Meet Blake Miller, the next road grader at Clemson

CLEMSON — Blake Miller is an Ohio native from the suburbs of Cleveland — smack dab in the middle of Ohio State’s backyard. The Buckeyes typically don’t let blue-chip offensive line prospects out of the state.

Clemson made it happen with this class of 2022 prospect.

Who is Blake Miller?

Miller is ranked No. 195 in the current 247 Sports Composite rankings, coming in as a top-10 player in the state of Ohio, while being a top-25 offensive tackle in the class. Miller started for Strongsville (Oh.) his sophomore season at left tackle.

In 2021, the Mustangs finished just 2-4 in a shortened high school football season due to COVID-19.

What does Blake Miller add to Clemson?

There are certain body types programs target on the offensive line and Miller fits the mold. At 6-foot-6 and over 300 pounds, Miller has a college-ready frame now. With this frame is plenty of power to knock back defenders with a heavy punch. That is only going to improve in Clemson’s strength and conditioning program.

Miller projects to be a right tackle where his length and power will be put to good use.

Clemson stole an offensive tackle from Ohio State’s backyard. (Blake Miller/Clemson)

How did we get here?

Being one of the best offensive line prospects in the state of Ohio, Miller had plenty of interest on the recruiting trail. The offensive tackle had a ton of offers and visited Clemson, Indiana, Michigan, and Notre Dame.

Miller would announce a top-five on Oct. 19, 2020, and would end the process just a week later when the blue-chipper committed to Clemson. Not often do programs beat out Ohio State for in-state blue-chips, but Clemson did in this recruitment.

Big Picture

Clemson has turned into a national recruiting brand under Dabo Swinney, and the recruitment of Miller shows just that. The Tigers were able to go into Ohio State’s backyard and steal a blue-chip tackle prospect just a few years after doing the same thing with Jackson Carman. The Tigers carry some big-time recruiting chops everywhere in the United States.

On the field, Miller is a player that brings great power combined with a very heavy punch. This will allow the blue-chipper to be a force in the run game. The pass protection piece will need to be further developed over time, but the long frame gives the young player a great chance to grow in that regard.

Score a big-time recruiting win for offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell.