If you recognize the name Lamar Miller, you probably know
him as one of the greatest running backs to come out of University of Miami.
Miller’s speed was unparalleled, and he used it to rack up the first thousand
yard season for the ‘Canes since the days of Willis McGahee. Miller had the
makings of a star and a featured ‘back.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins seemed to be set with their back positions. Reggie Bush was coming off a thousand yard season and Daniel Thomas was sparing him nicely. Coming into the draft, it seemed like a running back was one of the last positions they needed to address. The Dolphins, however, traded for the 97th overall pick and selected the former Hurricane standout.
Miller knew that he had something to prove. He was not only going to have to compete for playing time, but as a fourth round pick, he would also need to fight for a roster position; that he did. His hard work and determination paid dividends and he won a spot, as well as a decent amount of minutes per game, each week.
In fact, Miller showed so much promise and potential, in his rookie season, that the famed Reggie Bush, (coming off his second 1000 yard season), became dispensable. Bush’s contract expired at the end of the season, and the Dolphins refused to extend an offer to bring him back. Organized Team Activities came and went and they appeared to show the starting running back position as Lamar Miller’s to lose.
There are very high expectations for the 2013 Miami Dolphins. Ryan Tannehill will undoubtedly air the ball out to newly acquired targets Mike Wallace, Brandon Gibson, and Dustin Keller, (among others). However, the running game, though no longer a highlighted aspect in today’s passing league, may end up being the biggest strength for the Dolphins this season. Lamar Miller should have excellent blocking and this season could be an “Arian Foster”-like breakout year, for him. Miller is a talented athlete; look for him to make waves in Miami for years to come.
Looking for fantasy football advice?
