Dean Miller regains form, leads team in tackles
Kansas opened Big 12 play in with a statement rolling past West Virginia 41-10. One of the biggest storylines was the return to form of defensive end Dean Miller, who tied Blake Herold for a team-high seven tackles and added a sack.
After being slowed by an injury during fall camp, Miller looked every bit like himself again, and his game was noticeable along the defensive line.
“I feel like it was a huge statement,” he said. “We went out there, showed what we could do both offensively and defensively. We played complimentary football. I just can’t be more happy with our play.”
A challenge going into the game was West Virginia’s high-tempo offense, one of the fastest in the country. Kansas’ defense stayed disciplined, never allowing the Mountaineers to dictate the pace.
“I feel like we handled it really well,” Miller said. “We came in with a good game plan. When they subbed, we subbed too, and we knew how to handle it. We didn’t let it get the best of us, and we were well prepared at the end of the day.”
Part of that success came from setting the tone early. Kansas forced a three-and-out on West Virginia’s first possession, and the defensive stops piled up from there.
“You know, it’s huge,” Miller said. “If you can get them in a position where they have to start airing the ball out more and start thinking about their play calls, it allows us to slow the game down ourselves and just react out there.”
Miller back after slow camp
For Miller, the game was about getting back on track to show the form that earned him a second team All-Big 12 selection last season. After coming from missing time in fall camp he believes he is now 100%.
“It meant a lot,” he said of his performance. “Finally, this week I started feeling like myself again. I’m just looking to carry this momentum into the rest of the season and keep this thing rolling.”
He could tell a different in practice leading up to the game, when Miller felt his body begin to respond after weeks of treatment and limited reps.
“Honestly, just earlier last week I felt like I kind of turned a corner with those little nagging injuries I’d been dealing with,” he said. “My trainers were working relentlessly with me, and my coaches were making sure I was prepared both physically and mentally. They really got me ready.”
Part of the process was regaining confidence in his body. And coming back from the mental part of the game.
“Sometimes there can be a bit of a mental block when you’re coming back from a minor injury,” he explained. “You’re not sure if you can throw certain moves you’re used to. But as the week progressed, I just kept feeling more comfortable, feeling like myself again and just getting active out there.”
The timing was helped by the bye week, which gave Miller extra time to recover. Now, he hopes to build on the West Virginia game and get stronger from there.
“The bye week was huge,” Miller said. “I’ll give a lot of credit to that and my trainers for working with me relentlessly. We’re going to keep hammering away at it all season to make sure I’m ready to play at my peak level.”
