Josh Heupel reveals Cameron Miller switched positions to defensive back

Not only will Tennessee freshman Cameron Miller have to adjust to the increased speed and physicality of college football in 2022, but he’ll also have to learn to play a new position.

As the Volunteers started fall camp Monday, Miller — who was recruited as a receiver — lined up as a defensive back. Coach Josh Heupel explained at the conclusion of practice that the team had the thought before Miller even arrived in Knoxville, and made the decision after watching him in the spring.

“From the time that we recruited him, we viewed him as a ‘football player,'” Heupel said. “That’s how he views himself, too. He doesn’t really care where he’s playing. As we got through spring ball, we just felt like him, his skillset, opportunity to compete and make an impact was probably on the other side of the football.”

A three-star recruit, Miller ranked as the No. 74 receiver in the 2022 class according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. He committed to Tennessee over offers from Alabama, Oregon and Penn State among others. Because this will be his first time playing this position, Cameron Miller put in additional hours this summer working to learn the playbook.

“His attitude and want-to are unquestioned by anybody — players in the locker room or staff,” Heupel said of Miller. “Excited to see him grow here during the course of training camp. It’s his first time playing that position. A lot of things are happening. It’s different, but he’s been really diligent in the building. He spent a bunch of extra time this summer learning what we’re doing schematically.”

Defense, particularly against the pass, was one of the sore spots of Tennessee this past season. The Volunteers ranked last in the SEC in air yards allowed per game with 273.2. As they aim to turn that around in 2022, Miller will now play a part.

Tennessee will kick off the season on Sept. 1 against Ball State.