Aug. 9, 2008
SAN DIEGO - The third in a daily series during fall camp, get to know another Aztec newcomer. Today, a conversation with freshman offensive lineman Jimmy Miller.
GoAztecs.com: How was your experience at Camp Pendleton?
Miller: We all went in (to Camp Pendleton) not really knowing what to expect. It's something that I have never done before and I don't think the rest of the team has either, so it was a good experience to be able to stay with the Marines and see how they live their lives. It was definitely different for us, but I think we will be able to take away a lot of things we learned from our time there and carry it into the season as something positive.
GoAztecs.com: How did you spend your summer?
Miller: I was out here the first six weeks for summer school. I was able to train with the team and get to know some of the guys. That really helped me out as far as knowing what to expect coming in (to fall camp). Other than that, I was just at home for the last couple weeks, enjoying my time before camp.
GoAztecs.com: Who was your sports idol when you were growing up?
Miller: I actually grew up a fan of Nebraska, so my favorite player was their running back, Ahman Green. Just watching the way he played and also how is offensive linemen helped block for him was something that I really liked.
GoAztecs.com: You attended the same high school (J.K. Mullen HS) as fellow freshman offensive lineman Alec Johnson. Has it been helpful having a familiar face around during this new experience?
Miller: Yeah, it's definitely good because you come in and already know somebody. We were good friends back in high school and it's the same way out here. It's nice to have someone that you already know and trust. Helping each other out and getting used to everything has really been good for us both.
GoAztecs.com: How has the adjustment from high school football to you workouts at SDSU been so far?
Miller: It's been tough. The biggest thing I've noticed has been the strength of the defensive linemen. In high school you will get a guy here and there who is really strong, but out here, that's what they are all like. There is no easy guy on the line. It's tough getting used to it, but it's something that I look forward to as a challenge and I will just try to improve every day.
GoAztecs.com: Do you have a favorite professional sports team?
Miller: For football my favorite team is the (Green Bay) Packers and in baseball I am a big fan of the (Boston) Red Sox. I follow the Packers because of Ahman Green. He's gone now but I have stayed a fan, and as far as Boston goes, I just kind of picked up on them.
GoAztecs.com: Do you have any relatives who played sports competitively?
Miller: My dad played football at Rhode Island University and my mom was a high school all-state volleyball player. My parents are both really into sports, so I think that's where I get it from.
GoAztecs.com: Have you decided on a major?
Miller: I haven't yet, but I am thinking of getting into kinesiology because you can go with physical therapy or chiropractic. Those professions often deal with athletes, which is something that I am used to, so that might be good.
Sunday's profile: freshman defensive back Josh Wade