OU's Dejuan Miller shows he's 'here to stay'
BY DAVID UBBEN, Staff Writer, dubben@opubco.com
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Published: November 1, 2009
NORMAN — Dejuan Miller believed he had the talent and knew he had the confidence.
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But until last week's win over Kansas, the sophomore receiver had been unable to turn either into anything tangible.
Miller turned in a nine-catch, 94-yard performance in Oklahoma's 42-30 win over Kansas State, eclipsing both of his previous career highs set just last week. For the first time this season, he led the Sooners in both categories as well.
"This was my coming out party," Miller said. "I've been waiting for this awhile."
He didn't have to wait long make a big impact on Saturday. His first catch came on the Sooners second drive, a 23-yard touchdown catch that would have been a much shorter gain had Miller not shed a tackle and raced into the end zone to put the Sooners up 14-0.
"I was getting my chances to show what I can do," Miller said. "I don't want to sound too cocky, but that's just the inner confidence I have in myself that I know I can play."
Miller's inner confidence must have spread to his quarterback. On three occasions, Landry Jones tossed the ball Miller's way to convert a third down.
"Those catches are the biggest catches for me," Miller said.
All three conversions kept alive drives that eventually led to Oklahoma touchdowns.
"Dejuan is a big, physical target out there," Jones said. "Against smaller corners, he's going to use his body and wingspan against them."
Miller has boxed out junior Cameron Kenney, senior Adron Tennell and starter Brandon Caleb, who sat out most of the game due to an early injury, as a complimentary target to speedy sophomore Ryan Broyles.
"He's playing in a really strong way," said coach Bob Stoops.
And his play has helped silence much of the criticism Oklahoma receivers earned early in the year with a host of drops that frustrated coaches and fans alike. Though the status as Oklahoma's No. 2 receiver has been a revolving door for much of the season, Miller has staked his claim as the current resident.
"My time came tonight, and I think I really showed everybody at OU that I'm here and I'm ready to ball," Miller said. "I'm here to stay."
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