Sixth-year linebacker Ventrell Miller has been noticeably absent for several of the Florida Gators’ spring practices and head coach Billy Napier explained why during his Tuesday press conference.
“Ventrell is cleared,” Napier said. “Ventrell is in the process of trying to complete his degree. He’s a veteran player. He’s in the back half of his career and there’s a particular course that he has to take this semester so he can graduate in the summer. So, there’s a conflict on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so we just get him on Saturday right now.”
That’s a huge sigh of relief for many in Gator Nation who know that Miller’s 2021 season ended early after suffering a torn bicep against USF in September. Florida’s defense never looked right after losing Miller, so it’s good to know that he’s still on track to return.
“I think the consensus here last year when he got hurt was that it was a little bit of setback for the team and defense in particular,” he said. “We’re excited he’s back. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Ventrell. He’s another player, much like Nay’Quan, that I think has some leadership qualities and some maturity about him.”
It’s not ideal to miss two practices a week, but that maturity Napier complimented should help Miller learn the new scheme while on a different schedule than the rest of the team. Still rehabbing from his injury, Miller would likely have been limited throughout the spring anyway, so missing a few practices a week isn’t the worst thing in the world.
“That’s probably not a bad thing due to his injury and the amount of volume that he can handle, so it’s working out,” he said. “But I’m going to tell you that when Ventrell is here, you can feel his presence. He’s a vocal guy. He’s got a great presence and energy, and he’s certainly been a very productive player.”
Throughout his career at Florida, Miller has amassed 166 tackles (90 solo), 15 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery. If all goes well, he’ll add to that total this fall before moving on from UF with a degree in hand.
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