Devy Digest: Jamarion Miller

Andy Pham discusses the potential pro potential of Alabama running back Jamarion Miller.

Alabama Crimson Tide
Position: Running Back
Jamarion Miller
5’10” 218 lbs
Age: 20
Draft Eligible: 2025

Who is Jamarion Miller?

Miller was a four-star in the composites, ranked inside the top 120 overall, and a consensus top-8 Running Back in the 2022 class. Miller attended Tyler Legacy High in Tyler, Texas. Miller was a four-year varsity player and a three-year starter who finished as the school’s all-time leader for rushing yards. Miller had 577 carries for 4,685 yards and 47 touchdowns. Miller added 73 receptions for 998 yards and an additional 14 touchdowns. Miller put up consistent numbers in his junior and senior seasons, but the output in yards he showcased as a junior caught the eyes of scouts. Miller ran for 1,631 yards on 166 carries with 20 touchdowns and hauled in 28 receptions for 464 yards and eight touchdowns. Miller would only lose three fumbles with all those touches throughout high school. Miller was also a track and field sensation with a verified 10.71 seconds in the 100-meter dash. Miller held 28 offers and narrowed his choices to Texas, Baylor, Texas Tech, and Alabama. Miller’s usage during the Nick Saban era has been perplexing. 

As a true freshman, he made the rotation, which itself is an accomplishment as the Saban era was predicated on seniority and having to wait your turn. Alvin Kamara famously has been quoted as coming into the Alabama room, looking at the guys ahead of him, counting the years he had left, and taking his talents to Tennessee. Last year, Miller was the third-down back but never used as a receiver. Miller is a good pass blocker, but he possesses very soft hands, and someone should be a weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. It further compounded the confusion when Roydell Williams got snaps ahead of Miller a quarterway through the season, and Miller conceded that role to Williams. Coach Saban has been on record stating Miller is the most gifted athlete in the backfield, but he was never used that way. After the 2023 season, everything changed for Miller. Williams would enter the portal and end up at Florida State, Coach Saban would retire, and Kalen DeBoer would be named the new Head Coach at Alabama. Miller got a fresh start without ever having to pack up his belongings. Miller will now try to make it to his third year, his coming out party.

Strengths

His greatest strength is one Alabama fans haven’t seen: his ability as a receiver. Miller showcases soft hands and the ability to run routes as a Running Back. Miller did everything in high school, and his trait as a receiver and blocker should give him ample opportunities with the new staff. At worst, Miller should be the 1B this year for Alabama and handle the 3rd down role and key pass-blocking assignments. That is valuable and will give him more ways to see the field. Miller’s pass-blocking skills allow him to take on an onrushing defender and stop him in his tracks. Miller has put on weight this offseason and is now listed at 218lbs, which should further help him. If we look at Miller as a runner, he is a one-cut-and-go type of athlete and showcases good vision across the line. Miller has good lateral agility and can string along moves. Miller has the size and frame to handle a heavier workload. Miller showcases good footwork and is agile enough to get through the first level as a runner. When Miller is in space, he utilizes his track speed, and once he is in stride, he is tough to catch. Miller is best when he’s had time to adjust to game speed and get into rhythm. The new coaching staff liked what they saw in the spring, which culmulated in the spring game, where Miller had eight carries for 83 yards and two touchdowns. 

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