Will Prince Miller follow in Dannell Ellerbe's footsteps?

In 2009, former Georgia linebacker Dannell Ellerbe signed as undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens. After impressing coaches in training camp and on special teams, Ellerbe earned significant time on the Ravens defense totaling 41 tackles and an interception. This summer, he is in a battle with Jameel McClain for the starting inside linebacking position along side Ray Lewis.

This spring, another former Georgia player signed with Baltimore after going undrafted. That player was Prince Miller, who turned in a fantastic punt return in his first NFL preseason game:

I hope the Prince Miller story in Baltimore turns out as well as the Dannell Ellerbe story has.

GO DAWGS!!!

The Elder Statesman of the Georgia Defensive Backfield: A Closer Look at Prince Miller

One of the many questions facing the Dawgs in 2009 will be the play of the defensive secondary. After the losses of CJ Bryd (graduation) and Asher Allen (NFL Graduation), Georgia is left with only two senior players in the defensive backfield. One of those players, Bryan Evans, will be playing his first full season at a new position (since moving from corner to safety during last season). The other, cornerback Prince Miller, is expected to be the leader and replace Asher Allen as the shutdown corner for Georgia.

Prince Miller came to Georgia as part of the 2006 recruiting class a highly sought after athlete from the state of South Carolina. He was the 2005 South Carolina player of the year and led his team to 4 straight state championships. The 5'8'' Miller had offers from Georgia Tech, Florida State, Clemson, and others, but ultimately chose Georgia.

Prince Miller would make an immediate impact during his freshman season at Georgia. Playing in every game of the 2006 season, he was a star on special teams for the Dawgs. His signature play was a punt block that led to a Georgia score in the victory over UAB. For his efforts, Miller earned the title of "Special Teams Newcomer of the Year".

In 2007, Miller began to see more playing time as part of the defensive rotation. He earned his first start against Ole Miss and took over the weakside position opposite Asher Allen (starting 8 of the 13 games for the Dawgs). He racked up 24 tackles, 7 pass break ups, and his first career interception during the Sugar Bowl against Hawaii.

2008 was prince's breakout season in the red and black. Miller started 10 of 13 games for Dawgs at weakside corner, amassing 50 tackles, a sack, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 pass break ups. He also once again made his mark on special teams, this time as the Bulldogs' leading punt returner. He returned 9 punts for 191 yards (21.2 average) including this amazing play during the blackout game against Alabama:

In 2009, look for Prince Miller to provide leadership and be one of the defensive captains for the Bulldogs. The first test will come against arguably the best receiver in the country when the Dawgs face Dez Bryant and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. If Miller can keep Bryant in check, it should take some of the pressure off Brandon Boykin and freshman Branden Smith who will mostl likely be playing on the opposite side.

Prince Miller, another DAMN GOOD DAWG!