Nathaniel Myles Jr.: Football means everything to me. Always had dreams and inspirations to have the opportunity to play in the National Football League. Something I’m working very hard for now and looking forward to in the future. Football also had always been a sport that kept me away from the streets and gangs. Just by that, I fell in love with the game itself.
Joe Gaiter: Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: I grew up throughout different cities, but majority Palmdale. My childhood was pretty fun. Before I started my first year of football, I did a few months of gymnastics just to learn how my body move. My mom thought it would’ve been a great idea. I enjoyed it. Growing up being the baby of five brothers. I believe anybody can visualize how that went aha, but it was love, my brothers taught me a lot. From tying my shoes, to playing video games, to learning how to actually play football also how to be man. They showed me and taught me a lot.
Joe Gaiter: What were some of your fondest memories of playing at Palmdale High School?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: Just being a Palmdale Falcon was a high school I had watched growing up throughout the city. I had two brothers, Ra’vonn Myles and Jay’Onn Myles (who attended UNLV). I was the ball boy in middle school for Palmdale High when they had attended. Also, I had a great connection with coaches. The school and football program always had success and producing players to college that carried on to the NFL. However, my fondest memories were when I started Varsity Quarterback, and played some OLB Sophomore-Senior Year. In conference play throughout all my years I was unbeaten. We won 3 conference championships. As a senior year I had led to the 11-0.
Joe Gaiter: Looking at your high school highlights, do you realize how good you were as a QB in high school?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: Yes, just being confident in the program and understanding that I personally took so much time and effort into my team. We had many comeback victories, faced a lot of adversity & challenges together. I believed In my team, and my team believed in me as their leader. So I believe as a group effort all around, it was a success as well with the Palmdale coaches, putting me in there scheme to where I was successful at in there program.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Kentucky State to further your academic and athletic career?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: I always wanted to go to a HBCU, if I didn’t have the best offers that I wanted. I didn’t have any officials coming out of high school. I was coming from a Juco. I had a few other decisions, but after talking to Coach Charlie Jackson, he gave me a full ride scholarship, he made me feel comfortable and made me feel like this place would be home. So I trust the program with my success as long with my brothers.
Joe Gaiter: What was your contribution to your team’s 7-3 season?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: I was an all-around player, from the Offense switching through QB, Slot back, to a Special Teams stand point. Since I’m very versatile, I would be used to a position that would fit. My biggest contribution to this team was to make plays for my guys on special teams. I understand the importance. I had a couple good kick returns that would always put the offense in good field position, Also, always would run down on Kick off an make plays down field to set the defense up in a great position as well. just playing my role, doing my job to Win.
Joe Gaiter: You are primary QB, but you also play OLB, Returner and all special teams. Which position do you enjoy playing most?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: I like all phases, knowing i can be a guy to help the team success. It’s pretty hard choosing in between. I feel like I have both sides that wants to show. I like QB & Returner because I like show my exclusiveness, and speed, show my talent what I can do with the ball. OLB, Special teams, side of wants to show my Physical toughness, I love seeing how hard I can hit or make that big tackle or that big play. But, if I just had to choose one side. It’ll be the dark side.
Joe Gaiter: How did you face adversity in the locker room this season?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: Just staying connected to God, having faith in myself, also having my brothers behind me, and pushing me to be better. Building the mindset of winning everyday on that field also in classroom. So to have people like that in that Kentucky State Football locker room is a blessing.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like you have reached your athletic peak?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: No. I have a lot of unfinished business. I believe this season we shall see if I’m at my athletic peak. It would be quite interesting to see.
Joe Gaiter: What can we expect from you next season?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: An unselfish leader, captain. role model. On the field you’ll see everything I got in me. Everyday play, every down. A 1000 percent effort.
Joe Gaiter: What game are you most looking forward to playing?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: Valdosta State.
Joe Gaiter: What is life like off the field?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: It’s Fun. Especially since I’m far away. I like to spend my time with family I haven’t seen in a while, friends as well.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like your talents have been under rated?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: Yes. But that should change soon this season. Been in the lab a lot more lately so hopefully when the fruits come to the labor it looks good.
Joe Gaiter: What home workout would you recommend athletes do during this Corona Season?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: Just maintain your bodies. Eat healthy. But just typical general workouts. Run every day, Sit ups, push-ups. Find things around the house for weight if you don’t have any. Also try to build a little stand for box jumps so you can still get that jump mobility.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: I just want to be remembered. I want my name to carry on to my kids, and hopefully one day they can visit and hear about me one day. I just want to be one of the greatest players to come out of Kentucky State University.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your motivation on and off the field?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: My motivation is just trying to make it for my kids and my parents. Just want to thank them for all the sacrifices they’ve done for me since I was a baby. Being the baby of five boys it was hard for them to make everything happen. So I just want to be successful just to show them I appreciate them.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: I had 0 official offers coming out of high school. I wanted to give up because I felt overlooked. I talked to my parents about continuing playing football. They told me I should still give it a try since its still opportunity. So I went Los Angeles Valley College. Robert Tucker was the head coach at the time. I played defense for him, however game 3 caught a concussion and ended up getting medical redshirting. Following year, I transferred to Antelope Valley College. At this point, the road is tough, I was planning on doing 1 year of JUCO and then transfer to a university. Plans didn’t go as planned. Talked over with my family, I’m ready to just let it go. My dad said give it another shot. I got healthy. I grind every day to have a healthy successful season. Following season I ended up get an Athletic scholarship to Kentucky St. University.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: Just keep grinding it’s always light at the end of the tunnel just keep going!
Joe Gaiter: Shoutouts?
Nathaniel Myles Jr.: Shoutout to my love ones and close ones. Shout out to everybody in the Dirt! Palmdale,Ca. Shoutout to my MOMMA. Shoutout to everybody who has been here on journey rooting for my success, supporting me through high school to junior community college, now to my final season at Kentucky State University. I promise it’s not over. Dreams ain’t over until you give up so keep going! Stay tuned for this season you won’t be Disappointed. Shoutout K-State Football Team, Love Y’all Boys.
Instagram – @Mylesjr.2
Twitter – @Hollaatpoppy
Nathaniel Myles Jr., Kentucky State, Interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: April 30th, 2020 by Joseph Gaiter
