WHHS's Milner picked by Falcons

NEW YORK - University of Georgia tight end Martrez Milner, a graduate of West Hall High School, was picked Sunday by the Atlanta Falcons as the NFL draft continued.

The 6-foot-4, 256-pound Milner was chosen in the fourth round, the 133rd pick overall.

According to nfl.com, with the early departure of Leonard Pope to the NFL after the 2005 season, Milner was being counted on by the Georgia coaching staff to take over duties as the team's safety valve receiver. A turf-toe injury forced Milner to sit out the Mississippi State game. Upon his return, he dropped several passes in against Florida, leading to his benching for the following game against Kentucky.

Despite leading the team in receiving during his final season, Milner's draft stock certainly took a hit with his inability to consistently haul in catchable passes, according to the analysis posted on the league's Web site.

At West Hall High School, Milner excelled in both football and basketball. He competed as a tight end and defensive end in football, catching 22 passes for 374 yards and four touchdowns and carried the ball three times for 55 yards. Milner also recorded 39 tackles (28 solos), with three sacks and blocked a field goal and extra-point attempt.

In 48 games at Georgia, Milner started 16 times. He came up with 808 yards and five touchdowns while catching 49 passes (16.5 avg.). He also recorded a pair of solo tackles.

Milner is a recreation and leisure studies major at UGA.