Garrett Miller to lead Purdue's tight ends into 2023
You’ve seen the flashes. First, a 40-yard touchdown reception showed off his athleticism in a 2020 loss against Northwestern. Then, an eight-catch, 74-yard performance against third-ranked Michigan State helped set off a field-storming at Ross-Ade Stadium in 2021. Now, after missing the 2022 season with a torn ACL, Garrett Miller’s veteran presence will lead Purdue’s tight end room into a new era of Boilermaker football.
There was a lot to like at the tight end spot coming into last season for Purdue. Payne Durham stood as one of the nation’s most proven tight ends, while Miller’s athleticism made for intriguing thoughts about two-tight end formations.
Then, in one of fall camp’s first practices, the hype came to a halt when Miller went down with that knee injury that ended his season. As Durham went on to a strong season that led to an NFL Draft selection, Miller had to watch from the sidelines.
“Sitting back on the sideline made me realize you can’t take these snaps for granted,” said Miller. “You gotta continue to put your best foot forward and keep grinding.”
The road to recovery wasn’t always easy on the big tight end, as he still practices in limited quantities to help protect that knee.
“We’re just following the protocol that our doctors, trainers and head coach have set for him,” tight ends coach Seth Doege said of Miller. “We do as many walk-throughs as possible, and we watch as much film as possible to take mental reps.”
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Now healthy, Miller says he plans to be ready for Purdue’s season opener against Fresno State on Sept. 2. For the first time in his career, he’ll enter the season atop Purdue’s depth chart at the tight end spot.
Whereas Jeff Brohm’s offense predominantly used tight ends as pass-catchers rather than blockers, Miller indicated that he’ll see more of a mix between run-blocking and pass-catching assignments this season.
He’ll also line up in different positions than he did in the past. Doege will ask his tight ends to line up in the slot, in the H-back position and in the classic in-line tight end spot.
“You have to be versatile and you have to create separation in the pass game. That’s who we are. We like to spread it around and throw it around the yard,” said Doege.
Miller’s unique athleticism for a tight end could fit nicely in this scheme if he can regain burst post-injury, but Purdue’s tight end room features plenty of athleticism entering this season.
In addition to Miller, Paul Piferi offers a big frame, while Max Klare and Drew Biber provide long, lanky targets in the pass game. It’s a tight end room set to make plays in the pass game.
As a fifth-year senior, Miller’s the elder statesman in the tight end room, but he doesn’t necessarily feel that way.
“Time’s been flying. I don’t feel like an old man; I feel like I’m just getting started. Purdue’s been great to me, so I’m going to continue to keep my head down and keep working,” Miller said.
