Junior Day Makes a Huge Impact for Darrian Miller

This past season one of the most sought after recruits for the Kansas Jayhawk coaching staff was Blue Springs wide receiver Keeston Terry.  Now focused on the 2011 class, Turner Gill and Reggie Mitchell once again turn to Blue Springs and have made a major impact with Wildcats running back Darrian Miller. 

During the 2009 season Miller emerged as one of the top running backs in the state of Missouri.  The 5'10" 185 pound back clocks in with a 4.5 forty.  During his junior season at Blue Springs he ran for 2798 yards, 37 touchdowns with a 9.1 yards per carry average an average per game just shy of 200 yards. 

With offers from Iowa, Kansas State and now the Jayhawks in hand, Miller attended Kansas' junior day and came away extremely impressed.  Miller spoke with us here at RCT for a few minutes on Sunday and while his recruitment is still in the early stages, it sounds like Kansas has put themselves in a position to land it's second Blue Springs player in as many years.

Denver

Darrian, thanks as always for your time.  To get things started I understand you received an offer from Kansas last week. With that in hand what were you looking to get out of junior day? what did you want to see, who did you want to meet etc?

Darrian

Yes I received my offer from Kansas last week.  Heading over for junior day I really just wanted to get a look at the facilities and see how everything was.

I definitely wanted to meet Coach Gill a lot and before the day started Coach Gill, my mom, and I all sat in his office and had a very good talk.

Denver

As far as the actual visit, what went on? What did you enjoy most and what was your overall feeling after the day was done?

Darrian

Well we came in as a group and watched a highlight video, then toured the school, went to eat, then went to the basketball game. I enjoyed the game the most because Kansas basketball is legit(laughs).

After the visit I had a really good feeling about Kansas and the opportunity.

Denver

Where do you stand with your recruitment at this point? Next steps? other schools? any sort of timeline for a decision?

Darrian

I cant really say I have a timeline. If a school really makes a huge impact like this Junior day did, I could commit early or at the latest I'll most likely make the decision before next season. I wouldn't say there are any next steps really at this point. I'm Still kind of getting my video out to who wants it and working hard in the off season.

Denver

So you felt like this one made a "huge" impact?

Darrian

Yes, I would say so.

Denver

What was it about the trip that you think made it that way?

What stood out?

Darrian

The coaches were great. The facilities were the best and then the fans at the game topped it off.

One other thing I really liked was the bridge program where they offer 6 hours of class in the summer. That and the living arrangements in the Towers

Denver

and what about the coaches? How did you feel about Coach Gill after meeting him and I assume Coach Mitchell is your recruiter?

Darrian

I really liked all the coaches. I was really pleased with everything Coach Gill had to say, and yes Coach Mitchell will be my main recruiter.

Denver

Did your teammate Bernard Thomas get an offer?

Darrian

No, but Coach mitchell is going to watch his video today and get back to him soon maybe even on Monday.

Denver

So do you think there's a chance you could be on the same field as Keeston Terry again in a year or so?

Darrian

(Laughs)I cant comment on that yet.

Denver

no, not yet...? Fair enough. Did the coaches talk at all about what they liked about you and the way you play?

Darrian

Coach Mitchell did. He said he's used to having big time running backs like Pierre Thomas with the Saints, and Mendenhall on the Steelers.  Now he kind of has a different style runner at KU and he said they could use another home run threat in a runner like me.

Denver

What about Coach Gill?  What kinds of things did you talk about with him?

Darrian

Mostly things about my education with my mom.

Denver

probably what mom wants to hear about I'm sure.

Darrian

yeah somewhat.

Denver

well thanks again for your time. Anything else you care to share about the day?

Darrian

Naw...I cant really think of too much else. Oh...KU basketball is taking it all this year.

Denver

Hope you're right...thanks again and have a good one

Darrian

You too, and thanks.