Texas A&M pass rusher Von Miller led the nation in sacks in 2009, so it made sense that he’d forgo his senior season and enter the 2010 NFL draft. Instead, Miller stayed in College Station to iron out kinks in his game such as cover skills and run defense.
Miller returned with a splash play-filled senior season. Playing the “joker” position as an edge-rushing hybrid, Miller earned the Butkus Award as college football’s top linebacker and continued to cause constant disruption. He graduated with 27.5 sacks and 39 tackles for loss in his final two seasons.
“Von is one of the most amazing kids we’ve ever had come through A&M,” said AggieAthletics.com editor Jon Lee. “Extremely talented, smart, classy, and ‘shredded’.”
Lee’s use of the term “shredded” referenced Stacey Dales’ description of Miller during Monday’s Senior Bowl weigh-in. “He is absolutely shredded,” said the NFL Network’s Senior Bowl sideline reporter. Dales also called Miller a “class act.”
Miller has proceeded to impress on the practice field in Mobile.
“What we’ve seen here is that he can drop into coverage,” said ESPN’s Todd McShay, indicating that Miller’s return for his senior season to polish his game paid off. “He’s an absolute playmaker on every passing down.”
Asked for a scouting report on Miller, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock was effusive in his praise of the 6-foot-3, 237-pound linebacker’s pass rush ability:
“Two words,” said Mayock. “Defies. Gravity. Bends parallel to the ground. This guy comes off the edge and it’s scary how quick he gets to the quarterback. In my notes from the season, I had the word ‘wow’ written (about Miller) more than any other player.”
Miller is projected to be a top-ten pick this April.