TomVH: Jack Miller Excited to Join the Michigan Family

Submitted by TomVH on

It has almost been a year since Ohio offensive lineman Jack Miller decided to commit to play for Rich Rodriguez and the Michigan Wolverines. A lot has changed since Miller's announcement, and despite the fact that the program has gone through an overhaul Miller's excitement has never dwindled. "I sat here and read all the articles about me projecting to go there, and then me signing there, and now it's time to be a part of Michigan football," he said. "It's not just football, it's being part of that tradition. We all report on June 25th, that's when we move in."

Jack MillerMiller had fallen in love with everything that Michigan brought to the table, so when the coaching change happened his commitment was never in question. He embraced the new coaching staff and was pleasantly surprised with Brady Hoke and his new position coach Darrell Funk. "I've been really impressed with the coaches. You obviously don't wish bad on anyone, and this isn't anything against Coach Rodriguez, but I think this coaching change is good for me and good for Michigan football," said Miller. "Everyone is buying in and is happy to play for them. I'm speaking real prematurely here and I've only gotten to know the coaches off the field, but I'm excited to get up there and learn." The major recruiting sites had Miller as a defensive line prospect but Michigan recruited him to play on the offensive line. 

While most fans were nervous and didn't know what to expect with the new coaching staff, Miller said he knew everything would be ok. "I don't follow recruiting too close, but I've looked at it. I wasn't surprised that the coaches have done so well," he said. "The fans don't know Coach Hoke on a personal level, and I read that Greg Mattison is one of the best recruiters in the country." The fans might not know Hoke on a personal level, but there is mutual optimism now that the 2012 class has been rolling in. "It's a new transition for Michigan and who wouldn't want to come to Michigan," asked Miller. "Coach Hoke is bringing back the old Michigan, they're players' coaches, and they've been successful."

He speaks highly of head coach Brady Hoke, but Coach Darrell Funk has been the main contact at Michigan for Miller, and he's been preparing for his new role with his new family. "I think the way it looks right now I'll be playing center. It's an interior offensive line position and a lot of time it's need based so I wouldn't rule out guard either. In a perfect world with nothing wrong I think it would probably be center," he said about his new position. Jack played both offensive and defensive line in high school, so he has familiarity with the position. Jumping from high school to college as a lineman can be very difficult however, so Miller has been trying to gain every advantage he can. "I've been training first and foremost. Working out, and I've been trying to use some resources I have in the NFL," he said. "I've been watching film on different centers in the NFL, and I've been trying to figure out what transition will be like on the field. I have to accept the fact that my life is about to do a complete 180." 

One aspect of his transition that many people can relate to is college life off the field, and discovering a whole new world. "I'm excited for what college represents, branching out as your own person and not relying on any one else," Miller said. "Becoming and developing who you are. It's exciting, not nerve wracking, but it does make you anxious." Luckily for him he has gotten a head step on befriending his new teammates. "I'm trying to room with Chris Rock [2011 DE signee]. We became friends once we both committed," he said. "I know Kevin Koger being from Toledo, and he and I have been in touch. I talk to Taylor Lewan and Patrick Omameh when I go up there, so I'm getting to know the guys and it's been good." Miller, like any offensive lineman, will likely redshirt his freshman year. With Dave Molk's senior status and only two others in front of him, Miller will have an excellent chance at contributing early if he can manage this transition properly.

Comments

Kal

June 7th, 2011 at 2:21 PM ^

Love kids with this kind of work ethic and determination to learn on their own before they even set foot at a practice. Molk is going to end up training him Yoda style.

JeepinBen

June 7th, 2011 at 2:24 PM ^

Welcome to the family Jack! and you'll love it! I remember when I moved into the dorms, probably busier and less-cool (Bursley 2005) but it was awesome none the less. Enjoy it!

Mr Mackey

June 7th, 2011 at 2:32 PM ^

Absolutely beautiful. I'm excited to see him learn from Molk and develop into a high-profile center (as high-profile as centers can be..)

He's exactly the kind of guy who's easy to cheer for and is why I love our university

turtleboy

June 7th, 2011 at 2:45 PM ^

instead of the same old "everything about college football is dirty" line over and over again. This is why I love Michigan football. I wonder if he'll redshirt or not with our depth concerns. I know the "linemen always redshirt" line, but between the 3 linemen coming in he's the one who needs to the least. A 3rd string center doesn't need to be huge in college and it would free up Burzynski to move to guard. 

michWolves2580

June 7th, 2011 at 2:46 PM ^

Wow. I cant believe how all these kids are so well brought up and bright. Its also extremely comforting to know that he will be in good hands.

My friend whos a video manager from my years (06-09) said Molk was extremely nice and he always saw him staying after practice to work with the other centers as a team (even though he was a sophomore at the time and starting over 2 upperclassmen.)  It only takes one guy like that to show the way for younger generations like Jack.

Wolverine0056

June 7th, 2011 at 3:17 PM ^

Miller is one guy I am excited to watch over the next 4-5 years. I live in the Toledo area, so it is always neat to see guys near me playing for Michigan. 

ken725

June 7th, 2011 at 3:56 PM ^

I think he just gets it.  He know that his life is going to be different in a couple weeks and it seems like he has the maturity to handle the situation.

rockydude

June 7th, 2011 at 4:38 PM ^

More than most linemen, a center really needs to be smart, so that he can be the leader of the line and make the necessary calls at the line of scrimmage. Seems like Jack already has a good head on his shoulders and will be able to make those reads. Looks like we found another good one at center . . .

Indiana Blue

June 7th, 2011 at 8:45 PM ^

Congrats young (big) man.  The excitement is contagious .... sounds like the new guys are "Jack'ed" about Hoke and staff.

Yeah Jack ..... It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine !!!

Go Blue