Name: Dante Miller
Year: Senior
Fall Sport: Football
Position: Running Back
Years on Varsity: 2 years
Playing Experience: 10 years (began playing when he was eight)
Height & Weight: 5’10”/185 lbs.
Favorite Subject: Physics
RSHS Sports: Track; 2 years at Richmond (100 meter, 200 meter, 4×1 and 4×2)
RSHS Extracurricular Activities: Miller, who is just as gifted academically as he is athletically, is a member of RSHS’ National Beta Club and National Honors Society.
Hobbies: Aside from football, Miller can be seen around town shredding on his skateboard and longboard. He also enjoys hitting the sticks, playing video games on his X-Box in his free time. He also volunteers at Xalt Church in Laurel Hill, N.C., and helps his mother’s party bus business.
College Aspirations: Miller is currently undergoing college recruitment for football by many notable Division I schools. The list includes, but is not limited to: Harvard, Princeton, James Madison University, Appalachian State and the United State Naval Academy.
Understanding the imperativeness of academic aspects of a university, Miller hopes to major in engineering. He has prepared for college by taking several advanced placement classes at RSHS.
Interesting Fact: When asked this question, Miller smiled and knew immediately what he wanted to say. He enjoys watching anime cartoons in Japanese without subtitles. Why? He says he likes the challenge of trying to understand what’s happening, while learning bits and pieces of the language. Not only does Miller enjoy the television shows, but he likes reading anime novels.
Player of the Week Stats:
Miller has undoubtedly been one of Richmond’s most potent offensive threats this year through four games. He has amassed 511 total rushing yards, and leads the team with seven rushing touchdowns.
In Friday’s game against Butler, Miller gathered a game-high 152 rushing yards on 24 attempts, while also finding the end zone three times. An incremental part of a second-half surge, Miller was resilient, and dashed for two 35+ yard touchdown runs. Working himself into a leadership role, Miller also had one reception for 25 yards.
What is your favorite part of being a Richmond Raider football player?
“There are so many great things about being a Richmond Raider football player,” Miller said. “Every time I put my jersey on, I feel like it’s a learning experience. There’s always so much more to learn, and this (program) helps me learn something new all the time.
“Richmond has such a rich history and football tradition,” Miller added. “When I get suited up for a game, I not only wear my jersey for myself, but also for my teammates and the people who wore it before me.”
What’s been special for you so far through the first four games of your senior year?
“I feel like I’m having my most spectacular year of playing football ever,” Miller said. “I’m getting better at ‘seeing’ what’s going on around me. I’m getting stronger and am figuring out what it takes to become a better running back.”
Coach’s Corner
In his first season as Richmond’s head coach, Bryan Till has taken a keen liking of his senior star running back. He nominated Miller as the Richmond Observer’s male athlete of the week for lots of reasons, but none other than the fact that he’s an incredibly tough football player.
“Dante is one of the toughest players on our team,” Till said. “When he gets onto the field, he does a great job of zoning in and understanding what he has to do. He has excellent field vision and knowledge of the game.
“Not only is he a smart young man,” Till added, “he’s a very athletically talented individual. He has developed so much in being able to make his blocks, cut for inside runs, and he’s proven to be coachable.”
When asked what made Miller a unique asset to the Raiders football team, Till noted his willingness to learn all he can to become a better player, as well as his great sense of humor.
“Dante continues to grow with each snap,” Till said. “We need him as a leader on the field and in practice, and he’s showing us he can do that. Plus he’s got a great sense of humor. Dante is always smiling and keeping his teammates upbeat.”
Look for Miller on the Richmond Observer’s flagship news program Live at 5, as he’ll be in studio for Wednesday’s edition.