Northport's Daniel Miller, Long Island Lutheran's Jacob Butler named Metzger Trophy winners as top scholar-athletes
From left, Northport's Daniel Miller, James Conrad Metzger and Long Island Lutheran's Jacob Butler from Long Island Lutheran pose after Miller and Butler were honored with the James Conrad Metzger Top Scholar-Athlete Award at the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Brunch at the Melville Marriot on Sunday. Credit: Morgan Campbell
Northport senior tight end and outside linebacker Daniel Miller and Long Island Lutheran wide receiver/return specialist Jacob Butler were captains for their teams and made big catches in the fall.
But both athletes made an impact beyond football. They were recognized for their academic achievements and work in the community on Sunday.
Miller (Suffolk) and Butler (Private) were named the James Conrad Metzger Top Scholar Athlete at the National Football Foundation’s Suffolk County chapter Scholar Athlete Awards Brunch at the Melville Marriott.
For the Miller family, it’s twice as nice. Daniel’s older brother, Andrew, won the award in 2023 and is at West Point. Daniel will attend North Carolina.
“My brother has been a strong example for me,” Daniel Miller said. “He showed me what’s possible when you put your mind to it. It’s about the people around me, focusing on the things no one sees and always doing the right thing. I’m looking forward to applying everything I’ve learned from my parents, grandparents and coaches in the future.”
Butler was a nationally recognized prospect, earning offers from Boston College, Wake Forest, West Virginia and other big programs. He ultimately chose to play football at Stanford and maintained a 93 GPA.
“It was definitely an honor. I know it’s a prestigious award,” said Butler, a Baldwin native. “It’s not just about sports, it’s about academics. And that was important when I was picking a college.
“We all know football isn’t forever — it’s temporary. So you want to make sure to set yourself up in the best way for the future. The school part was important to me so after football is over, I have a great degree.”
Along with Miller and Butler, 11 Suffolk players were recognized Sunday as part of the National Football Foundation Golden Eleven: Dylan Bayer (East Islip), Jordan Churchman (Walt Whitman), Joseph Competiello (John Glenn), John Dolan (Sayville), Vincent Feraca (Connetquot), Conor Kenefick (West Islip), Antonio Marrone (Smithtown East), Jack Rao (Islip), Collin Reyer (Bayport-Blue Point), DJ Xavier (Rocky Point) and Rommy Zheng (Mount Sinai).
Miller has posted a 102 GPA and scored a 1380 on the SAT. He earned All-County honors in 2025 and is involved in the Academy of Finance, DECA and multiple honor societies.
Miller is a member of the Boy Scouts of America working toward Eagle Scout and is developing an outdoor recreational area for veterans at a local VA hospital. He also gives back as a tutor and through volunteer work with the Northport Football Youth Jamboree and Food Drive. He plans to join the ROTC program at North Carolina.
“Daniel and his brother Andrew are very similar kids,” Northport football coach Patrick Campbell said. “It speaks to his family, how he grew up and what he values. He’s the kind of kid when things go wrong, he pushes himself harder and wants to do more or fix it. They both did the same thing with their teammates. They demand more from themselves when things get tough, and from what Danny was talking about inside, he approaches academics the same way, always asking what more can I do.”
Butler finished his career as Long Island Lutheran’s all-time leader in receiving yards (3,054) and touchdowns (35) on 168 receptions. He also earned All-American honors in the 200 meters and won a silver medal at the 2025 USATF National Outdoor Championships. He is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers with the Cedarmore Corporation’s “Girls Talk” program.
“Jacob, he is such a class act,” James C. Metzger said. “Jacob and his family — from the time I shook hands with them, I was impressed. Jacob is going to Stanford, and I am excited for him.
“And now it’s two Millers who’ve won this award, and that’s very special. I met the parents, and they are such an impressive family.”
Metzger, an All-American athlete himself, smiled and said: “It’s a thrill for me and an honor to be aligned with kids who outachieve me in the classroom and on the field.”
Additional player awards
Brentwood’s Christopher Peralta earned the second annual Paci Iron Grit Award, named after former Huntington coach John Paci Jr. The NFF Offensive Line Award is presented annually to the toughest, most physical offensive line in each Suffolk division. It was given to William Floyd in Suffolk I, Half Hollow Hills East in Suffolk II, Sayville in Suffolk III and Babylon in Suffolk IV.
