Ricardo Miller: Coaches Visit and Reaction
I just spoke with Ricardo Miller about the recent coaches visit, and a little about his reaction to Shavodrick Beaver decommitting. Here’s what he had to say.
TOM: Coach Smith and Frey came to see you, Kenny Shaw, and Demetrius Hart the other day, how did that go?
RICARDO: It went real well, I was excited to have them there. They were down here to see Jeremy Gallon, and then decided to come over and see us. That just proves to me what Coach Rodriguez said earlier. He told me earlier that he’s just as committed to me as I am him, and this showed me that. We started talking just about our year, and how we’re trying to improve. Then Kenny and Demetrius got there, and they were telling them how they think they’ll fit in, and how they can help Michigan.
TOM: Kenny Shaw is in your class, and a receiver, and Demetrius Hart is a sophomore, so what were they telling them? How do they fit in?
RICARDO: They were telling Kenny he could be a real good slot receiver up there, and get a chance to show the fans what he’s got. Demetrius, they were telling him that he’s perfect for their offense. He’s quick and could come in at running back.
TOM: How do you think they liked the coaches, and the experience?
RICARDO: I could tell they were real excited. Kenny and Demetrius are the same as me. They’re looking to find a home, and a place that they can feel like family. They’re going to keep their word, wherever they go, and do everything to help their team. I tell them all the time that Coach Rodriguez is here to help us all the time. From the talks that we have, I know he’s there for me on and off the field, which I love. I’ve just been focusing on that, and letting them know they can trust him, and he has our best interests in mind.
TOM: So, I broke the news to you last night that Beaver decommitted, what is your reaction?
RICARDO: I’m not even going to look into it. I’m disappointed, and I lost some respect for him, because I feel like you need to be true to your word. We became good friends, and we talked like we were brothers, so I don’t really get it. I was told that he said he didn’t feel like he fit in, and he was overwhelmed by the crowd at the game. You told me some things he said about Tulsa being focused on family, and that was a huge part of why I chose Michigan. That’s my family, and they’ve always focused on that. But, like I said, I’m not even worried about that. I’m moving forward, and Coach Rodriguez told me they are too. They’re excited to get Tate up there, and are going to find someone else to come in too. Coach Smith told me they’re disappointed in how it all happened, but they know he’s missing out. I’ve actually already started working on Devin Gardner, and trying to get him to come up there. I’m going to talk to him today about this, and see what he says. After talking with him at the Michigan State game, I really don’t think he’s the kind of guy to just choose a school to say he’s going there.
TOM: What do you mean?
RICARDO: Well I chose Michigan because I love Michigan. I’ve been a fan for who knows how long. After talking with the coaches, and being up there, I knew that was the place for me. I think sometimes kids make their decision just for themselves, to say I’m going to Michigan, or whatever school, not the right reasons. I’m recruiting some other kids, and I want Michigan men there. Guys that want to be at Michigan, because that’s what’s going to help the team. Look at Braylon Edwards, he’s like the spokes person for Michigan, because he’s a Michigan man. I mean, in the real world, you can’t tell someone you’re going to do one thing, then not do it. I don’t want to do anything that will show against my character, and I think that does.
TOM: You mentioned that Michigan is your family, what made you really feel that?
RICARDO: Well, when I went to Michigan for the Michigan State game, I knew that was the place. The coaches made me feel wanted, and so did the fans. The fans were all screaming my name, and telling me they want me, and I’m a junior. I mean, I went to Florida, and no one even knew who I was, or said anything to me, it was weird. Not that I want attention, but it was just like I was another kid coming in.
TOM: What are you focusing on right now?
RICARDO: I’m training for the Army All American combine, just trying to get ready to compete. Just trying to get to next season, keep my 3.5 GPA up, and just try to get to Michigan as fast as I can.
December 20th, 2008 at 5:01 PM ^
That makes me feel a lot better.
December 20th, 2008 at 5:02 PM ^
This Kid sounds too good to be true. Can't wait to see him in the winged helmet, stiff arming some chump out of his way to the end zone. He's all class. A Michigan Man in the making. (if hes not already)
December 20th, 2008 at 5:02 PM ^
Sounds like a smart, well-spoken dude. Hopefully he does keep his word and commits and helps us get Gardner in 2010. That would be a huge help.
