Purdue TE Garrett Miller still seeks groove following 2022 knee injury
August 8, 2022. That’s the day it happened. That’s when Purdue tight end Garrett Miller suffered a knee injury during a training camp practice that has forever changed his football life.
“My injury last year made me just look at the whole game different,” said Miller. “Can’t take anything for granted. You gotta realize that every snap could be your last so can’t take things for granted. Gotta keep pushing.”
It was a non-contact injury, as Miller made a simple cut in skelly and went down. He was slated to play a big role in 2022 alongside No. 1 tight Payne Durham, who is now in the NFL with Tampa Bay.
The 6-5, 250-pound Miller has endured ups and downs in his return in 2023, a season that has seen Purdue lose two other tight ends to injury: Paul Piferi and Max Klare.
Miller missed the first game of the season, vs. Fresno State, as a precaution. He has played the last eight with varying degrees of success. Miller enjoyed a season-best eight-catch effort at Iowa. And he made five at Nebraska. But, those games have been outliers for Miller, who made 19 catches for 165 yards in 2021 and caught two passes for 48 yards and a TD in 2020 after redshirting in 2019.
The fifth-year senior has made 19 catches for 155 yards and a TD in 2023, not the type of numbers most envisioned for Miller, who many feel is an NFL talent. Does the Round Round, Texas, native think he has regained his form?
“Yes and no,” he said. “I want to say a few things might play a part in that. I haven’t gotten to my full potential. Trying to help out the line a little bit. Maybe just stay in the core a little. But, no, I don’t think I’ve shown my true full potential.”
Miller still has three games to find his stride, beginning with a visit from Minnesota (5-4 overall; 3-3 Big Ten) this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Purdue (2-7; 1-5) already is eliminated from bowl consideration.
“Hard to accept it, hard to accept that we don’t get an extra game,” said Miller, who could return for a sixth season. “But just gotta keep your nose on the grindstone, keep working. Nothing’s ever promised and we knew the bowl game was never promised. But we just gotta keep working. Keep the same routine.”
MORE: First look: Minnesota | First and 10: Minnesota | Bowl hopes dashed, Purdue still has plenty to play for down stretch | The 3-2-1: He’s a center. He’s a tackle. Gus Hartwig shows his value
