MÖDLING, AUSTRIA – Alfred University linebacker Nick Milgate (Hilton, N.Y./Hilton) was drafted by AFC Rangers Mödling of the Austrian Football League for the upcoming 2021 season, the club announced on Thursday.
 
A native of Hilton, N.Y., Milgate spent four seasons at AU, quickly making an impact his rookie year in the 2016 season. He played in 10 games and made one of the biggest defensive plays of the season, returning an interception 66 yards for a touchdown to open the scoring in the Saxons' loss to Mount Union in the NCAA Division III Quarterfinal. That play was named the NCAA's Play of the Month for December.
 

 
Milgate showed his athletic prowess in his sophomore season, leading the team with five interceptions, including another one returned for a touchdown against Morrisville. He also added 80 total tackles and four sacks. As a junior, Milgate finished fifth in the Empire 8 with 96 total tackles, pulling in two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He earned Empire 8 Honorable Mention in both his sophomore and junior seasons.
 
Named team co-captain before the 2019 season and earning the prestigious number 32 jersey, Milgate made the most of his senior season, finishing 13^th nationally in total tackles per game (11.1) and 26^th in tackles for loss per game (1.8) in 10 contests. He also led the Empire 8 with three forced fumbles. For his efforts, Milgate earned All-Empire 8 First team honors, and became the 101^st All-American in program history after earning the honor from D3Football.com. He finished his AU career with 298 tackles in 42 contests, good for ninth all-time. He also finished with 34 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and an impressive nine interceptions.
 
AFC Rangers Mödling, founded in 1984, is one of the oldest American football clubs in Austria. has played in Austria's first division of American Football since 2016. They are based in Mödling, located just 14 miles south of Vienna.

THEY SAID IT

Me and my entire coaching staff were really excited to see Nick get the opportunity to continue his playing career. He was a great linebacker at AU and has as strong of a work ethic as any player that I have ever coached. I have no doubt that he will fully take advantage of this opportunity.

-Bob Rankl, Football Head Coach

Nick's passion for the game of football was evident from the day he stepped on campus. Nobody ever outworked him, and his desire to improve led to his success on the field. He practiced harder than anyone I've ever coached and that translated to a high level of performance game after game. Can't wait to see what he does over in Europe... the sky is the limit.

-Brady Bonacquisti '12, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator

Nick Milgate is an excellent player, person, and leader. We have a philosophy of having a "32" mentality, which is the willingness to do whatever is necessary for your teammates. He was able to wear 32 with pride in honor of the late Nick Clark … to see his development from his first year to his senior campaign, I am excited to see what he can do professionally.
 
-Holden Whitehead '15, Assistant Coach/Special Teams Coordinator
 
Nick was an incredible leader and student-athlete. He enhanced the legacy of the late Nick Clark through his play and his attention to detail both on the field in the classroom. Not many people get the opportunity to play professionally, so I'm happy he got the chance to pursue his dream. He's worked hard for it.
 
-Paul Vecchio, Director of Athletics