Kansas Head Coach, Turner Gill, and staff kicked off the 2011 commitment list with a big name on Wednesday when Blue Springs High School running back, Darrian Miller, decided to verbally commit to the Jayhawks. Miller’s commitment is the first for the Jayhawks in 2011 and Miller might just be the gem of the entire class when all is said and done.
Around Kansas City and the entire state of Missouri, Miller is one of the biggest names in high school football. Nationally, however, Miller is still somewhat under the radar. That will likely change as he moves into his senior season. Miller showed why he is one of the more impressive running backs in the country during his junior campaign, rushing for 2,750 yards and 37 touchdowns, along with his 375 yards and 3 touchdowns receiving in 2009. Miller led his team, Kansas City powerhouse Blue Springs (MO), to the state title game and Miller took home some hardware when he was named the 2009 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year.
With his commitment out of the way, Miller is looking forward to his senior season when he has hopes of returning to the state title game. Expectations will be high for Miller, but no one expects more than he does.
“I’ve always had high expectations,” said Miller. “Last year’s season was great, but I always want to do better. Even if I don’t run for the same numbers I can’t be mad as long as we get the ‘W’. We have a lot of people that played last year coming back next year, so hopefully we can get back there,” added Miller about getting back to the state title game.
Miller’s journey to Lawrence is an interesting one. Miller lived in a tiny town in Missouri before moving to Blue Springs in 6th grade. The change was big for Miller, but the decision to move is one that he’s happy his mother made.
“I used to live in a small town called Mayview, Missouri,” said Miller. “It had about 90 people in the entire town. It had no stores and kids had to be bussed to Odessa, Missouri for school. I’m glad my mom made the decision to move,” added Miller.
It might be those small town roots that made Miller feel so comfortable at Kansas. Although Lawrence is much larger than Mayview, it still has that small college town feel to it. It was the feeling of being at home that made Miller’s choice and easy one.
“I just felt it was the right place. It met all of my criteria,” said Miller. I felt at home and it felt right,” he added.
The Kansas coaches were big factors in Miller’s decision as well. Their honesty with Miller is something that he respects.
“Coach (Reggie) Mitchell was the coach recruiting me. He was just up front and honest with me, and that is something I like,” said Miller. “It’s also like a family there and family is what I’m all about. My mom was real excited about my decision,” added Miller.
Miller will officially join Jayhawk Nation next February when he will sign his National Letter of Intent. Until then, Miller will spend a lot of time in Lawrence with his friend, and 2010 KU signee, Dexter McDonald. Miller will also spend some time in the ear of one of his current teammates, ESPN 150 watch list cornerback, Bernard Thomas, who is considering the Jayhawks as well.
“I can’t speak for Bernard, but I’ll try to get him to come though,” said Miller.
