2023 NFL Draft: Aubrey Miller Jr.'s Time Has Arrived

Linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. is ready for the call. Which general manager is wise enough to select the fierce and highly competitive defender in this weekend's NFL Draft?

HOUSTON — If you are wondering why Aubrey Miller Jr. deserves to be drafted into the National Football League, consider the following reasons. To evaluate his talent, start by reviewing his tape. As you watch the video, please pay close attention to his impact on the battlefield. Additionally, consider the perspective of his former JSU teammate and friend, James "The Problem" Houston IV.

"I would say he's just the true story," Houston said of Miller. "I feel just like me. We're just HBCU guys, man. Even though we came from SEC schools coming in, getting that learning, understanding the grit, understanding the grind, and what it takes to really succeed and really put your whole heart into everything and want to succeed. I feel like that's a rare innate ability that a lot of people don't understand or comprehend."

THE IMPACT OF JACKSON STATE AND COACH PRIME

Miller is an exceptional player who consistently improved his performance in every game. By the end of his time at Jackson State, he had become a reliable playmaker for Coach Prime and the Tigers.

"Aubrey is one of the guys that we hang our hats on in the middle of the defense, making calls, getting to the ball, flying around, and really setting the tone and the tempo. Not just on game day, but in practice as well." Deion Sanders

Coach Prime was correct. "He was a great mentor to me. Telling me the right things to say. Telling me how to go about practice. Telling me how to talk to people, as far as my character, while showing me how I need to move around."

Aubrey was a key player in the No. 1 ranked defense in the FCS. The Tigers were undefeated until they faced the NCCU Eagles in the 2022 Celebration Bowl, which determined the HBCU National Championship. In that game, Miller had an impressive 11 tackles, 1 TFL, and even forced a fumble, but unfortunately, the Tigers lost in overtime, 41-34. Throughout the season, Miller's performance was consistently strong, as he tied for 9th in the FCS with a total of 112 tackles, averaging 8.6 tackles per game.

MILLER'S INFLUENCES

Aubrey was greatly influenced by Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, who he modeled his playing style. "Ray Lewis being able to control the volume of a team," Miller noted. "Being able to bring the energy. Not only off the field but on the field. I mean this guy who was laying everybody out, who's still able to make the plays, who seemed like he was still able to control the plays, that's the type of guy kind of brainwashed into me."

AUBREY ON JAMES HOUSTON IV OPENING DOORS

"He's opened the door for us. I think he knows that. And, like I say, he's made these dreams possible for me to see from what he has done as well. So, I'm proud of him. We always represent Jackson State, so we're going to keep doing it. For the rest, it's going to be history."

Aubrey learned life's lessons by observing the trials and tribulations of those around them. "We talk about a lot of inspirations. I mean, it's kind of how I prepare for life, seeing people's downfalls and mistakes," Miller remarked.

WHO'LL GIVE MILLER "THE OPPORTUNITY?"

The NFL Draft will begin Thursday, April 27. Much like his Jackson State running buddy, James Houston IV, Miller may have to wait until Saturday before receiving the call from the NFL. Any team with a need at linebacker could use Aubrey Miller Jr. He's a solid football player and has a tremendous upside. How an athlete learns to become a better athlete is an important characteristic. He has that "IT" factor you search for in players — like Houston.

"Hopefully, some of these teams could look at his tape, and look at him as a football player, his talents, and decide the pick him and not wait to six rounds," Houston cited. "So I'm really excited for him and his opportunity."

Miller is already an HBCU legend. We wait to see if a team would give him the proverbial "opportunity" and transform its defensive unit into one that is legendary via Aubrey Miller Jr.

We shall see.