AJ Miller Puts Syracuse 'at The Top' After Official Visit
Class of 2024 Rye (NY) High quarterback AJ Miller was extended a preferred walk-on (PWO) offer by the new Syracuse staff. An official visit was quickly set up, which took place over the last few days.
"They rolled out the red carpet for me and my father," Miller said. "They had eight guys following us around, taking care of us. It was tremendous the love and support we were shown. It really showed a lot. Spearheaded by Caleb Holfoth and Khalil Ahmad. It was unreal. We went to the FSU game in the Dome. The Dome atmosphere was amazing. Unfortunately came up short but it was fun. Having so many members of the staff with me. Coach Harris from the quarterback staff was with me the whole time.
"Then we woke up, I went to campus and saw the Newhouse school. Obviously such a tremendous academic school. Got to see the facilities and what that offers me in terms of life after football. (Wednesday) was all football, all business. We started with breakfast up at Rise N Shine. That was pretty awesome, I enjoyed that a lot. Then it was just me and my dad and like eight guys, giving us everything we need. Then it was time to start talking ball. The one thing I will say is they said I'm the only PWO offered quarterback for them in the country."
During the visit, he spoke with the coaches about the quarterback room, his potential role, and the opportunity to earn a scholarship.
"They're keeping that room light on purpose," Miller said. "I'm not just coming in to be a tackling dummy, I'd be coming in to play football and compete. That was huge for my dad and I to hear. They said they treat everybody the same. Once you're here, we love you. They're taking care of you. That was something my dad and I loved to hear. There's a chance for me to grow, chance for me to play. I'll have every opportunity to earn that job during my time at Syracuse.
"I love all the strength staff and how the players love them. That was huge to hear from them and everything about that. After that we went with the Director of Player Personnel and went over the facilities being built. That itself was state of the art. Then we talked about academic support. If I do, I'm going to go to Newhouse. That was really good to know that I have so much support."
The coaches conveyed how they see the 6-3, 200 pound quarterback's skill set fitting into their offensive system.
"I have a great relationship with coach Nunz and coach Nixon," Miller said. "Now with coach Harris. They were telling me how they want to push the ball downfield. That's what they went over with my film the fact that I made every throw from every hash, sideline to sideline. That's what they're looking for. They want to push the ball downfield, RPOs. Then we went over the quick game and different concepts against cover two, how to break it down. Cover one. Quarters. It was really talking ball. Coach Harris was really impressed with the way I digested information."
During the visit, Miller spoke with freshman running back Yasin Willis.
"It was awesome to get a chance to talk to him at the apartments," Miller said. "He's loved it so far. He's joking how he's ready to be done with the snow, but he really likes coach Fran and the whole offense. It's a learning curve though. I understand as a quarterback I'm going to have to come in and really study the offense. It will be like that at any school I go to. Especially at the level of school like Syracuse. He said he really likes the offense and how everything operates. He's excited."
Overall, the visit only enhanced Miller's view of the Orange.
"I don't think I really appreciated how tremendous the opportunity at Syracuse was," Miller said. "I didn't realize how light the room was. Syracuse is now at the top. Other schools, it's going to be interesting to see how things shake out before signing day on the 7th. Syracuse exceeded my expectations."
Miller has an official visit at Fordham this weekend, and may visit UConn, who just recently offered, before signing day as well. A decision could come anytime between now and signing day. Miller threw for 2,948 yards with 28 touchdowns on 71% completion during his senior season.
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