The Athletic Foundation: How Volleyball Made McMillan an Elite Receiver

When NFL scouts analyze Tetairoa McMillan's game, they see more than just a polished wide receiver - they see a multi-sport athlete whose volleyball background created unique advantages. The 6'4", 219-pound Arizona star, projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, developed his exceptional ball skills and leaping ability through years of competitive volleyball.

The Volleyball Technique That Transformed His Football Game

"When he elevates for a catch, you can still see that volleyball approach," says Matt Marrujo, McMillan's former volleyball coach at Servite High School. "That powerful two-step close volleyball players use? That's exactly how he times his jumps for 50-50 balls."

McMillan confirmed this connection:

"Volleyball plays a huge role in my ability to high-point footballs. The footwork, timing, and hand-eye coordination transfer perfectly. I probably shouldn't admit this, but volleyball was actually my favorite sport growing up."

The Makings of a Multi-Sport Phenom

Before becoming Arizona's all-time leading receiver and an All-American, McMillan was an unconventional three-sport star:

1. Football: 4-star recruit with 19 Division I offers by sophomore year
2. Basketball: Starting guard with elite passing and defensive instincts
3. Volleyball: National champion at 14U level, school record-holder for kills

The Recruitment That Changed Everything

McMillan's volleyball journey began unexpectedly when Orange Coast Volleyball Club founder Miguel Monterola visited his home to buy a go-kart. Seeing the athletic 6'3" 12-year-old dunking on video, Monterola immediately recruited him:

"Within a month, he was helping our club win a national championship. Other teams were terrified of him - this massive athlete who could jump out of the gym while trash-talking across the net."

Why His Volleyball Career Matters to NFL Teams

McMillan's volleyball background provides several NFL advantages:

• Elite Jumping Technique: Vertical leap refined through thousands of volleyball approaches
• Ball Tracking: Enhanced ability to locate and adjust to passes in flight
• Body Control: Learned to maneuver in tight spaces and maintain balance mid-air
• Hand Strength: Grip developed from years of spiking volleyballs

"If he'd focused on volleyball," says UCLA All-American setter Andrew Rowan, "he'd be starting for a top NCAA team right now after one month of training. I'm not joking."

The Road to Arizona and NFL Stardom

McMillan's football journey nearly took him to Oregon before Mario Cristobal's departure led him to Arizona, where he:

• Set school records for career receiving yards (3,345) and touchdowns (32)
• Developed signature body control on boundary catches
• Showcased rare ability to dominate 50-50 balls (won 68% in 2024 season)

The Multi-Sport Advantage in Modern Football

Current NFL stars with volleyball backgrounds:

"The best athletes today often come from multiple sports," says NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. "McMillan's volleyball instincts make him special in contested catch situations."

What NFL Teams Are Saying

Scouts particularly note:

• Red Zone Dominance: His volleyball ups make him nearly unstoppable on fades
• Run After Catch: Uses spatial awareness developed in basketball
• Durability: Only missed 2 games in 3 college seasons

McMillan represents the new breed of NFL receivers - players whose athleticism was honed across multiple sports before focusing on football. His story proves that sometimes, the best football training happens far from the gridiron.