Lamar Miller is out at the University of Miami. The running back, a third-year sophomore, has decided to enter the NFL Draft early.
Miller was the Canes' leading rusher this season, with 1,272 yards and 9 touchdowns. With Miller gone, Miami will open the 2012 season without its quarterback, and best running back and top two receivers.
Having redshirted in 2009, Miller debuted in 2010 as a kickoff returner and backup to Damien Berry. In his second career game, he returned a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown at Ohio State. A 125-yard day on the ground in a win against Maryland later that season made everyone take notice, and his star was on the rise.
Miller opened the 2011 season with 5 straight 100-yard rushing games. Though he slowed down a bit mid-season, he still became the first Cane to top the 1,000-yard mark since Willis McGahee did so in 2002.
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His speed, agility and ability to break tackles will make Miller attractive to many NFL teams when the draft rolls around. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper ranks him as the second-best running back available while Todd McShay says Miller is the 30th best prospect in the entire draft class.
Miller could very well be a first round draft pick this spring. With Miami sure to receive NCAA sanctions following the Nevin Shapiro scandal, Miller likely thought there was little to be gained in sticking around the U any longer.
"It was a blessing being a Miami Hurricane," Miller tweeted on Monday. Al Golden said Miller's decision was no surprise, having spoken with him and his family a number of times in recent weeks about his choice.
"If he feels good about it and his family feels good about it, then we wish him the best of luck," Golden said. "Our job as college football coaches is to prepare young men for life and to get a job. And in this case he's going to get a job, so I wish him the best of luck."
Miller's exit makes room for either Mike James or Eduardo Clements to take a starring role in Miami's ground game next season. They will be challenged by redshirt freshman Darion Hall, and also by verbal commitment Duke Johnson, currently leading Miami Norland in the Florida state playoffs.
