Getting to Know: Henry Miller

The 2016 recruiting class will arrive on campus in two months, but before they get to Pitt, Panther-Lair.com is taking a closer look at the newest additions to the Panthers. Today, the Getting to Know series kicks off with Henry Miller, the 6'3" 200-pound cornerback from Kissimmee (Fla.).

PITT BIO
A two-way starter at quarterback and cornerback for Gateway, which plays in Florida's largest classification (8A)...compiled 1,909 yards in total offense as a senior...threw for 935 yards and 12 touchdowns with only two interceptions...rushed for 974 yards and 16 scores...picked off three passes on defense...led Gateway to a 7-4 record and the first playoff appearance in school history...named Florida All-State Class 8A (third team)... ...named to the Orlando Sentinel Central Florida Super60...selected to play in the Central Florida All-Star Game

What was the most memorable moment of your high school career?
It was probably when we locked up a playoff spot this year. That was the first time we ever made the playoffs and it was just a great team win.

What college or NFL player do you try to model your game after?
I would say (Oakland Raiders CB) Sean Smith and (Arizona Cardinals CB) Patrick Peterson in the NFL. Me and Sean Smith have the same body type, so I try to play like him. And in college, I like how Darqueze Denard played man defense; I love man defense.

Who has helped you the most in your development as a football player?
The coach I play seven-on-seven football for, he helped me become a better player. Seven-on-seven really helped me a lot. It helped me learn the corner position because I didn’t really play cornerback in high school until my junior year; I played receiver and quarterback before that. But seven-on-seven on helped me learn corner because I was always playing it there.

What was your favorite part of the recruiting process?
I liked the official visits a lot. I went to Pitt, Miami, NC State and Rutgers, and I think it was just cool to be able to travel places, see places, meet players who are doing what you’ll be doing soon, meet the coaches, that kind of thing. I just liked that experience.

What was the craziest thing a coach said to you?
A coach told me, ‘If Pitt is one of your leaders, then I know we’re still in the race.’ I don’t think I ever liked that coach, even before that. He was always like that, so I never really liked him. He was really the only coach I talked to who was like that.

What shocked you most in the process?
The interviews and everything. I didn’t know I would have to do it so much. And I didn’t know there were so many fans on Twitter. They never really argued with me but they would argue with each other. They were always in my mentions so I was watching it happen. It was funny.

What was the biggest reason you picked Pitt?
It was crazy. When I was at Pitt it was me, George Hill, Phil Campbell, Justin Morgan, Brandon Ford and nobody knew each other. But when we were there, you wouldn’t be able to tell we didn’t know each other. Everything just clicked. It was like we knew each other forever. It was crazy. That didn’t happen at any other schools. I felt like I knew everybody there. And then with the coaching staff, everything felt right. Even when I visited Miami, I felt like I was more at home at Pitt.

What do you see yourself doing after Pitt?
If I don’t make it to the NFL, then I would like to get into sports broadcasting and do some kind of analysis.

What do you plan to major in at Pitt?
Communications

What number will you wear at Pitt and why?
15. That was my number my senior year, so that or any single digits.

What are the biggest things you need to work on at Pitt?
Eating healthy. I don’t eat too good right now, so I have to work on that. On the field, my eyes; I can’t do what I did in high school and just jam everybody. I have to learn to keep my eyes on their hips and that kind of thing.

What are your goals for your freshman season?
Earn some playing time. Coach Narduzzi tells us that there is an open spot so there’s an opportunity to play. I just have to seize the moment.

What are your goals for your career at Pitt?
Win an ACC championship and a national championship. And hopefully me and Damar (Hamlin) can argue for the Thorpe Award.

What is one thing you'd like people to know about you that they can't tell from your Rivals.com profile?
I like to make people laugh. People think I’m funny and I like doing that.