December 20th, 2008 at 5:06 PM ^
Nice job Tom. Miller is just the type of people we need.
December 20th, 2008 at 5:08 PM ^
i love you ricardo miller...we need more men like you representing our university...keep working on your friends(marvin robinson) and teammates(Shaw and Hart)
December 20th, 2008 at 5:15 PM ^
How long until he changes his mind to attend Florida A&M? :)
In all seriousness, Ricardo can't get here quick enough. Love the attitude and character of the kid. We could use a whole roster of guys like him.
December 20th, 2008 at 5:50 PM ^
Man im just pissed that im graduating next year and wont get to see him play. The kid is twice as mature and poised than the kids his age and he's gonna tear it up once hes up here
December 21st, 2008 at 9:45 AM ^
You have a TV, right?
December 24th, 2008 at 1:01 PM ^
i meant in the big house :-)
December 20th, 2008 at 5:51 PM ^
I'm seriously impressed by Ricardo. Even if he doesn't turn out to be amazing (which I think he still will), I love the way he carries himself and he seems like he can be a future standard-bearer for Michigan in the future.
Ricardo, you rock!
December 20th, 2008 at 5:51 PM ^
This kid sounds wonderful, and I'm really excited to have him on board.
December 20th, 2008 at 7:03 PM ^
This guy reminds me of Mike Hart with the love and dedication he has for the school and the team. This is the kind of leader we need.
December 20th, 2008 at 7:35 PM ^
Reading some of this kid's interviews (thanks again Tom!), he reminds me a lot of some of the other greats we have had. Here is hoping that he turns out to be just that.
December 20th, 2008 at 7:52 PM ^
God bless you Ricardo. I cannot wait to see you playing for the Maize and Blue. Work hard and keep making those grades. A degree from Michigan is a ticket to success.
December 20th, 2008 at 8:19 PM ^
I love this kid. LOVE him.
Can't wait to see him in Maize and Blue. He sounds like Braylon when he talks. I love it.
December 20th, 2008 at 8:33 PM ^
it will be on Rico
December 20th, 2008 at 8:38 PM ^
Awesome interview, Tom. Ricardo, you are awesome...
December 20th, 2008 at 9:39 PM ^
Thanks Tom. You do fine work. I have a lot of respect for this young man, Ricardo Miller. He is mature beyond his age, and the things he said got me fired up again, after Friday's huge disappointment. Can't wait to see this guy play for us in the coming years. Class act.
December 20th, 2008 at 9:26 PM ^
just get this kid to come for the 09 season?
December 20th, 2008 at 10:26 PM ^
I will echo most everyone else on here....I LOVE this kid already. Even if he is just telling us what we all want to hear, I like it.
December 20th, 2008 at 10:57 PM ^
He's not just telling me what we want to hear. He called me to tell me how the coaches visit was, and what he felt about Beaver, because he wanted to get some positive words out there. A lot of the stuff he says doesn't make it into the interviews, but he's Michigan through and through.
December 21st, 2008 at 9:30 AM ^
sounded like I meant it in a bad way, but I didn't at all. I just meant, he IS telling ME what I want to hear (therefore, I love him already). And really, that's all the kid CAN do right now to get me to like him. I can't ask for anything more. I mean he hasn't even signed his LOI yet, so he can't get on the field and make plays or anything more empirical like that.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:38 PM ^
... with Ricardo Miller. Can't wait.
December 21st, 2008 at 1:04 AM ^
Really looking forward to the 2010 class. Nice to have another great recruiter in Florida.
RE: Beaver- if he isn't comfortable with large crowds then he was right to commit elsewhere (like Tulsa).
Go Blue!
December 21st, 2008 at 1:25 AM ^
That is all.
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:23 AM ^
when Mike Hart takes over in 20 years.
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:09 AM ^
most interesting was what he said about beaver: he felt
overwhelmed by the crowd, etc. clearly beaver was looking
for something that felt smaller, and (perhaps) used the
michigan commit as a safety net until he found something
that suited him better.
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