Gamecocks getting more speed for backfield with Transfer RB Dante Miller
January 28, 2022Transfer RB Dante Miller (5-9 185) has brains, he is completing his undergraduate work at Columbia University, and he has speed, roughly in the low 4.2 category in the forty yard dash. The Rockingham native will bring those gifts to South Carolina for the 2022 season. Miller announced Friday he will use his grad transfer season with the Gamecocks coming as a preferred walk-on to start.
Miller visited USC earlier this month and that propelled the Gamecocks into the top spot for Miller.
I really love it there” Miller said after his visit. “The staff was really genuine. I really loved how honest the head coach is. He’s really genuine, a really good man. One of the most genuine coaches I’ve met.”
Miller also saw the opportunity for playing time with the Gamecocks.
“The running back room is kind of short right now. There are a lot of younger guys, and they just brought a guy in from Wake Forest. So, there are only four running backs there,” Miller said. “The scheme has a lot of plays that I ran at Columbia to utilize my speed and my vision. I have a pretty good vision at running back. Whether they are using me to run inside zone, outside zone or running outside the backfield, those are ways I can utilize my capabilities at running back. I believe myself to be a pretty explosive athlete and that is a very explosive offense.”
Miller also viewed the academic opportunities for him at USC as something he could build on coming off his Ivy League experience.
“The grad school actually is pretty amazing for sports management,” Miller said. “Sports management is number one internationally. Going there for grad school would actually be just as good as an undergrad education from an Ivy League perspective. Going to their grad school would actually be a very good benefit for me.”
Miller was First Team All-Ivy League this past season after rushing for 814 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 10-game season. He had seven runs of 22 yards or more with a long run of 75 yards. He also had 9 receptions for 43 yards. For his career with the Lions, Miller rushed for 1281 yards and 5 touchdowns, and he averaged 5 yards per carry.
Miller had offers from Samford, Sacramento State, Rhode Island, Tennessee State, Delaware, and Albany, plus he drew some interest from Washington and Virginia Tech.