Colorado University Athletics
Travon McMillian Excited About "Fit" In Boulder and CU
June 11, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
Graduate transfer TB looks to help Colorado have a great season in whatever way he can
BOULDER — When former Virginia Tech running back Travon McMillian decided to become a graduate transfer and play his last year of college football elsewhere, he did his homework.
He talked to players and coaches across the country. He studied teams' offenses, their rosters and their history. He looked at different schools' graduate programs, and he looked at the communities in which those schools were located.
And in the end, he found what he believes will be an excellent fit: the University of Colorado, the Buffaloes and Boulder.
McMillian, who will pursue a master's degree in Organizational Leadership, has enrolled in CU in time for summer graduate work and is currently taking part in regular strength and conditioning sessions. If all goes well, the 6-foot, 210-pound senior will hit the ground running — literally and figuratively — when the Buffs open fall camp on Aug. 1.
"It's a beautiful place to be," McMillian said. "The facilities here are great, I like the coaches, I'm getting to know a lot of the guys. I think it's going to be a great fit."
McMillian, a one-time 1,000-yard rusher for the Hokies, saw his role in the Virginia Tech offense diminish over the last couple of seasons. After rushing for 1,043 yards in 2015 on 200 carries (Frank Beamer's final season at Tech), he ran for 671 yards in 2016 and 439 on 104 carries last year.
He would, he admits, like to take aim at another 1,000-yard season, something recently graduated Buffs back Phillip Lindsay accomplished in each of his last two seasons in Boulder.
But more than that, McMillian says, he would like to help the Buffs get back on the winning track.
"I just want to be a leader, set a good example and help Colorado have a great season," McMillian said. "I'm going to work as hard as I can every day and do my best to fit in wherever I can. My number one goal is to help Colorado win ballgames in whatever way I can."
Part of McMillian's transfer "homework" was to have a long conversation with Lindsay. That chat, he said, played a role in helping him choose CU.
"He told me about the coaches, the backs we have here and all those types of things," McMillian said. "But he also told me a lot about the program — the tradition, the way the coaches believe in you and support you, and what it means to be here and be part of the Buffaloes. It was a really good, honest conversation."
McMillian also did his homework when it comes to running backs in Boulder. He is well-aware that CU has a history of strong running games, including the last two seasons, when Lindsay had back-to-back 1,000-yard years.
"The history behind Colorado football and their running backs is great," McMillian said. "They've always had great running backs. And coach (Darian) Hagan, I think we've already developed a great relationship. I'm looking forward to working with him and all the other running backs. I think it's a really talented group that can do a lot of things"
McMillian will vie for time in a backfield that is wide open after the departure of Lindsay, who accounted for 78 percent of Colorado's rushing yards last season (1,474). Quarterback Steven Montez (338 yards) is the team's leading returning rusher, with returning running backs Beau Bisharat and Kyle Evans combining for just 20 carries for 63 yards last year.
McMillian finished with 2,153 yards and 16 touchdowns on 449 carries in three seasons at Virginia Tech. He also caught 35 passes for 357 yards and seven touchdowns.
"I think I'm a balanced back," McMillian said. "I can hit it inside, I have speed to get outside and I can get through the hole. I can catch out of the backfield, I can pass protect. Honestly, I think I can do whatever they ask of me and I'm ready to do that."
Like any newcomer to Boulder, McMillian is adjusting to the altitude. He is already working with CU's other running backs, and is doing his best to learn the playbook and become familiar with the Buffs' offense.
"I want to fit in wherever I can and do whatever I can," he said. "If I have a main goal, it's to help this running back group become the best it can possibly be and be a big factor in the Pac-12."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
