Could We See Justin Miller on Offense?

by Dan Scott - Correspondent - Tue Oct 05 23:10:17 GMT-04:00 2004

CLEMSON - Given his outstanding performance on special teams so far this season, would it be completely out of the realm of possibility to see cornerback Justin Miller on offense?

Apparently Tommy Bowden has been flirting with the idea.

The Clemson head coach has been skirting questions for days about Miller's chances of playing offense. Again Tuesday, prompted by a reporter as to the possibility, Bowden played it properly sly.

"I will not divulge that information. You know better than that," he said with a grin.

Even Miller has gotten into the act.

Walking off the practice field Tuesday Miller was asked where he was playing Thursday night at Virginia. Miller, never one lacking in confidence, apparently is ready for anything. In any sport.

"Point guard, power forward. Wherever they need me," he said, jogging away.

Jokes aside, there is at least some reason to consider moving Miller to offense for a few snaps.

He has returned three kicks for touchdowns this season - one punt and two kickoffs. He's arguably the most athletic player on the team and among its fastest. His unique explosiveness could provide the Clemson offense with a jump start at best.

At worst he would prove to be an effective decoy, drawing attention away from other Clemson offensive weapons.

Of course, the cynic would say Miller needs to spend more time learning to play cornerback, having given up several big plays so far this season. But his gambling, all-or-nothing style is perfectly attuned to Bowden's philosophy at the moment.

"If they make a mistake, I want it to be a mistake of aggression," he said. "I don't want them playing uptight."

***

Thursday is a chance to add to the tombstone collection at the Jervey complex.

Clemson adds a brand new tombstone to the complex entrance whenever it beats a ranked opponent on the road. If the Tigers knock off Virginia (No. 10 AP, No. 9 Coaches Poll)Thursday, it would tie for the highest ranked regular season road victory in team history (at No. 9 Georgia Tech in 2001).

Of course, that doesn't include the tombstone placed at Jervey for last year's Peach Bowl victory over then No. 6 Tennessee in Atlanta.

"We bent the rules a little for that one," Bowden laughed.