Former Scotts Valley High School wide receiver Matt Miller is heading into his senior season at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. The 2007 Falcon alumnus hopes to help his team return to the NCAA division 1-AA football playoffs again this season. Weber State made the playoffs for three years in a row before going 6-5 last season and missing the playoffs by one game.
Miller, the 5 foot, 10 inch, 185 pound who wears No. 34, is a slot receiver and special team’s player for the Wildcats. He played one season at Cabrillo College before transferring Weber State. He came home to Scotts Valley for a one week vacation this summer, but is back in Utah prepping for his final season. I caught up with him this week to hear about his experience on the gridiron.
Nathan Beck: What was the transition like going from Scotts Valley and Cabrillo to a Division 1-AA football program?
Matt Miller: It was very different, everybody here is an excellent football player, so what sets you apart is dedication and the ability to see the X’s and O’s translate onto the field.
NB: What are you guys doing to get ready for the 2011 season?
MM: We are working out with heavy lifting four days a week and running four days a week. We are running our own player-run 7-on-7 practices until camp starts and we get to live practices. We will then go into a three week two-a-day camp in the dorms here to really get the ball rolling.
NB: How does the team look going into this season?
MM: We should be much more balanced then we were last season. Our defense was really good last year but we struggled a bit on offense. This year we are looking much better all around and it should show in our game play.
NB: Do you have any big goals for your senior season?
MM: I really want to contribute more on offense this year. Last year I got to see a good amount of playing time but would like to see more. I did really well on special teams and hope to continue that along with a bigger role in the offensive scheme. Really I will just do whatever it takes to help the team get the win.
NB: Do you have any big rival games?
MM: Both Montana and Montana State are huge games for us. We beat Montana 30-21 last year at home but will be playing at their house this year so we have our work cut out for us.
n Sports reporter Nathan Beck profiles accomplished athletes from the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley. Know someone he should talk to? E-mail him at na****@pr*********.com.
