Cornerback Cam Miller set for breakout 2023 campaign

Over the past few years, Penn State has packed its bags and headed down south to the Sunshine State to find key pieces for its defense.

In 2022, the Nittany Lions signed defensive tackle Zane Durant and cornerback Cam Miller, and they followed that up by flipping four-star cornerback Elliot Washington from Alabama.

On Tuesday, James Franklin noted Washington is one of four players who will burn their redshirt during their first season.

However, it’s the other young cornerback from Florida who’s expected to have a huge impact on the blue and white in 2023.

Miller spent his first season on campus playing sparingly in 11 contests, primarily appearing on special teams.

“It’s been a learning experience in every aspect. I’m adjusted and everything,” Miller said in February during Penn State’s second-year player media availability. “It’s just the learning curve and the speed of the game. I got a lot of game experience, so that was good. I was just getting used to the game speed, and I want to use that experience for next year.”

The second-year corner has done exactly that during the offseason and has put himself in a great position to consistently see the field.

The Fernandina Beach, Florida, native spent his first season in Happy Valley learning from veteran cornerbacks such as Joey Porter Jr., Kalen King and Johnny Dixon.

However the blue and white saw three cornerbacks depart from the program as Porter Jr. was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the NFL Draft, Marquis Wilson entered the transfer portal, and former North Carolina corner Storm Duck was a Nittany Lion for just a few months before transferring again to Louisville.

With massive turnover at the position, Miller is expected to make an impact at corner but also on special teams.

“He’s just a very driven, motivated, high-production, low-maintenance young man who is maximizing his Penn State experience,” Franklin said. “He’s a guy who’s going to probably start on four units on special teams, which I think is very telling.”

Miller has the ideal length and athleticism to play a huge role for the Nittany Lions, but what separates him is his preparation.

Despite entering just his second collegiate season, those around Miller have raved about his work ethic and commitment.

“Cam Miller. That is the definition of great work ethic,” Malick Meiga said. “You’re going to see him in the building all day and all night. I’m not surprised by the things you see him do on the field, and I expect great things for him.”

Miller is primed for a breakout 2023 campaign, playing on four special teams units and is the first corner off the bench.

Another thing that stands out about the second-year corner is his leadership ability, as he was just voted to Penn State’s leadership council by the coaching staff.

Miller will get a lot of his reps when the Nittany Lions use their dime package, and King has confidence in Miller to do his job.

“Football is his mindset, and that’s what I like about Cam because I know when I’m dealing with Cam, he’s locked in at all times,” King said. “He’s never distracted. He’s always got his mind on the goal at hand and the task at hand.”

Alex Rocco is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email alex.rocco1702@gmail.com.