No one is expecting Cameron Miller to set the world on fire this season. However, he’ll have the chance to do so.
Incoming freshman or not, Tennessee needs help on defense. That means Miller will get some opportunities if he’s ready to see the field this season. The Vols ranked dead last in the SEC in defending the pass. Sure, Tennessee’s quick-strike offense can put the Vols’ defense in bad positions, but it was readily apparent that more talent and more depth were needed on the defensive side of the ball.
Miller has already enrolled at UT, which he did in January. Going through spring practice should only help his ascension on Tennessee’s depth chart.
“Just been really maturing, the way that he’s just gone about his business,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said during a booster event in May. “I’m talking about academically, socially. He’s a guy that’s continuing to grow physically in his development. Got banged up in the middle part of spring ball and lost out on part of his development on the back half.”
Miller, who is 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, came to Tennessee with one of the best recruiting pedigrees in the 2022 class. The four-star prospect was rated a top-50 receiver in the nation by Rivals and ESPN. The standout from Memphis (Tenn.) Academy of Health Sciences had over 20 Div.-I scholarship offers, including eight offers from SEC schools. That athleticism should help Miller, who was moved to safety shortly after arriving on campus.
Miller will get his chances this season, even if he is just a freshman. The Vols aren’t expected to have a dominant defense. However, competent would be an improvement. Miller won’t be expected to pick up all the slack, but he can help.
Heupel has proven that he’s willing to play young, inexperienced players because, well, he hasn’t had much of a choice. Miller’s growth in the program makes playing him a much easier decision. Look for him to make at least a handful of key plays this fall.
