Ventrell Miller named Florida Gators Wuerffel Man of the Month
Florida Gators linebacker Ventrell Miller is the Wuerffel Man of the Month.
The honor is given monthly to “a football scholar-athlete that exemplifies the Gator Standard, demonstrating holistic excellence in leadership, character, service, and academics.” The distinction is not an on-field achievement, but rather one about the character of the player.
Miller, a sixth-year senior, has come a long way during his time in Gainesville. He was suspended for all of his freshman season in 2017 but played in 36 games over the next three years. He played in just two in 2021 before an injury derailed his season.
“It’s definitely a revenge year,” Miller said at SEC Media Days. “I think just coming out and being hurt all last year, I feel like I have a lot of personal gain I’m trying to get in and try to do good things. It’s a personal year for me.”
Miller earned his third straight Butkus Award Watch List honor, announced in July.
He has played in 38 career games for the Orange and Blue posting 166 tackles, 15 TFLs, 7.5 sacks and six pass breakups. The Lakeland, Fla. native also is a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient and SEC Defensive Player of the Week. In his freshman season, he recorded an 82-yard interception return for a touchdown against Idaho for the ninth-longest in school history.
Miller returns from injury
2021 wasn’t the year that Miller expected. The senior linebacker was set to have the biggest season of his career. One final send-off before testing the NFL Draft. Two games into the season, Miller tore his biceps tendon and was done for the year.
Now, 23 years old, Miller is tasked with being a leader in the locker room and on the field.
“Definitely didn’t envision it, but it’s been a great time, especially with the new staff coming in,” Miller said of being back in Gainesville for a sixth season. “I feel like it’s been a great year so far, just having that bond with all my teammates. Coach Napier came in and emphasized that teamwork and relationships with all your teammates. I’ve seen a lot, so I’m just trickling down that information to the younger guys.”
Part Wuerffel Man of the Month Honorees
The Wuerffel Man of the Month tradition was introduced in April. Outside linebacker Chief Borders earned the first recognition. Long snapper Marco Ortiz earned the second honor and offensive tackle Michael Tarquin was recognized in May. Nay’Quan Wright was the most recent recipient.
