FAIRMONT — DeAngelo McMillian and Brandon Caulder didn’t know what to expect heading into the 2015 football season.
With a new coach in Mark Heil hired in June, McMillian recovering from a knee injury, and Caulder looking to maximize his potential, there were a lot of unknowns for the Fairmont football team.
But after helping the Golden Tornadoes claim a share of the Three Rivers Conference championship and their first trip to the third round of the state playoffs since 1983, it was clear everything had worked out for the best.
“We put in a lot of hard work in the offseason,” Caulder said. “Having a new coach, you don’t know what could happen, but he pushed us. We not only became better players, we became better men. I’m very grateful for that.”
For McMillian, the transition period was about developing a “no-quit” attitude.
“We learned a lot about character,” McMillian said. “You have to stay devoted to what you’re doing.”
That hard work and devotion continued to pay off for the senior duo on Friday, as both committed to continue their football careers at Louisburg College in the fall.
“What’s neat to me is: We didn’t even know each other until June,” Heil said. “Our relationship has been very short, but really good. I’m proud of our football team and our seniors. These two guys had their intensity grow throughout the season to get better and better.”
A two-year school, Louisburg is about 2 1/2 hours from Fairmont. The Hurricanes posted a 7-1 record last season, with their only loss coming in the season finale.
Leaders of Fairmont’s revamped defense this season, McMillian and Caulder plan on carrying that same intensity to the college level.
“It’s fun and exciting,” McMillian said. “I plan on bringing my hard work and dedication to the program.”
A 6-foot-4, 240-pound force at linebacker, McMillian posted outstanding numbers in his senior campaign, finishing with 154 total tackles and two fumble recoveries, returning one for a touchdown. The numbers helped him earn Robeson County Defensive Player of the Year honors.
After missing his junior season with a knee injury, McMillian was determined to come back stronger than ever.
“It was tough, but at the same time it was a learning experience,” he said. “It helped me get to where I am because a lot of people don’t get this chance (to play college football). I just wanted to capitalize on my opportunity.”
At 6-foot-3, 270 pounds, Caulder was just as vital to the Tornadoes’ success, playing on both sides of the ball as a lineman to earn All-County honors.
While their size stands out, Heil is equally impressed with their mobility.
“God blessed them with some good size and speed,” Heil said. “Both move very well for big guys.”
As the new chapter begins for McMillian and Caulder, Heil expects them to set the bar for future Fairmont players.
“It’s exciting,” he said. “There’s some excitement about football and these two guys are a big part of that. To have the opportunity to go play at the next level says so much about them.
“For me, it’s not just about winning or playing football. When they go on and do well it represents our program. We not only want to see them grow, we like to see them carry the tradition of Tornado football to the next level.”
