Lamar Miller cleared for contact, impresses Dolphins teammates

Lamar Miller spent most of the offseason wrapped in imaginary bubble wrap, protected from contact.

The former University of Miami standout the Miami Dolphins traded up to select in the fourth-round of the 2012 NFL draft saw his draft stock plummet because of a shoulder injury he played his junior season with, and one that wasn’t fully healed during this summer's OTA work.

During the offseason program Miller's participation was limited because of his shoulder issues. Sunday was the team’s first day working in full pads during training camp, and that meant it was the first time Miller tested his surgically repaired shoulder.

“I wasn’t nervous at all. This is football,” said Miller, who rushed for 1,918 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in his two seasons of playing at Miami. “I got cleared [for contract] by the doctor a month ago. I’ve been good about the rehab and it just keeps getting better every day.”

The Dolphins hope Miller's play does the same thing considering they envision him as the team's top kickoff returner, and a change of pace back who shares the backfield with Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas.

Since joining the team Miller has been one of playmakers the team’s most excited about because of his breakaway speed. Center Mike Pouncey labels Miller the team’s most exciting player to watch because of his knack for finding open running lanes.

"Lamar Miller has great vision for a running back,” said cornerback Sean Smith. “Every day he (breaks) at least one (good run).”


(sun-sentinel.com)