Interview: New 2022 Serra OG Marion Miller Jr. is a One-Man DL Mover
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When offensive coordinators talk about wanting to ground and pound and run the ball down the throat of defenses, they are taking about having guys like Marion Miller Jr. on the offensive line. Miller was a one-man defensive line mover for St. Paul High School during the 2019 season earning first team All-League honors helping the squad roll for over 2,800 yards on the ground. The 6-5, 340-pound, road-grader is taking on a new challenge during the 2020 California high school football season suiting up with Serra High School. The change will add another dimension to what college scouts see in Miller, he will be protecting five-star 2022 quarterback Maalik Murphy.
In an RNG first-look, Miller takes it easy on us in a one-on-one breaking down his offseason workouts.
Interview
Marion, you were an impossible task for defenders to deal with last season. Looking back to the 2019 season, how did you feel it went for you overall?
I feel like it was good. We came up short in championship round. This year, I am looking to complete that goal of a CIF championship.
Once the season ended, what did you feel were the overall strengths to your game?
My run blocking. I compare myself to Kardell Thomas (LSU), he is a pancake master. My running back (Trenell Ridgley) went over 2,000 yards last season.
What about with your pass blocking?
I did not allow a sack at St. Paul last season. I feel like I helped the team both ways on run and passing plays.
When did you transfer to Serra?
In July.
What style of offense will you guys execute during the 2020 season?
This season, we will be doing more passing out of the Spread. We will be running some zone and a hurry-up offense.
Which positions will you be playing with the Cavaliers?
You might see me going both ways, it depends on the game situation. Mostly I will be at guard, but you might see me play some tackle on offense and defense.
Throughout the spring and summer months, what have you been working on as an offensive lineman?
I wanted to improve my down blocking steps. Not to sound cocky, there are things I can work on, and I have this whole spring, but this season will be the greatest season you will ever see an offensive lineman have.
That’s awesome. You’ve been working hard then.
Yes, sir.
What have you been doing to add more power and quickness to your game?
I have been running hills and going to the beach. Upper body wise, I have done a lot of bench and power clean. With my lower body, it has been running hills, going up hills backwards, and a lot of drills on the beach.
Have you been able to max out in the weight room this offseason?
Yes. On deadlift I got 495 and my bench max was 330, but that was before the pandemic.
What is the practice schedule going forward for Serra?
We’ve been on and off because of the fires and pandemic. We are picking it up some. On Tuesday and Thursday, we are practicing from 2:45 to about 4:20.
What goals have you set for the upcoming season?
Win a championship and be named All-CIF first team. I think I should have made the All-CIF team last year, but that is just me. The goal is a championship. I want to get that ring, go to state, go up north and beat those northern Cali boys and get that ring too.
The goal is always to win a state championship, how are you guys looking this fall?
This season watch out for our offensive line, we will be dangerous. Our defensive line is coming full speed and our quarterback is going to put on a show. For the teams we are playing, we are setting a tone this year. We are coming after everyone. Stay tuned.
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
The hardest interest is coming from Fresno State, Cal, Oregon State, Nevada, Mississippi State, and San Diego State.
Did you get any visits in before the dead period began?
No. I was supposed to do one with San Diego State and with San Jose State, in-person visits, but they were cancelled.
Marion, I enjoyed mixing it up with you today. Wishing you continued success this fall preparing for your junior season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Miller family; Marion Miller (May 2020)
Photo credit: Twitter; Marion Miller (2019)