Miller Named to Sporting News Freshman All-America Team

Dec. 11, 2002

Clemson cornerback Justin Miller has been named a first-team Freshman All-American by The Sporting News. Miller led Clemson and ranks seventh in the nation in interceptions per game with seven in his 12 contests. He also leads the ACC in that category.

Miller did not become a starter until the Wake Forest game on October 19, but he has come on strong over his six games as a starter. He had five interceptions and nine total passes defensed over that six-game period. He also became one of the most feared kick return men in the ACC during that time. He has 11 kickoff returns for 407 yards for the season, all over the last six contests.

That included an 80-yard return for a touchdown against NC State. For the season, Miller has 56 tackles, including a season high 12 against NC State and 10 against Wake Forest. His 37-yard kickoff return average leads the team. A three-time ACC Rookie of the Week selection, Miller was second in the voting for ACC Rookie of the Year honors.

He had two interceptions against Maryland, the only Clemson player with two interceptions in a game this year. Clemson’s only first-year freshman to see playing time this year needs just one interception in the Mazda Tangerine Bowl to tie the Clemson single season interception record. Robert O’Neal had eight interceptions in 1989. Ironically, he was a first-year freshman that season.