*a series dedicated to profiling the players on the Giants’ roster. Know The Giant will be released daily from now until the start of the season. Up next: running back Dante “Turbo” Miller.
Basic Information
- Age: 25
- College: University of South Carolina
- Experience: ROOKIE
- Signed by the Giants as a free agent
Career Statistics
- Four years of college, including first three years at Colombia University.
- 2020 season at Colombia was canceled due to COVID
- Best season was in 2021, when he had 145 carries for 809 yards and four touchdowns
- Walked on to South Carolina in 2022, playing just six games (six carries, 38 yards, zero scores)
Dante Miller coming at ya! pic.twitter.com/bNpq9vxoKu
— Famously Garnet Sports (@FamouslyGarnet) April 16, 2023
Overview
Miller’s journey to the NFL is unusual. His college career began as any other prospect. The running back spent his first three years at Colombia University, amassing over 200 carries and six touchdowns during his time there.
After graduating, Miller decided to walk on to the University of South Carolina. But, because COVID canceled his chance to play in 2020, the NCAA ruled that Miller had just one year of eligibility available.
It was an uneventful 2022 season, with Miller failing to score a touchdown and having just six carries in six games the entire season.
Things got more complicated. The NCAA took longer than usual to determine Miller to be ineligible to play in 2023, to where it was too late for him to declare for the NFL Draft as the deadline passed. So, he became a free agent (and not allowed to be part of the 2024 draft).
After his dreams of making the NFL looked diminished, the Giants brought him in for a workout in May and were impressed to sign him to the team.
2024 Expectations
Dante Miller has "flashed" when returning kickoffs, per Art Stapleton.
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) June 12, 2024
He believes his "real impact" could be in the return game.
Miller posted a 4.27 40-yard dash time at his South Carolina Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/DH9NDA8Bdn
It will be tough for Miller to carve a spot in the running back room. With Devin Singletary and Eric Gray likely set as the first two running backs, and Tyrone Tracy being drafted in the fifth round, Dante Miller will likely make the team because of his play on special teams.
But, if called upon, he can serve a role in the backfield and do the most with his carries. He ran a 4.27 40-yard dash, which was one of the faster times out of everyone in this past’s scouting combine.
His film shows that he is an explosive back. Despite all the adversity, he’s made it to this point. It will be interesting to see if he can play well enough to make the 53-man roster.
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Featured Image: Luke Hales/Getty Images