Miller Is Iowa State Earlybird

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State freshman football player Jevohn Miller is taking this semester 24 hours at a time.

"Every day is a benefit for me," Miller said.

Miller graduated a semester early from Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcolm (BGM) High School, where he was a four-year-letterwinner. He is getting a head start on the 2011 football season by attending Iowa State this spring.

"My schedule is stacked," Miller said. "I have given up much of my spare time to participate in this spring's activities."

Miller is going through winter workouts that precede the start of spring football, March 22.

As a high school senior, Miller started all 11 games at BGM and was awarded first-team All-State honors. On defense, he recorded a team-best 121 tackles, 23 for loss and recovered four fumbles. He also took a fumble and interception back for a touchdown. On offense, he ran for 840 yards and 11 touchdowns on only 85 carries. He made 10 receptions for 219 yards and one touchdown.

Like Miller, Iowa State graduate and former football player Aaron Brant graduated a semester early from high school to get one leg up on the incoming class, the vast majority of which will not get to the Iowa State campus until this fall.

"Football was what I always wanted to do," Brant said. "When the coaches offered the opportunity I was all for it. I did have to sacrifice a few things. I gave up high school track and the Iowa Shrine Bowl but I have absolutely no regrets."

Brant stressed that the transition between high school and college, with only a few days in between, was a fast one but he was ready to compete.

"It's hard enough to adjust to the college life without football season," Brant said.

Miller explained that the transition hasn't been too stressful so far. He said he's been meeting new people, such as teammate Jake Knott who has been a huge help to him.

"He's not only a player but a friend," Miller said. "I'm excited to get going and play the games."

Miller's position is not yet determined. He was a prep linebacker. He said that could change.

Miller chose Iowa State because of the coaches and the family environment.

"I knew I wouldn't find a better place," Miller said.