Miller connects with old friend at Iowa

Iowa tight end Ray Hamilton goes back a long way with the family of Toledo (Ohio) St. John's junior defensive end Matt Miller. This weekend, the two Ohio natives had a chance to catch up when Miller took an unofficial visit to Iowa City.

"It was cool being with Ray… Ray and I are like brothers," Miller said. "I talked to him briefly before and after the game, and then I met up with him and his family afterwards. We got a chance to look around a little bit and meet a couple guys on the team. He really likes Iowa and thinks it would be a good fit for me."

Hamilton did not have to do much selling with Miller. The visit itself accomplished the task of getting the Toledo native more interested in the Hawkeyes.

"Obviously it is a bit of a trip, but Iowa City is really a great place with some really great people," Miller said. "Kinnick is awesome and the fans are great there. Iowa football is so rich in tradition and obviously has been so successful, not only with their team, but individuals. They send more guys to the NFL than just about anybody."

The 6-5, 250-pound Miller has already garnered an offer from Toledo, and is receiving interest from schools across the Midwest. He was encouraged by the interest showed by Iowa coaches on this weekend's visit.

"I talked to Coach [Phil] Parker a lot. He and my head coach go back about 20 years or so," Miller said. He seemed really interested and we've got to get him the film so we can see what is going on there."

Miller made the visit to Iowa City with his teammate and friend, class of 2013 quarterback Brogan Roback.

Next up for Miller will be an unofficial visit to Wisconsin on Nov. 26 for the Badger's home contest with Penn State. He is also planning a Dec. 3 visit to Cincinnati to see the Bearcat's home finale.

St. John's finished the season with a 7-3 record, narrowing missing the playoffs. Miller contributed with 43 tackles, including 13 for loss and three sacks.