MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football running back Milton Revell recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss what it was like coming to South as a walk on, what he wants to do after his time here at the university and how he wants to close out his career, among other things.

Revell, a senior from Jacksonville, Fla., has been a member of the South Alabama roster since transferring from Division II Mercyhurst University prior to the 2014 season.  This season Revell has appeared in eight games, rushing the ball five times for 13 yards, while also catching one ball out of the back field.  He appeared in 10 games with the special teams unit during the 2015 season.

What have you gained from your experience here at South Alabama?
"I would say the two things that I've gained are perseverance and having fun with all of my teammates as well as the coaches."

What do you like about playing in coach Bryant Vincent's scheme?
"He takes chances no matter who's on the other side of the ball.  We're going to go at you non-stop and we're going to keep going at you."

Are there any similarities in what you did offensively in high school or at Mercyhurst?
"It's different from both places.  In high school, we ran a 'Wing-T' offense so I always had my hand in the ground and ran the ball that way.  At Mercyhurst, it was more of a single-back I formation type of offense.  We ran the spread every once in a while."

What do you feel are some of the strengths of the offense?
"We can spread the field out, whether it's the different formations that we run it out of; 1-Wide, 2-Wide, 2-Tight Ends, or 2-Backs.  You can kind of keep the other team guessing."

How have you benefited from the offseason conditioning program?
"I would say in my stamina.  I used to have problems keeping up because of my stamina, but after this past summer, my stamina has improved a lot.  Coach [Justin] Schwind and his staff really worked us hard running us daily."

What has it been like coming here as a walk on and proving yourself?
"I still use that as motivation.  That's where I've learned about perseverance.  The process is tough as you come into a whole new setting, a whole new set of people and coaching staff.  You just have to work your tail off.  It's not just working hard, but knowing what to do and when to do it; trying to make plays and having fun while you do it.  I feel like that process makes you enjoy it more, rather than having it just given to you.  I feel it's helped better me as a person."

What are some goals you set for yourself this season?
"The only goal I made coming into the season was to be able to get on the field and be able to help my teammates out, whether it was in the backfield, on special teams or whatever was thrown at me.  I just wanted to be able to help my team so we can reach our goals, and we can still do that."

What are you majoring in here at South and what are you wanting to do after your football career is over?
"I'm majoring in professional health sciences.  I let my degree help me become a physical therapist and help other athletes.  I enjoy helping people.  I've been hurt a decent amount of time during my playing career and I look at physical therapy as a way to get better and stronger than you were before.  If I can help somebody else out in a positive manner and help get them back to their sport and everyday life, then I'm happy with that."

How do you want to close out your collegiate career?
"Knowing that I did everything that I could for the rest of the season, getting a bowl win and getting a call from the coaches asking me to come in and get sized for a bowl ring."

What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I like to listen to music and I recently learned how to fish because of Tyreis Thomas.  I also like to go to the beach and shop."

What are you planning on doing during the off weekend?
"I plan on relaxing.  I might actually go to the beach depending on the weather.  I'm just going to use it as an opportunity to get away from the game and relax."

What do you feel are some keys for you guys as you head down the final few games of the regular season?
"I'm going to go back to something I said before; have fun and make plays.  That's what I believe in and that's what I believe it comes down to.  We always say before every game to 'Make the plays that you are supposed to make.'  I feel like that is a true statement.  When you are able to go out and make the plays you are supposed to make, you know your job and you're confident in yourself, everything else will fall into place.  Being confident is important, because when you're confident, you can do anything you want to do.  At that point, you're going to have fun because you aren't worried about messing up or having to fall back on someone else to help you."

How would you say that you've improved as a player since your time at Mercyhurst?
"I feel that I've gotten smarter as a player and become more confident.  I've also learned to adapt to the game.  It's more comfortable to me and the speed of the game isn't a problem for me anymore."

How did Mercyhurst help prepare you for Division I football?
"Our head coach at Mercyhurst was a pretty tough-minded person and that helped me a lot.  We practiced in full pads Monday-Thursday.  It didn't matter if we were in season or out of season.  There were no scout teams.  It was just our offense against our defense all the time.  It was a hard-nosed practice and it will make you into a physical player.  Being able to bring that physicality along with my speed has helped me at this level."

What do you see as your role on this team?
"I believe my role is to be prepared and ready for anything that comes up and to help to keep my teammates uplifted, whether it's giving someone encouragement or whether it's in the team room offering suggestions about us trying a different technique.  I just try to know my role and be ready to go when an opportunity lends itself, while also just helping my teammates out."

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"I would have to say three people have equally had influence on my life – my mom, dad and brother.  They are all strong-willed people.  We as a family have had a lot of downfalls and a lot of heart-break, but no matter what, they have all bounced back with a smile on their face and were ready to go for the next trial or tribulation that came.  They always tell me 'Keep your head up and don't down-play anybody, talk bad about anybody and don't get too comfortable.  Always keep your head up and go forward, because that's the only way you can go.  When you hit a wall, try to break it'."

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