Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1454229
M A R C H 2 0 2 2 41 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M P enn State went to Florida to find one of its most versatile signees in the class of 2022. Cam Miller has played everything from quarterback to defensive back and has also returned kicks at the prep level. The Nittany Lions see him as a corner- back in the Big Ten, even if the 6-foot, 175-pounder has shown that he can do a little bit of everything on the gridiron. Rated the No. 231 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus and No. 25 cor- nerback nationally, Miller was a three- time team captain at Fernandina Beach. There, he played both sides of the ball but mainly shined as a quarterback. Ahead of his senior year, Miller trans- ferred to Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville. He played primarily his fu- ture position while also returning kicks (he brought one back for a touchdown) and helped the team win a Class 2A state championship. His do-it-all nature was attractive to Penn State coach James Franklin and his staff, with the Nittany Lions extend- ing an offer in November 2020. After the NCAA began allowing prospects to once again take official visits, Miller traveled to Penn State and Virginia Tech last June and picked the Lions over the Hokies in July. His choice was cemented by a visit to see his future school battle Michigan in November, and he signed in December. "It's hard to explain the Penn State game-day atmosphere," Miller said. "The fans love Penn State. The players feel it, too. There's nothing like Penn State's atmosphere, and I'm so excited about getting to play in it." It was a no-drama recruitment for a player who can cause plenty of tension for opponents on the field. "It was easy to stay locked in," Miller told On3. "I love what Coach Franklin is doing with the program and I love him as a person. With Coach Franklin there, and the coaches and people he's put around him, Happy Valley is the place for me to be. "It's the perfect fit." At one point, the 2020 Nassau County Offensive Player of the Year was set to enroll early at Penn State. Instead, he played in the Polynesian Bowl in Hawaii in January and will arrive before the start of summer workouts. The On3 four-star recruit will have to earn his spot, but there is no question that the coaching staff hopes that he can do a little bit of everything in blue and white. In the end, Penn State again ventured into the Sunshine State to land a versatile player who the staff believes can grow into a starting role. Miller is seen as one of the class's most underrated members by many. He's looking forward to showing his potential as soon as he arrives. "They want to move me around," Miller said. "Penn State thinks I can help them at cornerback and nickel on defense, then they like me as a kickoff returner and punt returner, too. They like my versatility. "I just want to help any way I can, so I'm open to playing anywhere. Trusting the coaches was part of my decision, and I know they want the best for me." ■ The versatile Miller played both ways in high school but is expected to fit in at cornerback with the Nittany Lions. PHOTO BY RYAN SNYDER Cornerback Cam Miller Stays 'Locked In' With Penn State G R E G P I C K E L | G P I C 9 2 @ G M A I L . C O M CAM MILLER CB | 6-0 | 175 TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY YULEE, FLA. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE consensus ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 231 24 26 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 252 25 30 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ – 36 49 ✪ ✪ ✪ – 33 77 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 159 23 21 STATISTICS • Recorded 56 tackles (40 solo) and 2.5 tackles for loss as a senior, and added a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, while also totaling 751 all-purpose yards. • Played his first three seasons at Fernandina Beach, where he finished with 2,020 total yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior. • Totaled 2,013 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore. NOTABLE • Helped lead Trinity Christian Academy to a Florida 2A state championship as a senior. • Named Nassau County Offensive Player of the Year and Jacksonville.com All-First Coast as a junior. • Was an all-state pick in 2020. • Played in the Polynesian Bowl in January 2022. RECRUITMENT • Committed to Penn State on July 26, 2021. • Recruited by cornerbacks coach Terry Smith. • Picked Penn State over Central Florida and Virginia Tech. • Officially visited PSU on June 25, 2021. 2022 PROJECTION Penn State has a crowded cornerbacks room, which means that Miller is likely to redshirt as a true freshman this coming fall. However, his potential in the return game could earn him a role on special teams. THEY SAID IT BWI analyst Thomas Frank Carr: "Miller played quarterback, safety and cornerback before moving to Trinity Christian Academy, a top prep school in Jacksonville, Fla., for his senior season. Once he got there, Miller played press-corner and returned kicks on special teams to round out his diversified portfolio of positions. His physical skills are unde- niable, and he accelerated his transition to corner by switching schools. With that sort of profile, it's hard not to like what he brings to the table."