[jwplayer fAfNuxsJ-er0jUifI]
The 2021 Gators’ defense is getting an unexpected boost, as it was announced on Thursday morning that linebacker Ventrell Miller would be returning for a fifth season in the Swamp. Miller, who was a significant part of the Gators’ second level of defense last season, was expected to depart for the NFL after he put up decent numbers as a senior. Instead, he’ll be taking advantage of the limited extended NCAA eligibility available to all fall athletes.
Miller was not likely to command a high draft pick – he’s athletic, but he doesn’t have the skills to start in the NFL next year – so his choice to return to Florida makes sense from that perspective. He is almost assuredly going to play another full season as a starter, giving him the opportunity to boost his draft stock.
Miller’s return to campus is a victory for the team as well. His experience and proven ability to perform at the SEC level will make for a nice bridge to the next wave of linebackers. That group was already beginning to earn snaps last season, and 247Sports noted that fellow Amari Burney and Mohamoud Diabate will likely serve a bigger role next season. The development of freshman Chief Borders, a high-end three star recruit, will also benefit from the added depth in the linebacker room.
What should Florida faithful expect from Miller next season? In 2020, he led the team with 52 solo tackles, tied for the team lead with 34 assists, and also managed to collect 3.5 sacks. There’s no reason to believe that his stats will dip due to his quality of play, although the sheer number of tackles available to him may go down as the talent around him has improved this offseason.
We wrote last month that Miller seemed like an interesting fit for the Lions‘ bench, but unless he takes a big step forward next season, he’ll likely be looking at a bench role at the next level again in 2022. He’s a strong, rangy tackler, but he stands to improve if he can increase his lower half strength. That’s easier said than done for a physically mature 22-year-old, but it could tap into some hitherto unseen production.
[lawrence-related id=35758,35725,35642,35614,35610]
[listicle id=35205]
[vertical-gallery id=34050]