Lamar Miller's time to impress Dolphins is now

DAVIE— The slick moves of Lamar Miller have stirred the imaginations of some inside the fences of the Miami Dolphins' guarded training facility.

The first tangible evidence Miller had something to offer the NFL came last week whenever he clutched the football in open space, weaving through NFL defenders for the first time.

The next chance is this morning, when the Dolphins continue organized training activities for the second straight week.

Even an untrained pair of eyes could recognize the running back's speed as Miller would prance up field, often with a powerful kick.

The Dolphins' new coaching staff sees plenty of opportunity for their fourth-round draft pick out of the University of Miami, if he can overcome durability concerns.

Most concerning is a surgically repaired shoulder. He suffered the injury Sept. 24 in a 28-24 loss against Kansas State but did not miss any games.

Miller's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told "The Joe Rose Show" on 560-WQAM last week Miller has not fully recovered.

"Remember, the shoulder was the primary reason he was drafted really two rounds later than what we had anticipated," Rosenhaus said. "There was a lot of concern around the league with the shoulder. Fortunately, he hasn't had any setbacks. It's healing up really nicely. He's able to go out there and do pretty much everything anyone else is doing right now. But would he be cleared for pads right now? No. Will he be come training camp? Definitely."

If Miller continues to progress without any setbacks, he could become a significant contributor in a utility role. He captured the attention of many at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine in February, where he posted a 4.40 40-yard dash — fastest among running backs and tied for eighth best among all position players.

"He's got dynamic speed," Hurricanes coach Al Golden said last week. "He's got a great lateral cut that he can do at full speed, which is unique. ... He was exceptional at running outside scheme runs and outside zone plays because of his ability to either capture the corner or stick a foot in the ground and get positive yards. And clearly he's got the size and the lower musculature to be a powerful back as well."

Miller (5 feet 10, 212 pounds) left the Hurricanes following his redshirt sophomore season. In two seasons, he played in 23 career games with 335 carries for 1,918 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also had 28 catches for 181 yards, including a highlight worthy touchdown reception in a 38-35 loss at Virginia Tech on Oct. 8.

"He's got real good hands," Golden said. "He's a guy that you can deploy in other areas to catch slants or to run verticals or to get the matchup versus an outside linebacker that you're looking for."

Beyond running back, Miller could line up in the slot as a wide receiver, offering an opportunity to take advantage of mismatches with linebackers and offer openings to use his feet. He also is being looked at in kickoff returns and punt returns.

"Lamar is a very fluid player," said Dolphins first-year coach Joe Philbin. "I think he has multiple skills. I don't think that he is just a runner. I think he is a guy that can catch the football and move him around."

Miller, 21, was a Parade All-American out of Miami Killian. He has the unique opportunity to play high school, college and professional football in his backyard, where he can continue to share the experience with close family and friends.

A successful start in the NFL will very likely hinge on his healing shoulder.

"I'm certain that he's not 100 percent," Golden said. "So all of the positive feedback that we're getting from the Miami OTAs and practices is awesome because that means he's ahead of schedule. If they like him now, they're gonna love him when he is actually 100 percent."


(sun-sentinel.com)