Lamar Miller has high draft hopes

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Lamar Miller knows there's many draft experts who believe he is not going to be selected in the first round of next month's draft.

He thinks they're wrong.

The former Miami running back was part of the Hurricanes' annual Pro Day on Thursday, skipping the 40-yard dash but taking part in other workouts. And afterward, Miller said he still believes leaving school and giving up on his final two years of eligibility will ultimately pay off for him.
"I feel that I am a first-round guy," Miller said. "I'm not doubting himself at all."

Miller checked in at 5-foot-11, 213 pounds. He left Miami after his redshirt sophomore season in which he ran for 1,272 yards and nine touchdowns.

"He's still got some developing to do," said former Miami running backs coach Tommie Robinson, now on staff with the Arizona Cardinals. "I think his best days are ahead of him."

Given Miami's rich history in the NFL draft, it's typical for all 32 NFL teams to be represented at the Hurricanes' pro day, and Thursday was no exception. Miami was 6-6 last season, choosing to pass on going to a bowl game in advance of expected sanctions from the NCAA for compliance policy violations.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland were among the notable NFL types looking on Thursday, as was former Hurricanes coach Butch Davis, now on the staff of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Former Hurricanes Antrel Rolle, Reggie Wayne, Orlando Franklin, DeMarcus Van Dyke and Spencer Adkins also made appearances.

"It just shows the family bond that you have here at the University of Miami," former Hurricanes quarterback Jacory Harris said.


(ap.com)