re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

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MINI FRIDGE?

Only two interior linemen have been named Mr. Alabama Football, awarded annually by the Alabama Sports Writers Association since the award's inception in 1982 - Huffman's Andre Smith in 2005 and Blount's DeMarco McNeil in 1998.

Miller could be next. He's a dominating defensive lineman with hip strength that has attracted most of college football to his Birmingham high school. Plus, he runs the rock an extra-large Wildcat quarterback in goal-line situations.

Back in the summer of 2016. Miller, new at Jackson-Olin, listened as offensive teammates, giddy and excited, gave him news from offensive meetings. In addition to his defensive line duties, Miller was slotted to play in a short-yardage/ goal line package.

"That's 90 Under?" he asked. He thought about it more. "What am I getting myself into? Man, this is going to be crazy, touching the ball."

In practice, Miller and the offense, loaded with defensive players in this special package, faced more than 11 scout team defenders to get ready for Friday night.

Guess it worked. Miller played fullback then Wildcat quarterback, daring defenders to bring him down.

Miller didn't just touch the ball. He became a new-age William "Refrigerator" Perry for Jackson-Olin, scoring 12 touchdowns as the Mustangs went 8-2 during the regular season and earned its first playoff berth since 1998.

"So, it was just crazy," Miller said. "I didn't expect I was going to score that many touchdowns. I just went out there and ran the ball. It was good, just getting the ball, helping the team be better, win games, continue (more) to the win. (But) it was crazy."

As a two-way player, Miller, now up to to 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, enters 2019 as a Mr. Football candidate.

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