Miller discusses his big day

The scholarship offers have been steadily arriving for Toledo (Ohio) St. John's lineman Matt Miller, but Friday saw a notable uptick in the action with Miami and Purdue joining the chase.

"Friday definitely was a big day and definitely exciting to get opportunities at new schools," Miller said. "Obviously it gives you a lot to think about."

The offer from Miami, in particular, was an exciting one for Miller because the Midwest native has ties going back some years with the Hurricane's program.

"My dad was actually in the wedding of a former player, Rob Chudzinski, and Chud was the offensive coordinator there when they were the national champions," Miller said. "That was when I was a little kid, so growing up I was always a big Hurricane's fan."

Chudzinski is now the offensive coordinator for the NFL's Carolina Panthers, but that connection did play a role in Miami becoming aware of Miller.

"Coach Chud and I are still very close," Miller said. "He talked with Coach [Art] Kehoe, then I gave Coach Kehoe a call. He and I had a really good conversation and that was when the offer came."

Miller is visiting Florida for spring break, and has discussed with his mother the possibility of swinging down to Miami for a day to check out the campus. He also would like to see Purdue, now that the Boilermakers have offered, and learn more about their program.

"I don't know a whole lot about Purdue," Miller said. "Coach [Kevin] Wolthausen and I have talked a few times, but I have never been there. Obviously I have watched enough of their program just being a Midwest kid, and I know [them] from watching Purdue, but as far as the campus goes and the coaching staff I don't know a whole lot."

Both Miami and Purdue are recruiting Miller as an offensive lineman. He has the ability to play either side of the football in college, but several of his recent offers have been for offense.

"Ultimately I think I knew that was going to happen," Miller said. "My junior film will show I had a really successful year on the offensive side of the ball and I think a lot of schools look at my frame, see they can put some pounds on me and be a good offensive lineman for them."

Miller has not scheduled any dates for upcoming college visits, but does plan to take in several spring practices and games in the next couple months.