ATLANTA — There are ample snapshots of deflation that could be used to recap
Ventrell Miller's 2021 season.
Miller on the sideline in a win over USF, unable to play due to an arm injury he aggravated early in the game. Miller's surgically repaired left arm in a sling as he walked to midfield as one of the Gators' captains in the loss at Kentucky. The injured Miller taking part in Senior Day festivities against Florida State, uncertain whether he would ever play for the Gators again.
The one that stands out most vividly is Miller exiting an elevator along with some of his teammates at the JW Marriott Hotel in Tampa in late December. As Miller stepped out and headed for his room following Florida's loss to UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl, he turned to offer a final word.
"Man, that was embarrassing. That's not the way it's supposed to go."
That, in part, is why the 6-foot, 221-pound Miller opted to return for a sixth season of eligibility in 2022. He reiterated his position multiple times on Wednesday as the Gators made the rounds at the SEC Media Days in Atlanta.
Some of the reasons? Florida's 6-7 season. A 2-6 record in the SEC. His season-ending injury and the loss to UCF. A fresh start under first-year head coach
Billy Napier. The renewed passion for the game and being healthy. The opportunity to finish his college career on a positive note and prove he can play at the next level.
"It was devastating, not being able to be out there with my boys,'' Miller said. "I couldn't go out there and be with my brothers. Stuff wasn't going the right way. It made things personal for me this year. There's definitely a chip after what went down last year."
PLAYER FILE: VENTRELL MILLER
POSITION: Middle linebacker
2021 SEASON: Recorded eight tackles (three solos) before suffering a torn biceps in his left arm that ended his season.
CAREER STATS: Has registered 166 tackles (90 solos) in 38 career games; Miller has 23 career starts.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Named SEC Defensive Player of Week in 2020 season-opening win at Ole Miss. Miller finished with a career-high 15 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack in Florida's victory over the Rebels in
Lane Kiffin's debut in Oxford.
QUOTE OF NOTE: "He's a vocal guy. He's got great presence and energy. And he's certainly been a productive player." – UF head coach
Billy Napier on Miller
