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Murphy's Law
July 5, 2001 Senior long snapper B.J. Miller has had to overcome tremendous adversity over the last year. As a junior college transfer in the summer of 2000 he went to Camp Tontazona battling for a spot. As a new comer not a lot was expected of Miller. And at the end of camp, he was in the same position as when he arrived in Tempe. Let’s face it, backup long snapper isn’t the ideal situation in most people’s mind. But B.J. stuck with it, worked hard, and never gave up on himself, even after others had. By the time the Oregon Ducks came to Sun Devil Stadium last October, B.J. Miller was the starting long snapper. "It was one of the most exciting days of my life," he recalls. "The stands were full...it was a huge game for us." After Miller’s first snap of the game, his adrenaline had gotten the best of him. "My legs were shaking so bad that by the time I got down to cover the kick, that they gave out and I fell down," he remembers, laughing. However, the season wasn’t all laughs for any of us, let alone B.J.. For those of you that remember the Stanford game, it was a special team’s nightmare. Especially for the punt team. In the first half, B.J. sailed a snap over my head and out of the end zone for a safety. The staff made a decision to bench Miller. Later in the game, he got another chance. "I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel the pressure, but after that play I knew that I’d be fine," he says. B.J. was fine, and finished out the season in good fashion. At the conclusion of spring ball, Miller seems to have matured both mentally and physically. B.J. has already put on seven pounds this summer, but the real battle may be psychological. "Last year I was so overwhelmed by my enthusiasm that it was hard to settle down sometimes. My dream of playing major college football had come true," he recollects. "Now I feel more comfortable, and also a lot more confident." Miller is excited about the upcoming year, and can’t wait for September 8th when we finally get to start off theseason against SDSU. " I love the new staff! They have been great so far," he says. " I think that everyone is finally on the same page, and that we will surprise a lot of teams this year." When asked about his football future B.J. responds, "I just want to be consistent this year, and whatever happens later, happens. I’m just having a great time right now." Miller’s major in school is Marketing, and he will receive his B.A. in May of 2002. His hobbies include golf, going to the movies, and hanging out with his friends. Another one of B.J.’s hobbies is to talk about how proud he is of his hometown of Fort Collins, Colorado. Those of you that know B.J. well, know exactly what I’m talking about! There you have it! The first profile in the history of "Murphy’s Law," and wouldn’t you know it... it’s focused on the second most important man of the field (besides the punter of course) the long snapper. The strength staff has generously postponed our "optional" summer workouts for the week of July 2-9 due to the holiday, and the fact that most of our bodies need some time to rest. Therefore, there will be no "Murphy’s Law" posted on the 9th. I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday! I’m off to New York and Cape Cod for the week so I will catch ya’ll on the 16th with another edition of "Murphy’s Law." Nick can be reached via email at MurphysLaw84@aol.com.
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