2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Terik Miller, DB, Louisiana-Lafayette

• Name: Terik Miller
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 205
• Position: SS/Striker/Nickel
• College: Louisiana-Lafayette  
• Twitter: @_tmill38

Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?

• My hometown is Pensacola, Florida, although I was born in Japan because my father was in the military and that is where he was positioned at the time I was born. Before moving to Pensacola, I also lived in Germany. When I was 10, I moved to Pensacola, which I consider my hometown. What I love most about Pensacola is the hometown, small town atmosphere along with the beaches and really just being able to spend time with my family and friends who have known me before football was even in the picture.

List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?

• 1. Film Study- I put this first because I am a big believer that how you do one thing is how you do everything and film study, in my opinion, is what separates good football players from great football players. I also believe in the motto “boys do what they want and men do what they have to do” and film is a must. Everyone lifts. Everyone trains. Everyone has to practice. But to one can truly gain an advantage in the film room because not everyone likes to do it, not everyone is equipped to do it, and most importantly you can ALWAYS do it. Body needs rest. The mind can always work. 2. Strength and Conditioning- This is where you build the body. You can’t be on the field if you are hurt or physically unprepared. One needs to be able to crawl before you walk, and the weight room is where we learn to crawl.
3. Practice- I hesitated putting this last because all 3 are so important. However, we all practice. We all do what our coaches tell us. Practice, is the bare minimum of what is required. I can always put in extra time in the weight room to get better and separate. Same goes for the film room. Practice, as important as it is, is what we all do and that is why I put it last.

What do you worry about, and why?

• Disappointing my parents because they have sacrificed everything for me. They have always believed in me and my dream and I work so hard not only for me, but for them so I worry about not living up to their expectations and fulfilling on the promises I have made to them.

Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?

• I’ll use football. Getting beaten for a touchdown always stands out to me. In that given moment, you feel like you let your team down, which happens to be my family. I never want to let them down or be the weak link. It is why I work so hard. I can get down and get in my own head and so I try to limit my negative reaction because I don’t have time to dwell on it. I overcome those failures by doing what I always do in life: focusing on what I can control. I can’t control what has already happened but I can control my response and my actions moving forward. It has taken me a long time to understand this concept but I am proud that I have been able to incorporate it into my life and impact my actions and response to failure. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

• Mental Toughness and Leadership

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

• Josh Jacobs (RB Alabama)

What would your career be if you couldn’t play football?

• Coach or NFL Scout

Room, desk and car – which do you clean first?

• Room

If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?

• There is no right answer to this but I can’t live without my family. I probably took the longest to answer this one. 

If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?

• Batman- Always stood for his convictions and is the only superhero without actual super powers. He had to figure things out using his mind. 

Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?

• My freshman year, I was arrested. It took me a while to overcome it but I truly feel like it was the best thing that ever happened to me. First, it forced me to grow up and become a man. I learned how easily everything could be taken away and it was a real eye opener. Also, I learned how to deal with adversity and control what I could control. After I was arrested a lot of things were out of my hands. All I could do was work hard and focus on what I could control and over time I made my way back. I also learned that adversity breeds success and toughness. I know it sounds crazy, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

• Being arrested (see above)

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

• First turnover in college. I had a strip sack vs. Tulsa and that moment let me know I had arrived and gave me the confidence I needed going forward.

What song best describes your work ethic?

• Ace Hood- Hustle Hard (remix)

What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non-Physical) to help you succeed at the next level?

• Mental Toughness

If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?

• Grandma because no one had the wisdom she had and I miss her every day.

If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it?

• Plyometrix

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL?

• Every nickel because they don’t get the credit they deserve. But more specific Chris Harris. He should be talked about with others mentioned for best player in the league. 

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

• Respected, because respect comes from what you do and being liked can come from what you say and actions speak louder than words.

What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?

• Josh Gordon- substance abuse is a true disease and I truly hope he gets the help he needs and deserves. 

Do you love to win, or hate to lose?

• I hate to lose

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?

• My Mom – She is the rock of our family. No matter what, she keeps us all together and stays positive. She puts us all before herself and I have always admired her for that. Not only is she my biggest influence but shes also my hero.