When it comes to the playmaking positions, namely quarterback, wide receiver and running back, underclassmen take over the top grades for the most part. In a year where we have to see any of the pass catchers stand out week by week, there is a small but mighty fifth year senior that plays for a program off the national radar. Memphis’ record breaking number one target, Anthony Miller, is doing pretty much everything within his power to show that he is a force to be reckoned with. Dating back to the beginning of 2016, only one player has as many touchdown catches as him. So who is this guy, and he does he have legitimate first round ability?
At 5’11/190, Miller won’t ever be a player that can out-size a defensive back. And while he is dangerous with the ball in his hands, we aren’t talking about a sub 4.4 blazer. The former walk on lacks the top notch, over-desired tools and it could easily cause some to overlook him. What Miller has, however, is something that a lot of receivers simply won’t ever grasp. There is an amount of toughness and “want it” with him. He is a competitor in every sense of the word that will seemingly sacrifice himself for the ball and/or extra yards. He runs with the ball as if he were a 220 pound running back and he breaks through tackles like them too. Despite not having a natural size advantage, he wins almost every 50/50 ball thrown his way. The slippery, quick, short-area explosive receiver will have no issues getting open at the next level and there is a sense of fear coming from the defense when he gets his hands on it.
Before we look past this not so big, not so fast receiver, take a look at the Steelers’ Antonio Brown. The similarities to the styles of play are incredibly similar.