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UGA, Tech in running for Myles | Football recruiting | ajc.com

Darren Myles has guided several players through the recruiting process while coaching at Douglass, Crim and Carver-Atlanta.

But this year’s process will be even more special for Myles, whose son, Darren Myles Jr., is a highly-recruited defensive back. The younger Myles has been offered by 16 schools, including Georgia and Georgia Tech.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound athlete was a first team all-state selection after helping lead Carver-Atlanta to the Class AAA playoffs. He plays quarterback, wide receiver and safety for the Panthers, who are coached by his father.

“I’ve always guided the players as if they were my sons when it came to recruiting,” said Myles, who played running back at Purdue. “It is very special to see and go through it with your own son.”

The Myles family will spend most of the spring break in April touring college campuses at Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky, UCF and Purdue. He said he hasn’t started to narrow his list, but will after making some visits.

As a junior, Myles had 60 tackles, six interceptions and 10 pass breakups. On offense, he had 15 receptions for three touchdowns and passed for two touchdowns and ran for another seven.

“It is great having someone like my dad around who knows the process,” Myles said. “It has been a pretty fun experience so far. I don’t have any favorites yet; they are all equal.”

While the elder Myles is proud of his alma mater and often wears Purdue apparel, he said his son will make the final decision.

“I’m not pushing him in any direction,” Coach Myles said. “What was a good choice for me might not be the best for him. We are going to chose the right situation for him.”

Carver running back Demond Dennis also has been offered by Alabama. Last season, he rushed for 1,605 yards and 13 touchdowns.