A Closer Look at Running Back Kendre Miller

The New Orleans Saints drafted former TCU star running back Kendre Miller in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Miller, who was a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2022, played a prominent role in helping TCU earn a 12-0 regular season record and a berth to the College Football Playoffs for the first time since the playoffs inception in 2014.

In 2022, Miller garnered 1,399 rush yards (ranked 15th in nation) and 17 rushing touchdowns. Miller also posted a five game stretch of rushing over 100 yards. The former TCU Horned Frog averaged 6.2 yards per carry across the 2022 regular season.

Miller, who stands at 6-foot and 220 pounds, is recognized as a three-down halfback that can garner yards after contact due to his size.

The first-team All-Big 12 selection is also formidable as a pass catcher. Across his sophomore and junior seasons (2021-2022), Miller collected 233 receiving yards with an average of 8.5 yards per reception.

With the likely absence of five-time pro bowl running back Alvin Kamara, it is probable for Miller to see playing time in the offense along with new acquisition Jamaal Williams.

Miller will be coming off a meniscus (knee) injury he sustained against the Michigan Wolverines in the semi-final round of the 2023 College Football Playoff. Due to the injury, Miller didn’t suit up for TCU’s national championship loss to the Georgia Bulldogs.

Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. will have a monster trio of Williams, Kamara, and Miller at his disposal as he will use them to not only garner yards through the ground, but also through the air.

Carmichael Jr. can use Williams as a power back and utilize Kamara and Miller as travelers on the outside to stretch the field and challenge defenses. All in all, all three are rushers than can be threats as receivers.

In past years, the Saints have always had feature backs that can charge up the middle and can run routes downfield that makes defensive backs cautious. Running backs such as Pierre Thomas (’07-’14), speedster Darren Sproles (’11-’13),Reggie Bush (’06-’10), Kamara (’17-present) and now Miller, possess the ability of an all-around back.

Kamara and Williams with both be the age of 28 before the 2023 season begins. If Miller’s knee injury isn’t a detrimental setback and he can be that same player he was during his last season at TCU, he can potentially be the future of New Orleans backfield for years to come.

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Featured Image courtesy of New Orleans Saints