Interview: 10-Offer 4-Star 2023 Alabama CB Dale Miller Showcasing the Skills at SEC Camps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some elite football players get after it using their overwhelming athleticism able to dominate the competition no matter who they face. Others, they take it to another level. At Hoover High School, standout four-star Alabama cornerback Dale Miller not only has the speed to match any receiver the opposition puts before him, but he is also playing chess while most others are back on checkers.
The attention to detail shows in Miller’s game. Even in his own words, he’s not the biggest guy on the field, at 5-10, 162 pounds, but he is one of the most technically sound and fastest. A lot of high school speed demons brag about their 40 without an official time posted; Miller dropped a 4.48 at a Mississippi State camp. Put the technique with speed and the add the football IQ, college programs from the Pac-12, ACC, and SEC are dropping offers.
In an RNG first-look confab, Miller updates us on his busy college camp circuit with insight on his expanding recruiting options.
Interview
Dale, once you wrapped a successful 2020 campaign on the field, what did you start working on with your game?
Overall getting better. I have worked on my football IQ a lot. I’m not 6-0, 180. This offseason I have worked to get smarter on the field to know what is going on in all situations. I have worked on my weaknesses.
What have you been doing to add more speed and athleticism to your game?
Band work and I run hills a lot to work on my speed. I work with a speed trainer. We work on the track, work on my 40, my start and stance, and coming out. I’ve been doing everything. I am working with a trainer or I do it on my own because I have been training so long.
Do you compete in any other varsity sports?
I will start back running track. I used to play basketball.
With all the speed work put into athletic gifts, have you posted a 40 time this spring or summer?
Yes, sir. A 4.48.
That’s fantastic. Where did you run that?
At Mississippi State.
No arguing that time.
No, sir.
During the 2020 season, what coverages were you guys executing?
Cover 2, Cover 1, and we ran Cover 3 – the basics. But we mostly were in man.
Which is your favorite coverage to run?
Oh. Probably man. To get picks, Cover 2. I know how to bait.
When the 2021 season gets going, what roles are you taking on?
I am playing special teams, kick and punt return. What I do this season depends on who we go against. If they have a fast slot guy, I will play against slot. If they have a good receiver, I will go on the outside and cover him. You might see me on offense too.
Have you been playing 7v7 this spring and summer?
Yes, on Cam Newton’s team.
How did the 7v7 season go for you?
It went well. Playing 7v7 helped me get reps on stuff I wanted to work on and fix. Playing 7v7, there was stuff I wanted to work on, and it is all panning out. 7v7 is practice for me.
With the work put into your technique and with the extra 7v7 reps, what do you now feel are the strengths to your game?
I got smarter. I may not be as big as others, but I am faster than everyone, both vertically and horizontally. After the work put in, I am at a different pace.
Have you been to any national camps this offseason?
Yes. Rivals.
How did that camp go for you?
When I went to the one in Atlanta, I won the Gatorade MVP. I came in the Top 5. I was the only 2023 corner to make it.
Very cool. Congrats.
Thank you. I was there with the top 2022 players from every position.
A few minutes ago, you mentioned posting the 4.48 at the Mississippi State camp; which college camps have you competed at this month?
Yes, I have gone to camps at Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Auburn.
Let’s get into a couple other camps. The Tennessee camp, what all did they have you do there?
I did everything normally during the camp, the drills and the one-on-ones.
What were you able to showcase of your skills at the Tennessee camp?
My testing went well. I broad jumped 10 feet, my shuttle was fast, I ran a 4.3, and I ran another 4.4 there; a 4.49. During the drills, they saw my footwork. I had no catches on me and I showed them that I can play offense too.
And the Auburn camp? Did that go well?
Yes, it was the same thing, except I did not play offense.
Are there any upcoming camps on your schedule?
As of right now, I might be done but you never know.
Have you taken any visits this month?
At every camp, they showed me around.
How did the Alabama visit go?
It went great. I talked to Coach (Nick) Saban; he likes my game. All the coaches liked me.
After continuing to showcase your talents at all the camps, how many offers do you have?
I have 10 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Auburn.
Miller’s Offer Sheet: Alabama-Birmingham, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Boston College, Louisville, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and USC
Which programs are showing interest yet to offer?
Alabama, Clemson, and Miami.
Dale, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you continued success preparing for your junior year.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Miller family; Dale Miller