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A lot of focus has been on the Miami Dolphins this offseason, especially on the development of second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill. However, it's another sophomore who is starting to get notice around the league and in the media. Running back Lamar Miller, who is set to replace Reggie Bush as the Dolphins' starting runner, is the new hot name on the block.
Yesterday, NFL.com wrote about Miller in their "Making the Leap" countdown. There were also reports of University of Miami almuni workouts in South Florida, with Miller turning heads. According to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, there have been workouts every morning in North Miami Beach. Then, Miller continues his development by teaming up with fellow Hurricanes alum, and four-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore, with a second daily workout each afternoon.
"The way Lamar is learning from Frank, it's a beautiful thing," Steelers linebacker Sean Spence, another former Cane, said this week of the workouts.
"Since Lamar started gravitating toward Frank, his work ethic and mentality are unparalleled," said Pete Bommarito, who runs Bommarito Performance Systems. "He's the fastest running back I've ever seen."
Bommarito Performance Systems brags of players such as Maurice Jones-Drew, Matt Forte, LeSean McCoy, Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, and Willis McGahee among the alumni of the program.
"I've gotten quicker doing lateral work, and I've become more explosive by training every day doing squats on my legs," Miller told Jackson. "I'm stronger. Last year, I was kind of lost getting adjusted to the speed of the game and knowing where I'm supposed to be at all times. Now I'm very comfortable with the system."
"He reminds me of Portis," Gore added about Miller.
And, that's a comparison that a lot of people have been throwing around right now. And, it looks like no one is going to be surprised by Miller this season. As NFL.com wrote, "Miller is no secret." It's just a matter of, will he live up to the hype?