THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Houston High School Athletics

Derrick Miller truly loves the game of football. When he’s not playing it or isn't working on his homework, he’s breaking down game film. Sometimes it’s his own film, analyzing what he did wrong, what his weaknesses are and what he’s going to focus on during practice. He watches opposing defensive backs and pays attention to how they line up before the ball is snapped. He picks up on how they move to determine how he’s going to release off the line. Other times, he’s watching professionals, specifically Ja’Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals top receiver, and Davante Adams. Miller even said he’s sometimes compared to Adams, more so because of his dreadlocks, which hang down to about his shoulder. Miller is a skilled route runner though, so maybe they see similarities in the two’s game. When he's watching Chase or Adams highlights, he’s watching their releases and how they get past defensive backs. "It’s a lot of stuff that comes with getting open for your quarterback to hit you,” Miller said. Those film sessions have been some of the most important reasons Miller has had a break out junior season for Houston (1-1). Miller has 13 catches for 254 yards with four touchdowns in two games for Houston (1-1). His development into becoming the top receiver for the Mustangs and replacing graduated 6-foot-11 tight end Brock Vice began well before he started taking consistent offensive snaps this season. "I pretty much had to step up regardless of who left,” Miller said. “We’re trying to go a long way this year.” Balling out as a freshman Junior quarterback Chandler Day had a smile shoot across his face every time he was asked to talk about Miller's playmaking ability. Day’s been playing with Miller since they were freshmen. It’s a bond and on-field chemistry that’s been growing in the background for three years now. “These two guys have been together for two years,” said Houston coach James Thomas. “This is their third year together and they know each other on the field, and they trust each other.” Day isn’t the least bit surprised to see Miller's hot start. “Freshman year, you could really tell now you’re really starting to see it against older guys and bigger guys,” Day said. Back then, Day said hardly anybody could keep up with Miller. That still holds true two years later. it's why Miller is also playing on defense in the secondary, where he spent most of his sophomore season. “When it comes down to it, you’re going to see him all over the field," Thomas said. "He’s that type of talent.” Gaining trust with Chandler Day, Houston coaches Miller was already having a good scrimmage against Memphis University School back in late July. First it was a hitch route to Miller that gained 10 yards. The next play, Day remembers a run play coming in. Miller looked at Day and decided to call his own number. Miller wanted a hitch-and-go. Day told the coaches they should run that play to Miller instead. He started his route, cut like he was doing a hitch like the play before, then he cut again, shot up the field and burned the defensive back for an explosive play. That play was significant for a couple of reasons. It showed the coaching staff has trust in their quarterback-wide receiver duo, who have complete trust in each other. It also validated why they were so confident in Miller. "We’ve always known that DJ was a special talent,” said Thomas. With the success he’s had through two games, Miller is confident as ever he’ll continue to produce. He loves the game too much to let his skills not improve. “The bar has been set high because of the things I’ve done in the past (couple) games,” Miller said. “As we keep progressing, it’s going to get higher and higher.”

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Houston High School Athletics

WHY HOUSTON FOOTBALL ISN'T SURPRISED OF DERRICK MILLER'S FAST START TO 2023 TSSAA SEASON

WYNSTON WILCOX

Commercial Appeal | 8/31/2023