Reserve Fullback Milton Is a Rock in Role

Crayton Milton is one big back and the biggest chip off the old block.

At 6 feet, 260 pounds, the freshman fullback from St. Francis High figures to hit the line hard for Cal State Northridge--whenever he gets his chance.

Milton, the second of four boys, all running backs, is the backup for Jaumal Bradley and likely to redshirt this season if interim Coach Jeff Kearin gets his wish.

Milton, a four-year starter at St. Francis, suited up for the Matadors at Kansas last weekend but did not play.

“The plan is for me to travel to all the games just in case something happens to Jaumal,” Milton said. “As of now, I’m the second-team fullback. But as you know, we don’t run much of a two-back offense, so the fullback doesn’t really do much.”

Milton’s brother, Trae, who graduated from St. Francis in 1996, is playing at UC Davis. Matthew is a senior at St. Francis. Blake, 13, plays running back in Pop Warner Football.

The largest among the four, Crayton is well-suited to play fullback.

“I blocked my butt off at St. Francis,” Milton said.

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Cos Abercrombie is glad to be back and it shows.

Practice on Thursday closed with the usual routine of players doing several consecutive wind sprints while coaches pounded the notion into their minds that conditioning will make a difference late in the season.

As usual, 300-pound linemen dragged lengths behind speedy defensive backs. As usual, Abercrombie, a 6-1, 225-pound sophomore linebacker, repeatedly was among the first across the finish line.

“As long as we’re out here, I think we should be working hard,” Abercrombie said. “You do have to set an example. Some people don’t understand that we all have to run extra ones because of people lagging in the back.”

Abercrombie was lost for the season after two games last year because of a broken jaw suffered against Northern Arizona. He has returned this season to lead the Matadors as a defensive captain.

Northridge’s defense has been hit by injuries, especially in the secondary.

“We have a lot of people sitting out right now that have to get healthy,” Abercrombie said. “What if we had to play Saturday?”

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The last thing the Matadors need is a limping Marcus Brady. But two weeks into the season, that’s exactly what they have.

Brady suffered a sprained ankle Sept. 4 when a Western Oregon player rolled over on his leg. The sophomore quarterback was hobbled by the injury last week at Kansas.

Brady limped off the practice field Thursday to be examined.

“The next day it started hurting,” Brady said. “It isn’t in pain so much as it is weak. But it won’t keep me out.”

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Several Northridge players and coaches will appear at Sears in Northridge Fashion Center on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5. Players will sign autographs and pose for pictures.