December 9, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) runs with the ball after a catch in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

When you talk about different players and teams throughout the National Football League, you will always have a bias towards a specific team and a specific player(s). For me, it’s the Miami Dolphins and Lamar Miller. For you, it could be the Baltimore Ravens and Ray Lewis. No matter which team you root for or root against, what matters is you are a spectator in one of the greatest sporting events that the world has to offer. Sure, you could debate that soccer is better than football or that basketball is far more exciting and faced paced. However, what you can’t argue is the amount of influence the game of football not only has on younger kids throughout the country, but with American culture in general. If you’re a fan of the game, every Sunday from September to February you sit in front of your television set, whether it’s solo or with a group of friends and watch what has truly become a sport that has revolutionized the way we look at sports.

The players that make up the NFL vary. Some are smart witted Ivy League guys that attended Harvard such as Ryan Fitzpatrick, while some players strive for the off field publicity such as a Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson. No matter what, you are bound to have a favorite player. When it comes to my choice of favorite player, it’s Lamar Miller. Over the past few years I have really had the great opportunity of watching Miller grow not only as a football player, but as a person. Being a Miami Hurricane fan I am always interested in gaining more knowledge on who they recruit to play for them. When I first saw the name Lamar Miller, I instantly became excited. For people living in South Florida, football is almost a rite of passage. If you live down here, chances are you either play the game or you enjoy following it from the bleachers. Clearly, I don’t play. However, I love the game almost more than anything else. Me being a big football fan, I always like to know the high school players that make up South Florida.

Coming out of high school, Miller was not only one of the best running backs in the state, but in the entire country. When he signed with the University of Miami, I was quite pleased. His speed and ability to hit the holes up the middle were very impressive. As he continued to shine in a Hurricane uniform, I continued to be amazed. When he left as a sophomore, I was quite bummed. I thought that he could use another year in college, but he knew what was best for him. When the Dolphins drafted him, it was almost as if he was being recruited to play at UM all over again. I always thought highly of Miller, but once he was drafted by the Dolphins, he quickly became my favorite player. I mean, how could he not?

For a while Miller was my favorite player based off his personal ability to play and the affiliation he had with not only my favorite college team, but my favorite professional team as well; however, what really solidified Miller as my favorite player was when I met him. Normally you get to meet players at practice or different events held by the Dolphins. I, however, met him at a restaurant. I first noticed a couple of Dolphin players sitting at a table eating dinner. I was unable to see that Lamar was there, because his back was turned towards me. Being the respectful fan I am, I decided not to say anything to them and let them eat. As they were getting up and walking out of the restaurant I wasn’t going to say anything, but then I saw Miller. Quickly I said his name. Instead of doing the normal professional athlete routine of walking away and ignoring me, he stopped, turned and said greeted me. I got out of my chair and talked to him for a minute before asking kindly for a picture. I got that picture and he got my respect. Most athletes don’t like to acknowledge their fans. They think they’re better than us because we pay to see them and wear their name on our jerseys. As I said earlier I always favored Lamar because of his playing abilities and his affiliations; however, after this experience, I was able to add his kindness to the list. Clearly, he is humble and is appreciative of the rare experience he is getting to enjoy.

That is why Lamar Miller is my favorite player. He is a fantastic player and is truly humble and grateful. So before I end this article, I have two simple questions to ask you; who is your favorite NFL player and why?

Thanks for Reading!

December 9, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) runs with the ball after a catch in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

During the offseason Jeff Ireland allowed Reggie Bush to leave Miami for a 4 year deal with the Lions, despite the running back making it clear that he would prefer to stay in Miami and was willing to take a hometown discount. This decision, and the subsequent lack of any additions at running back, has made it clear that Joe Philbin will give second year RB Lamar Miller every opportunity to start next season. Is Lamar Miller the real deal or just another gifted athlete not suited to be an every down back in the NFL?

College Career and Draft

A Miami native, Miller decided to play for the Hurricanes where he started as a true freshman picking up 646 yards on 108 carries, good for a 6.0 yards per carry average. In 2012, Miller continued to be impressive in his first and only season as a starter amassing 1272 yards on 227 carries (5.6 yds/carry) to go with 6 TD’s. After deciding to go to the draft, Miller continued to impress scouts with his athleticism and quickness running a 4.4 40 yard dash and measuring in at 5’ 10” and 212 lbs. Many scouts gave Miller a low 1st to high 2nd round grade but luckily for the Dolphins he continued to fall until the ‘Phins traded up to grab him with the 2nd pick of the 4th round. His fall was likely due to his only having one season as a college starter and concerns about a lingering shoulder injury.

Past Season and Analysis

In very limited time this past season, Miller showed flashes of his high potential. Over the course of the season he ran for 51 times for 250 yards, however it is very important to note that in games where he had 9 or more carries he averaged a ridiculous 6.4 yards per carry. Granted this only took place 3 times and in games against relatively weak run defenses (Buffalo, NYJ and Oakland), but regardless Miller looked explosive and capable of being an every down back. In examining the tape, Miller continues to look very impressive. His acceleration and ability to hit holes quickly allow him to get into space early and use his speed and elusiveness to turn short runs into big plays.

Additionally, he is much tougher to tackle than many give him credit for, often taking multiple defenders to bring him down and adding valuable yards to the end of his run. He occasionally tries to do a little too much when running on the outside but in general shows very good vision and improvisation when running. There has been some concern about his pad level being too high, but looking at some of the games later in the season he seems to have worked to correct this running in a lower and more compact manner. He is a great fit for the zone-blocking scheme that Mike Sherman installed this past season, showing the required ability to be patient and then hit the hole quickly.

However, Miller is not void of any weakness, his blocking ability is a definite weakness and he is often a liability in pass protection. For this reason, I would expect Mike Sherman to bring in Daniel Thomas on many plays which require the RB to pass protect thanks to his superior size and blocking ability. Additionally, while Miller has shown good hands and ability to make plays after the catch, his route running is questionable and he will have to work to improve that this season. I believe, however, he is athletic and driven enough to make this change and I wouldn’t be too surprised to see him lineup in the slot several times this year.

Verdict?

It is very to difficult to predict whether Miller will blossom into the Franchise Running Back the Dolphins want him to be this year. There is no question he has all the tools and athleticism required to be an excellent NFL running back, but his lack of time and experience starting as an every down back in both college and the NFL make it tough to predict how he will perform and whether he will be durable enough for the role. I would expect Miami to start the season splitting carries between Miller and Thomas, but look for Miller to take a greater share of the carries as the year progresses.