Interview: 2022 Miami Central All-State IOL Elijah Miller is a Beast in the Trenches
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a good reason Elijah Miller is good natured and fun to talk to, because when the ball snaps, that nice guy turns into a beast letting out the days’ frustrations relentlessly for four quarters. At the end of the 2020 campaign, Miami Central posted an 8-1 record with their right guard earning second team All-State honors. Now the 6-3, 320-pound, Class of 2022 standout is ready to make college programs take notice with a big senior season planned.
Interview
Elijah, you were a force on the Rockets offensive line blowing 5A Florida defenders off the line. When you closed the book on the 2020 season, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
I did great. It was something that I did not expect. I had just come off playing JV. Going into my 11th grade year, it was all new. I put my head down and kept grinding.
Entering into the offseason, what have you been working on with your pass-pro?
My feet, stepping hard, being quick inside, and setting up for the defender. I am trying to get my feet and hands quicker so it looks great on film for the college coaches.
What have you been working on with your run blocking?
My squats. I want to knock guys off their feet pancake style. That is one of the biggest things for me. Everything else I have down pat.
Which lifts and/or exercises have you been doing to bring more power and agility to your skillset?
A lot of lunges, squats, and leg presses – maxing out on that and squat. I use a 45-pound plate when I do lunges. I am also doing cleans, bench, and deadlifts – a lot of those. We have a great strength and conditioning coach. He stays on us.
What are your maxes in the weight room?
My squat is 455, my bench is 330, and my deadlift is 550.
What style of offense will the team execute this fall?
All of them. We run everything at Miami Central. Our coaches’ styles are different. We can do anything.
When the 2021 season gets going, what are you ready to showcase with your skills after all this hard work?
I’m ready to show them everything. Everyone would say I look like I weigh too much, I am ready to show that I am faster and have quicker hands and feet. My kick step is better. I move like a tackle even though I am a guard. I am ready to show everyone that I am better than I was in 2020 – way better.
Did you compete at any national camps this offseason?
Yes, I went to the Adidas FBU camp.
How did the FBU camp go?
It was great. I was invited to Top Gun.
Did you compete at any college camps?
Yes, I went to FIU for three days and to a UM (Miami) camp.
The Miami camp, how did that go?
Not how I wanted, because I was suffering an injury. But there are no excuses, I am a player. I will come back from that.
And the FIU camp, how did that camp performance go?
The FIU camp was great. I got the chance to meet Coach (Joel) Rodriguez (OL), that is my guy. They are showing a lot of interest in me as well.
Let’s stick with that. Which programs are showing interest?
Miami, FIU, Georgia, Bryant University, UCF, Tennessee State, and East Carolina.
How many offers do you have?
I have one for guard now, all my other offers were as a defensive lineman. I played that my ninth-grade year at St. Thomas Aquinas. Allen, they are an HBCU in Columbia, South Carolina, has offered me as an offensive lineman.
Which schools offered you as a defensive tackle?
La Grange, Notre Dame, Northern Iowa, and Tennessee State.
This summer, did you visit any colleges?
Yes, I visited FAU, Miami, and FIU.
Are there any schools upcoming you may visit?
I might visit Ithica College (NY), Allen (SC) on an official visit, and Bryant University.
Last question. Miami Central gets California powerhouse St. John Bosco this season. Are you excited for that matchup against the Braves?
Oh yeah. I am as ready as I can be. I am so excited about that game. In Little League I played against some of those guys. We competed against each other in national games growing up playing for “Battle” companies. It will be nice to go against those guys again. It will be a nice experience going to Cali, showing them what Miami is about. We have beast here, and they have them too. But we are ready to show that Dade County talent.
Elijah, I enjoyed our conversation today. Wishing you the best this season.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Miller family; Elijah Miller