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Following the conclusion of this weekend's NFL Draft, former Hokie captain Andrew Miller signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miller was a dependable offensive lineman throughout his career at Tech, improving his play consistently and wrapping up his career with a strong senior season. Miller is listed at 6'3, 300 pounds, an ideal size for an offensive lineman in the NFL. Miller's dedicated work ethic and leadership caused the Bucs to give him a chance to crack their roster, and he will need to perform well in camp this summer to beat out the competition for a spot.
Hearing word that Andrew Miller has signed a FA deal with the Tampa Bay Bucs.
— VT Football (@VT_Football) May 11, 2014
Career At Tech
Miller was a valuable member of the offensive line throughout career at Tech, where he became a starter for the Hokies early in his career. He played the majority of his career at center, but he made the switch over to guard for his final campaign this past season. Miller first became a starter in 2011 as a center, starting in all 14 games that season. The following season, he started the first seven games of the year before suffering an ankle injury that put in out for the rest of the season. He made the switch to guard this past season, where he started in every game and was a strong force on the line for the Hokies. This past season was also his best as a Hokie, and he was named Second-Team All ACC by the coaches to reward his success.
A Look at the Bucs O-Line Depth
The Buccaneers were in desperate need of offensive line help going into the draft, and they went on to select Kareem Edwards, a guard from Tennessee State, and Kevin Pamphile, a tackle out of Purdue. According to the Buccaneers website, the center and tackle positions seemed to be locked up already, as Anthony Collins (LT), Demar Dotson (RT), and Evan Dietrich-Smith (C) fill those spots. However, both guard spots could be up for grabs as none on their roster have proven they can play well consistently. The Bucs' roster currently holds six guards which includes the rookie Edwards and 7-year veterans Carl Nicks and Oniel Cousins. Jamon Meridith, a tackle for the Bucs, could also be in the mix for a guard starting position, according to Bucs senior writer Scott Smith.
Bucs O-Lineman Anthony Collins Speaking About Leadership:
Miller's Chances in the NFL
Miller goes into camp with a crowded position battle on the Bucs O-Line. Miller's experience at center and guard may increase his chances of making a team's 53 man-roster, but he will have to prove to the organization in camp that he can consistently play at a high level. Several injuries in his college career caused him to miss a decent amount of games, so the Bucs will also want to see that he can stay healthy through camp. Miller has proved he is very resilient, and his work ethic will not be something that the Bucs need to be concerned with. Signing with the Bucs gives Miller a chance to prove himself in the highest level of football in the world, and his play as a Hokie earned him this rare opportunity.