Ventrell Miller named Gators' Wuerffel Man of the Year

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•12/31/22•

delatorre

Florida Gators sixth-year senior linebacker Ventrell Miller was named the Florida Gators’ Danny Wuerffel Man of the Year.

“Ventrell embodies everything that you want in a student-athlete and everything you would ever hope for in a student-athlete. His passion for the game and his passion to everything that he’s doing. That’s why Ventrell Miller is this year’s Man of the Year,” Wuerffel said in a video. “The man of the year is something that honors somebody who embodies leadership. This is someone who is making everyone around them better. I am thrilled that Ventrell Miller is this year’s man of the year.”

Miller was named the Wuerffel Man of the Month in August. 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.

At the end of the year team banquet, Miller was the most recognized player on the team. He was voted a team captain by his teammates and named the Defensive Player of the Year. He was also given the Fergie Ferguson Award, which is presented annually to the senior football player who displays outstanding leadership, character, and courage.

Billy Napier on Ventrell Miller

“Ventrell Miller is as good of a human being as I’ve been around in my career,” Billy Napier said of Miller. “I can’t compliment him enough. His ability to affect the other players, his consistency as a person. There’s no wavering on his words, his actions, his care for other people. He’s an old soul. He has the ability to see the big picture and really care for other people. Very unique player, and he’s a heck of a football player. He in particular is one I will remember for sure.”

Gator teammates react

Quarterback Anthony Richardson:

“Ventrell Miller is definitely a guy that I appreciate and love a lot. He gives everything he has on the team and the people around in the building. He pushes you to be the best that you can be. He’s definitely done that for me.” 

Linebacker Shemar James:

“It was an honor playing next to you. I just wanted to say thank you for being a big brother to me and the rest of the freshmen and underclassmen.” 

Linebacker Derek Wingo:

“You made my experience at the University of Florida amazing. Being someone that I look up to and strive to be and a guy that I take after as he was in his time here.” 

You may also like