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8/21/2010, 09:44 AM
http://newsok.com/consistency-will-determine-whether-dejuan-miller-starts/article/3487283?custom_click=lead_story_title
Consistency will determine whether Dejuan Miller starts
Wide receiver wants to crack No. 1 lineup
BY MIKE BALDWIN, Staff Writer, [email protected] Oklahoman Comment on this article 1
Published: August 20, 2010
NORMAN — After Dejuan Miller developed late last season into the Sooners' top receiving option — other than Ryan Broyles — speculation by media was Miller would be in the starting lineup.
Miller is a candidate to start OU's Sept. 4 opener against Utah State. But with freshman Kenny Stills making a strong impression, and others showing improvement, wide receivers coach Jay Norvell said playing time will be determined by consistent production.
"We had some guys start last year by default," Norvell said. "We were not happy with our level of play offensively. Part of that was the wide receivers weren't as competitive as we needed to be.
"This is a new season. Yeah, Dejuan did a good job at the end of last year. But he has to continue to make strides."
Miller, a junior from New Jersey, rarely saw action in nonconference play. His breakout game was nine receptions against Kansas State. Capped by six receptions in the Sun Bowl, Miller finished as OU's third-leading receiver behind Broyles and DeMarco Murray.
"Every time I step on the practice field my confidence is up," Miller said. "I pretty much have the whole playbook down. It's coming a lot more natural for me than it did last year."
If Miller can provide consistent production, he gives OU a 6-foot-4, 221-pound mismatch against small defensive backs, a jump-ball option in the red zone.
"That's something I like," Miller said. "You kind of toy with them. I like using my body and strength where I can muscle them, seal them off, sort of like boxing out in basketball. But I'm not just a possession receiver. I have some go in me."
Norvell, though, said that's one area Miller must show consistency.
"Sometimes little guys play big, and sometimes big guys don't play as big as they are," Norvell said. "Ryan Broyles plays pretty big. He's only 5-10, but when we throw a ball to him, he jumps up over a guy and makes the catch."
While height can be an advantage taller, receivers must develop other fundamentals like route running and getting out of cuts quickly to create separation from small, quick defenders.
"The key is getting off the line," Miller said. "You have to get the DB's hands off you. You can't slow down the route. Anytime a DB gets his hands on you, that's a half second late on an out route or a post (route). You're not just fighting the DB, you're fighting the defensive line getting to the quarterback.
"Separation, to me, is the biggest thing. If you can get separation it allows the quarterback more time to find you, be a bigger target."
One variable in Miller's favor is he developed a rapport with quarterback Landry Jones late last season.
"He's one of those guys who needed to work on his route running a little bit, and he's doing that," Jones said. "He's a big, tall guy who can box out receivers and play physical. I have total faith in him that he will do a great job."
Since he provided steady production late last season, Norvell was asked what Miller needs to do to nail down a starting job.
"Make plays consistently, the depth of his routes," Norvell said. "He's a big, long-legged guy. At times he's shown the ability to catch the ball in a crowd. We need him to be a consistent playmaker."
OU coach Bob Stoops offered a similar evaluation: "Dejuan is playing better, but you've got to see it in games. He needs to show up when you really need it. He needs to continue to improve on how he's playing. But I saw some of that the last few days."
Miller is confident he can build on his late-season breakout.
"I'm focused more on the little things, what to do against certain coverages like giving a DB a different release," Miller said. "My understanding of the game has definitely improved. I feel like one of the older guys now. As a veteran I need to make plays."
Read more: http://newsok.com/consistency-will-determine-whether-dejuan-miller-starts/article/3487283?custom_click=lead_story_title#ixzz0xFfjSzZ G
Consistency will determine whether Dejuan Miller starts
Wide receiver wants to crack No. 1 lineup
BY MIKE BALDWIN, Staff Writer, [email protected] Oklahoman Comment on this article 1
Published: August 20, 2010
NORMAN — After Dejuan Miller developed late last season into the Sooners' top receiving option — other than Ryan Broyles — speculation by media was Miller would be in the starting lineup.
Miller is a candidate to start OU's Sept. 4 opener against Utah State. But with freshman Kenny Stills making a strong impression, and others showing improvement, wide receivers coach Jay Norvell said playing time will be determined by consistent production.
"We had some guys start last year by default," Norvell said. "We were not happy with our level of play offensively. Part of that was the wide receivers weren't as competitive as we needed to be.
"This is a new season. Yeah, Dejuan did a good job at the end of last year. But he has to continue to make strides."
Miller, a junior from New Jersey, rarely saw action in nonconference play. His breakout game was nine receptions against Kansas State. Capped by six receptions in the Sun Bowl, Miller finished as OU's third-leading receiver behind Broyles and DeMarco Murray.
"Every time I step on the practice field my confidence is up," Miller said. "I pretty much have the whole playbook down. It's coming a lot more natural for me than it did last year."
If Miller can provide consistent production, he gives OU a 6-foot-4, 221-pound mismatch against small defensive backs, a jump-ball option in the red zone.
"That's something I like," Miller said. "You kind of toy with them. I like using my body and strength where I can muscle them, seal them off, sort of like boxing out in basketball. But I'm not just a possession receiver. I have some go in me."
Norvell, though, said that's one area Miller must show consistency.
"Sometimes little guys play big, and sometimes big guys don't play as big as they are," Norvell said. "Ryan Broyles plays pretty big. He's only 5-10, but when we throw a ball to him, he jumps up over a guy and makes the catch."
While height can be an advantage taller, receivers must develop other fundamentals like route running and getting out of cuts quickly to create separation from small, quick defenders.
"The key is getting off the line," Miller said. "You have to get the DB's hands off you. You can't slow down the route. Anytime a DB gets his hands on you, that's a half second late on an out route or a post (route). You're not just fighting the DB, you're fighting the defensive line getting to the quarterback.
"Separation, to me, is the biggest thing. If you can get separation it allows the quarterback more time to find you, be a bigger target."
One variable in Miller's favor is he developed a rapport with quarterback Landry Jones late last season.
"He's one of those guys who needed to work on his route running a little bit, and he's doing that," Jones said. "He's a big, tall guy who can box out receivers and play physical. I have total faith in him that he will do a great job."
Since he provided steady production late last season, Norvell was asked what Miller needs to do to nail down a starting job.
"Make plays consistently, the depth of his routes," Norvell said. "He's a big, long-legged guy. At times he's shown the ability to catch the ball in a crowd. We need him to be a consistent playmaker."
OU coach Bob Stoops offered a similar evaluation: "Dejuan is playing better, but you've got to see it in games. He needs to show up when you really need it. He needs to continue to improve on how he's playing. But I saw some of that the last few days."
Miller is confident he can build on his late-season breakout.
"I'm focused more on the little things, what to do against certain coverages like giving a DB a different release," Miller said. "My understanding of the game has definitely improved. I feel like one of the older guys now. As a veteran I need to make plays."
Read more: http://newsok.com/consistency-will-determine-whether-dejuan-miller-starts/article/3487283?custom_click=lead_story_title#ixzz0xFfjSzZ G