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NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Michael Miller, OL, Washburn University

Michael Miller is a big boy for Washburn. He did a wonderful job protecting his quarterback

NFL Draft Diamonds website has been providing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 3 years and this year we mixed things up a bit. Our questions are designed to give our readers a little more insight on the draft eligible player. We hope to bring you more than 350 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner to the right.  Now let’s meet our next prospect!!!!

What is your name?

Michael Miller

What is your Height/Weight?

6’4″ 7/8,  305

What is your position?

OG/OC

Where do you play college football?

Washburn University

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field?

I would say the coolest thing off the field was being a part of the organization SAAC, which is currently working with make-a-wish to do a wish reveal for a young child named Cortez. As a group we put his name out their and raised enough money to be a part of this special moment with him.

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

Real Analysis I. This was the last mathematics course I took at Washburn.

Where are you from?

Lansing, Kansas

Who is your role model, and why?

My older brother Kyle; growing up he had one of the greatest work ethics I have ever seen. This led him to be a USAFA grad, and now he currently flies F-16’s in the United States Air Force.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played basketball and baseball.

Did you play any other positions in football?

In high school I also played on the defensive line.

At your position, what separates you from others?

Athleticism and Versatility

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

When breaking down film for myself after a game first I look at whether I got my assignment completed, then I look at the technique that was used, and finally if I finished the block or not. When breaking down opponents, I first will watch a few full games looking for specific tendencies in their gameplay as well as taking notes of the defensive schemes. While watching I look at which individuals catch my eye on the defense. Then I go through and watch specific individuals that I will face, and taking note of every possible move and technique that they use in games.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

I believe this is a toss up between Collin Bevins from Northwest Missouri State University, and Si Doe Jr., from Fort Hays State University. They were two different types of players, where Bevins was very technique sound and very long, making him a great pass rusher and run stopper. Si Doe was one of the quickest Defensive Ends off the ball I ever faced. He was very explosive quick around the edge.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

That’s a tough question, in college I played LT, so I used to like to compare myself to tackles in the NFL. But now trying to play interior, I think one of my favorite centers to watch is Alex Mack with the Atlanta Falcons. I would compare myself to him because he is athletic and finishes blocks.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The day of the spring game of my last spring ball at Washburn, my former running back and really good friend of mine Brandon Bourbon committed suicide. It was a pretty tough time in my life, I think the biggest thing with overcoming it was the support of family and friends, and as well as my church pastor calling and talking it over with me. I believe that being close with my teammates during that period of time really helped me and them get through it.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

No, not really.

What is your biggest strength?

I believe my biggest strengths are my versatility and athleticism, allowing me to play multiple positions on the line.

Michael Miller

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is my arm length. My arms are a little shorter than most offensive linemen, causing me to lunge occasionally on pass protection.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I’ll do anything I’m asked to do, and I’ll always work hard.

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up?

Favorite player growing up was LaDanian Tomlinson, and the Chargers.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

LaDanian Tomlinson, Derek Jeter, and Wayne Gretzky

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

I don’t think I’ll buy a big item, rather go on a big hunting trip with my dad and my sister.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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