The University of Texas Longhorns football program is home to some remarkable talent, but for three players, their journey to Austin began in Houston.
Senior wide receiver Thatcher Milton, junior safety Graham Gillespie, and freshman quarterback Trey Owens all started playing for the Cy Fair Sports Association before playing high school in CFISD and now suiting up at the Longhorns.
Each player has a unique story of perseverance, growth, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way. Their experiences inspire future athletes hoping to carve their paths to success.
Senior wide receiver – Thatcher Milton: Lamkin Texan / Cy Fair Bobcat / UT Longhorn
Before joining the University of Texas, Milton was a standout player for Cy-Fair High School, where he played under head coach Ed Pustejovsky. Milton’s high school career was marked by impressive achievements, including being named first-team All-District 17-6A at defensive back in 2019 and 2020. He was also a finalist for the Touchdown Club of Houston Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. Milton’s senior season stats included 60 total tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two sacks and a punt return touchdown. His performance helped lead Cy-Fair to a 10-2 overall record.
Milton’s journey to UT began in January 2021, when he was accepted into the prestigious UT Engineering School. By April of the same year, he received a preferred walk-on (PWO) offer.
“Honestly, I was pretty apprehensive at first,” said Milton. “With the demands needed by both Engineering and Longhorn football, I didn’t think it was possible. However, I decided to say yes and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Milton originally joined the Longhorns as a safety, but he later became a wide receiver. With players like Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, Silas Bolden and Ryan Wingo ahead of him on the depth chart, Milton learned quickly to adapt and improve his skills.
“For athletes hoping to play wide receiver at the collegiate level, it’s important for you to learn pass formations and the basics of wide receiver splits. Footwork is key because there’s a lot of man coverage at the collegiate level. If you can’t handle man coverage, you can’t play at the highest level,” said Milton.
Although football has always been a part of his life, Milton’s early dream was to become a pilot.
“Unlike most people who had a dream of playing in the NFL, I never looked that far into the future,” said Milton. “I love the game, but my only dream as a kid was to play for Cy Fair High School because I grew up watching them, and that’s where I was zoned. I did well there, so I got the opportunity to do it here at the University of Texas, and I’ve been thankful for that.”
Now, as a mechanical engineering major with a focus on nuclear energy, Milton hopes to make a lasting impact in his future career after football.
“When football ends (which it will) there has to be other things which you can utilize for your career/life. “I have an interest in Power Systems, converting energy for consumption via the grid and Propulsion Technology,” said Milton
Thatcher’s Advice for Success: “Whoever you thought you were in high school, you’re not him. On the collegiate level, you start all over, and a strong work ethic goes a long way. Also, take school seriously—without academics, you won’t even have a chance to make it to the team.”
Junior safety – Graham Gillespie: Ault Falcon / Bridgeland Bear / UT Longhorn
Gillespie’s path to the Longhorns was largely paved by his love for the game and the mentorship of influential coaches such as his dad, Dave Gillespie, and Coach Matthew Valmore. At Bridgeland High School, Gillespie played under head coach David Raffield, and his leadership on the field helped lead the Bears to an 11-3 record and an appearance in the 6A Division II quarterfinals in 2021. As a senior, Gillespie earned unanimous first-team All-District 16-6A honors after recording 81 tackles, six tackles for loss, nine interceptions and one blocked field goal.
Growing up a UT fan, Gillespie was thrilled when he received a PWO offer during his senior season.
“Receiving that opportunity felt amazing. I grew up a UT fan and dreamed of playing here, so when I was told I had the opportunity, it was the best feeling ever,” said Gillespie.
Gillespie initially joined the Longhorns as a safety, competing for playing time with players like Michael Taaffe, Andrew Mukuba and Jelani McDonald. Gillespie’s focus has always been on improving his footwork, tackling, and conditioning—critical areas that helped him transition successfully into college football.
“For athletes hoping to play a defensive back position at the collegiate level, understand your strengths and weaknesses. Work on staying square when tackling and focus on footwork drills to improve coverage because at the collegiate level, ball carriers are more athletic and shiftier,” said Gillespie.
With a major in sports management, Gillespie aspires to become a coach after his playing career ends. He plans to work his way up from college to the NFL.
Graham’s Advice for Success: “Put your faith in God and work harder than everybody every single day. Hard work always pays off.”
Freshman quarterback – Trey Owens: Buccaneer / Cy Fair Bobcat / UT Longhorn
For Trey Owens, the dream of playing for the Longhorns started long before high school. Since third grade, Owens has been playing quarterback and quickly became one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the state. At Cy-Fair High School, Owens earned All-America honors and was a two-time All-District selection. He threw for over 6,400 yards and 81 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions during his high school career. In 2023, Owens was named District 17-6A Offensive MVP after a standout senior season, where he passed for 3,303 yards and 43 touchdowns.
Owens received his scholarship offer during his junior season and knew that his first year at Texas would likely involve watching and learning from two of the top quarterbacks in the nation—Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. While Owens spent most of his freshman year as a scout team member, he seized the opportunity to develop his skills behind two experienced players.
“Playing under those two quarterbacks, I learned what dedication and preparation looked like at the elite level. There’s so much that goes into studying a team’s defense, whether it’s red zone, open field, 3rd down, etc.” said Owens.
Growing up a big Aaron Rodgers fan, Owens worked tirelessly to perfect his craft.
“My dad was a fan so I grew up in it,” said Owens. “I really admired Rodgers’s throwing technique, it’s second to none. He throws so effortlessly.”
“For athletes hoping to play quarterback at the collegiate level work on your craft as much as possible. Study opposing defenses and always strive to improve your knowledge of the game. Speed was my biggest weakness coming out of high school, but I’ve worked hard to improve it,” said Owens.
Owens plans to major in sports management with hopes of one day playing professionally.
The journeys of Thatcher Milton, Graham Gillespie, and Trey Owens reflect the power of perseverance, mentorship, and staying true to one’s passion. From their early days with Cy Fair Sports Association to high school to their current roles on the University of Texas football team, they have not only honed their athletic abilities but also learned invaluable life lessons. Their advice, rooted in hard work, dedication, and faith, will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes to chase their dreams—whether on the football field or beyond.
