The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
EC standout defender headed to John Carroll
All of Josh Miller’s hard work has paid off.
The Elyria Catholic football product is heading to John Carroll this fall to continue his academic and athletic careers.
“It feels awesome,” Miller said. “The coaching staff is great, and it’s one of the best Division III programs in the nation. They have a tradition that reminded me a lot of Elyria Catholic, and their defense shares a lot of the same characteristics that ours did (at Elyria Catholic). That’s what helped me to make my decision.”
Miller also looked at Baldwin Wallace, Heidelberg, Butler, Ohio Wesleyan and Otterbein before deciding on John Carroll. The main reason he chose to become a Blue Streak was because of a family connection.
“I have a family tradition that goes back to my mom’s side,” Miller said. “I have a great uncle and a great grandfather that went there. My mom was pushing me, and my family was super pumped and was pushing for that. They have a great business school, I love the coaching staff and I loved all of my visits there.”
Miller was one of the hardest-working athletes on the Panthers’ football team and prides himself on his style of play.
“I’m a hard worker, and I’m an old-school type player,” Miller said. “I’m not afraid to get my nose dirty. I like to hit, butt heads and push people to their max. I work hard in the weight room, and I’m a good leader. When I played, I played with attitude, grit and I wasn’t going to take anything from anyone on the other team. I was going to stand up for my brothers and do whatever it takes to win.”
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Miller played linebacker at Elyria Catholic and will do so at the next level. He racked up 85 total tackles (49 solo), 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterback hurries and a pair of interceptions in 2019.
Elyria Catholic coach Brian Fox knows Miller’s athletic ability will give him a leg up at John Carroll.
“I’m really excited for him,” Fox said. “Josh is one of those kids who, I think, his best football is ahead of him. He was spectacular for us this year, and he started blowing up in the weight room. He was athletic enough to play safety, but once he got up to about
200 pounds, we moved him to linebacker and he’s exactly what you’re looking for in a player.
“I know at that next level, they don’t put as big of an emphasis on size as they do speed. So the fact that he can run like he does and that he’s as physical as he is, it’s going to be a great match for him.”
Miller was a key piece on the Panthers’ 2019 team
that made the playoffs. Elyria Catholic started the season 2-3 before racking up five straight wins en route to a 7-3 regular-season finish.
Their season came to an end in a regional quarterfinal loss to Orrville.
“Our conference is not exactly a pretty conference as far as offensive football goes,” Fox said. “They are a bunch of physical, downhill
teams. Being able to set the edge with our transition to a 3-4 defense with him was unbelievable. What made him really special was no matter what formation (opponents) came out in, he was physical, strong and athletic enough to be on the field. He (helped) us be so diverse defensively and was a big playmaker for us.”
The senior is looking forward to reconnecting with
some friends in addition to making new ones on campus this fall.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the guys,” Miller said.
“I know some of them from Holy Name, and I know some of those guys will be there. I am looking forward to building those relationships, getting in the weight room and getting everything started.”