Coach Prime loading up another weapon in wideout Omarion Miller
Colorado wide receiver Omarion Miller celebrates after scoring on a nine-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against USC Saturday September 30, 2023 at Folsom Field. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado has an impressive room of wide receivers, and they’re all finding ways to contribute to the aerial attack.
With All-American Travis Hunter still dealing with an injury, young wideouts like Omarion Miller is stepping up during his absence. Miller embraced that next man up mentality, and caught Coach Prime’s attention after his stellar performance in last Saturday’s loss to USC.
He had a career day after he hauled in seven passes for 196 yards and a touchdown. Not to mention Miller averaged a jaw-dropping, 28 yards per catch. The former four-star prospect displayed the ability to stretch the field, and clearly established himself as a weapon in the Buffaloes’ offense.
To Coach Prime it was mind-boggling, because Miller wasn’t being consistent in practice. However, Miller shocked his head coach, and had a coming out party against a top-10 team.
“I didn’t think we were going to get that far with Mario, I haven’t seen that yet,” Coach Prime said. “He hasn’t practiced well, that’s why he hasn’t played, but he was forced into action, and showed up and showed out.”
Miller is making an immediate impact on the offense, and his early success should be beneficial for Colorado down the stretch. His fellow receivers Jimmy Horn Jr., and Xavier Weaver are dangerous in their own right. The two caught seven balls apiece against the Trojans. With Miller now in the mix, Colorado’s passing game has become more potent in Coach Prime’s eyes.
“We celebrated him after the game because of how he stepped up, and now I’m certain his confidence is going to soar through the roof,” he said. “Now we can really call set plays for him, and really depend on him a lot more.”
Coach Prime wants Miller to continue getting faster, polishing his routes, and working on blocking. That’s how the Louisiana native will develop into an elite target on the gridiron. Colorado (3-2) is currently fifth in the FBS in passing yards per game, and that should increase once Hunter returns to the lineup.
Coach Prime is confident the offense will continue to soar, and he can’t wait to get Miller more touches. That’s why it’s going to be important for the six-foot-two, 195-pounder to build on the momentum he generated. Coach Prime is grateful for the skills Miller brings to the offense, and now he wants the true freshman to spread his wings and fly.
“He (Miller) can take the pressure off Xavier, Jimmy and the running game as well, that’s tremendous, and I’m proud of him.”
