It happens every summer. An undrafted rookie surprises coaches at training camp and stakes a claim to a roster spot.
That player for the New York Giants this training camp just might be former Columbia running back Dante Miller.
The Giants signed Miller this spring when it was discovered that his college football eligibility hit a snafu at South Carolina. He was one of the several hopefuls the Giants added to the roster to help fill the void left by the departure of Salon Barkley.
Turbo Miller with a nice run #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/yPo0728SnL
— Big Blue In The Bronx 🎙️ Alex Gajovich-Protich (@BBlueintheBronx) July 29, 2024
While Miller is far from Barkley at this time, The Athletic’s Dan Duggan reports that Miller is opening some eyes so far at camp with his 4.27 speed, elusiveness, and versatility.
It’s still a challenge to evaluate running backs even when the pads come on because there’s no tackling to the ground. But rookie running back Dante Miller continues to impress with his quickness. The “Turbo” nickname clearly fits, as he showed on a run that he bounced outside at the second level for a big gain.
It’s too early to get overly excited about a 5-foot-9, 200-pound back who only had six carries in his final two college seasons. But there’s a path to a roster spot — and a role — in this Giants’ backfield if Miller continues to impress.
Talkin’ Giants host Bobby Skinner adds that “if Eric Gray can’t block in preseason, I think Miller is making a case for a spot.”
Miller has a wide skill set. He can also be a threat out of the backfield as seen below on the other end of a Drew Lock touchdown strike.
Former #Gamecock Dante Miller for 6! pic.twitter.com/ZCrdkt7njW
— Famously Garnet Sports (@FamouslyGarnet) July 27, 2024
The Giants’ depth chart at running back is currently as follows: Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Jashaun Corbin, Miller, and Jacob Saylors.
They will likely keep four backs on the 53-man roster. Miller and Tracy can both return kicks and are established pass catchers, which enhances their chances.
