May 3, 2010
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The first of many preseason All-America teams to come was announced on Monday and it included UCF defensive end Bruce Miller (Canton, Ga.). NationalChamps.net included the nation's leader in both career sacks and tackles for loss on its squad. In addition, offensive lineman Jah Reid (Haines City, Fla.) received honorable mention accolades.
Miller's 27 career sacks tie Florida's Alonzo Johnson for the ninth-most ever by a FBS player in the college football-rich state of Florida, a list that includes six first round NFL Draft picks. His 27 career sacks and 44 career TFLs are the most of any active player in the nation. Last week he was also named to the preseason watch list for the Rotary Lombardi Award.
Named the 2009 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, Miller made 13 sacks and 18 tackles for loss last year as a junior. A versatile end who also moved to tackle and played a three-technique in UCF's nickel package, Miller also was credited with seven forced hurries and three pass breakups last fall, helping the Knights lead C-USA in total defense, rushing defense, scoring defense, sack and tackles for loss. UCF was fourth in the nation last fall in rushing defense, topped only by BCS bowl participants Texas, Alabama and TCU.
He made perhaps the most pivotal play of UCF's season during an ESPN-broadcast Sunday night game against Marshall. Trailing at home to the Thundering Herd 20-14 with 2:12 to play, Miller forced Marshall quarterback Brian Anderson to fumble. Freshman All-American John Robinson recovered the ball for the Knights and Brett Hodges capped the ensuing drive with a game-winning touchdown pass to Rocky Ross with 23 seconds left to play. The emotional win helped spur on a 5-1 close to UCF's 2009 regular season and earn the team a spot in the St. Petersburg Bowl with an 8-4 record.
Reid has continued a steady progression throughout his UCF career as he has matured into his 6-7, 326-pound frame. He started all 12 games at right tackle last fall and was named first-team All-Conference USA. He helped the Knights' offense rank amongst the most improved in the country as UCF jumped from 229.5 yards per game on offense in 2008 to 340.8 in 2009 en route to a 8-5 season and trip to the St. Petersburg Bowl.
To see Miller, Reid and their UCF teammates in action six times this fall at Bright House Networks Stadium, get your season tickets today, starting at just $99. You can purchase them either over the phone at (407) 823-1000 or online at UCFAthletics.com.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to www.UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit www.UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.