University of Massachusets Athletics
Miller Taking Part In Detroit Lions Rookie Mini-Camp
May 04, 2007 | Football
May 4, 2007
AMHERST, Mass. - UMass All-American center Alex Miller is participating in the Detroit Lions Rookie Mini-Camp this weekend. Miller is among more than 60 players taking part in the camp in Allen Park, Michigan. Miller started all 50 games in his decorated UMass career. He joins Steve Baylark (Cardinals), Brandon London (Giants) and David Thompson (Rams), who signed free agent contracts. Similar to Miller, James Ihedigbo was invited to New York Jets rookie mini-camp.
"We only have eight picks and we have over 60 guys coming in," said Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry on the Lions website. "It's a great opportunity for guys to come in and show what they've got. Excluding the draft picks, if we find one guy we like and we take to camp then it's been a successful weekend for us as a coaching staff."
Miller was am AFCA All-American Sports Network I-AA/FCS First Team All-American, College Sporting News Lineman Of the Year, Atlantic 10 First Team center and an ECAC First Team All-Star. Miller was a senior captain in leading UMass to a 13-2 as a senior as the Minutemen played in the NCAA Championship game. He was the leader of a UMass offensive line that has allowed just 37 sacks over the past three seasons in 37 games for 1.0 per game and only one sack every 28 pass attempts dating back to 2004. UMass led or tied for A-10 lead in fewest sacks allowed in each of last three years. Miller led the way for tailback Steve Baylark as he became the third player Division I-AA history with four 1,000-yard years.
