CU Star Lineman Ryan Miller A Shoe-In For The NFL
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - Mountain boys grow pretty big in Colorado. From Erik Pears to Tyler Polumbus to Nate Solder -- and now Ryan Miller. He's the latest homegrown offensive lineman to graduate to the NFL.
Miller was a man-child when he played at Columbine High School. Many could tell he was NFL material back then. The draft is this weekend and it's almost certain they'll call the University of Colorado star's name.
"It is really here now. I have worked my tail end off. It's been five years in college and four years in high school and how many ever years in pee-wee and midget football. Okay, this is the big ticket. This is your chance to really say, 'Hey, I am one of the best at what I do," Miller said.
Miller's mother has been watching him since he started playing football when he was about 10. If fact, she has never missed a game. And mom knew early on just how special her son was.
"I really thought he would be here. I really believed he would be here. I really expected him to be here. I think all of us saw greatness in Ryan that Ryan didn't recognize yet," Daylyn Miller said. "Even earlier his little league coach, Chris Littlefield, thought the same thing. I think we finally convinced Ryan of it."
Even with offers from about 30 schools nationwide, Miller decided CU was the place for him. He said he doesn't at all regret his decision.
"I'd make (that decision) 10 times out of 10. Colorado always has been and will be forever home," Miller said.
Miller said he wouldn't say no if he was able to stay in Colorado and play for the Denver Broncos.
"I think what they've done here recently with Denver is fantastic, bringing back Elway and now Manning. I think what Denver is doing is their doing a great job and they'll only going to get better," he said.
"If he stayed here there will be a scream that reverberates across the state," his mother said.
Plenty of teams have shown interest in Miller. He admits it's hard to tell the difference between the really sincere teams and those that are just bluffing. He said his agent has been pretty good at keeping him informed about the teams that are really interested.
"Some teams will work you out and ask you not to tell anyone. It's a lot of smoke and mirrors," Miller said.
Miller is about to live his dream by playing the sport he loves against the best players in the world, and he can't wait.
