Colorado University Athletics
Miller Adjusts To Life As A Buff On Field, In Classroom
BOULDER GÇô In high school, incoming freshman Isaac Miller shone just as brightly in the classroom as he did on the football field as an offensive tackle. At the University of Colorado, MillerGÇÖs priorities havenGÇÖt changed one bit.
Leaving Silver Creek High School with a 4.3 GPA, All-Colorado honors and a 3A state title, Miller seemed more than prepared for life as a Division I student athlete. But, even for him, each day is still a challenge as a brand new Buffalo.
GÇ£ItGÇÖs taking some getting used to, itGÇÖs a lot different than high school,GÇ¥ he said. GÇ£IGÇÖve just got to keep battling, and eventually, IGÇÖll become one of the guys. They already have their camaraderie, but theyGÇÖve been welcoming, too.GÇ¥
A few veteran Buffs on the offensive line, like junior Jeromy Irwin, have taken Miller under their wing, allowing him to grow into his new life in Boulder.
GÇ£He really welcomed me with open arms and saw something in me,GÇ¥ Miller said. GÇ£HeGÇÖs also been helping with plays and life outside of football.GÇ¥
Aside from fitting in, the gap between high school and college ball is harder to jump than Miller anticipated.
GÇ£The physicality and speed is the hardest part, no doubt,GÇ¥ he said. GÇ£I was a part of a lot of things in high school, so my scheduling and time management skills are good enough to keep up with the practice and weight schedules, but the in-game challenges are what IGÇÖm focused on.GÇ¥
Coach Mike MacIntyre sees MillerGÇÖs struggle, but doesnGÇÖt sense any sort of hesitation from the freshman.
GÇ£HeGÇÖs sticking his face in there, heGÇÖs not backing down from anything, and heGÇÖs working hard every day,GÇ¥ MacIntyre said. GÇ£But heGÇÖs not as strong yet, and heGÇÖs not as mature. He needs a year to soak and gain some weight and strength . . . . A lot of his stuff has to do with the weight room, size and work ethic.GÇ¥
MacIntyre mentioned this GÇ£soakingGÇ¥ period would put the 6-7, 265-pound Miller in a redshirt during the 2015 season. The most immediate goal for his physical transformation is a 30-pound gain and a few more plates on his squat and bench bars.
Beefing up in the weight room should be the hardest part, looking at MillerGÇÖs academic history. In the classroom, a heavy load of AP classes refined his ability to hit the books and manage the clock. It also helps that CUGÇÖs football program is built to maximize student retention and success.
GÇ£HeGÇÖll do really well,GÇ¥ MacIntyre said. GÇ£ThatGÇÖs one of the main reasons we practice in the morning; we wake the guys up, feed them breakfast, and donGÇÖt have any tutors scheduled after six oGÇÖclock at night, so they can wind down, go to study groups, get a date if they want, and be college students.GÇ¥
Miller is currently completing his first academic semester at CU as a declared Integrative Physiology major. Despite having plenty of time to decide on a career path, he knows his passions point toward the medical field. Luckily, his ambitions are parallel to the excellence required in those lines of work.
GÇ£You go to school for the school aspect of it. I want to get a 4.0, IGÇÖve set my goal there, and itGÇÖs cheesy and clich+¬ but thatGÇÖs what I want to achieve,GÇ¥ Miller said.
Future aside, the day-to-day routine in Boulder is slowly becoming home. Aside from exhaustion and stress, Miller is already growing steadily into his new role as a Colorado Buffalo.
GÇ£I just want to be the best player that I can be,GÇ¥ he said. GÇ£ItGÇÖs a team game, so anything I can do to come compete every day and help other guys. I just have to make sure to do the things my coaches and teachers ask of me and stay healthy.GÇ¥