MILLER GEARING FOR HIS ‘LAST SHOT’
Alabama fifth-year senior outside linebacker Christian Miller is living, breathing proof that coach Nick Saban is not a stat guy.
Miller is heading into his final season having made just 22 career tackles, with 16 of those occurring in 2016. He arrived in Tuscaloosa as a top-100 national prospect in the 2014 signing class but had to wait his turn behind the likes of Ryan Anderson, Denzel Devall, Rashaan Evans and Tim Williams.
When Miller finally got his opportunity to shine last year, he suffered a torn biceps in the opener against Florida State that forced him to miss 10 games, which has only sharpened the focus for the 6-foot-4, 244-pounder from Columbia, South Carolina.
“For the most part, it’s in the past,” Miller said in a news conference this week when asked about last September’s setback. “I’m locked in and focused on my senior season. I will say that there is some motivation, because I had a lot of my season cut out last year, and this is my last shot.
“I want to go into this thing and just leave it all out there with no regrets.”
Alabama continued preseason workouts Thursday and will practice again today before Saturday’s scrimmage inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Miller had three tackles, including one for lost yardage, during the 24-7 suffocating of the Seminoles before his injury. His next game would not be until after Thanksgiving, when the Crimson Tide suffered their lone loss, at Auburn.
In January’s win over Georgia that sealed Alabama’s fifth national championship in the past nine seasons, Miller had a sack of Jake Fromm, and he has entered his final preseason camp with an energy and optimism that may be unmatched.
“I want to have an impact on this program, these players and these coaches in any way I can,” Miller said. “I knew coming in that it might take a little bit of time for me, but I’ve done it, and I take pride in it. This experience is going to prepare me for any other trials I might face.”
Said Saban: “Christian Miller has always been one of the hardest workers, best teammates and best guys on the team.”
Miller was among four Tide linebackers who had to leave last season’s opener. Evans (groin) and Anfernee Jennings (ankle) missed a couple of games before returning, while Terrell Lewis tore an elbow ligament that forced him to sit out 10 games as well.
Lewis spoke this spring about his excitement for this season due to the time he lost last year, but the redshirt junior tore his ACL in early July, giving Miller even more desire to compete.
“I know the feeling, and the timing of this for him is so unfortunate,” Miller said. “I know how much he loves this game and how much he cares for it. When I go out there, I’m going to leave it out there, because I know that’s what he would do.
“I haven’t given up on him coming back, either. I know his work ethic and how driven he is. I’m praying for him, and I’m here for him.”
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6524.