said. “I love him for that because I probably wouldn’t be here without him.”
The Wildcats will play top-seeded Lincoln-Way East (10-0) at home in a second-round game at 6 p.m. Friday. Miskel said the team will be ready.
“We don’t care about anything they have done, how they are undefeated or their seed,” he said. “We’re just going to come and ball out.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.