Charlotte, NC – One linebacker from North Dakota State College of Science has proven to be a true testament to the phrase, "defense wins games". With incredible performances on the field all season long, Samuel Miller has been named the 2024 NJCAA DIII Football Defensive Player of the Year.
Miller, a sophomore from Pflugerville, Texas, has made his mark on the Wildcats roster this season. He was at the helm of his team as he helped lead NDSCS to a third-place finish and a 9-2 record on the year.
Miller had a spectacular season on the defensive side. He led the nation in assists with 48 and in tackles with 96.0. He was third in the nation in tackles per game with 8.7 and fourth in solo tackles with a total of 48.
"Samuel 'Sammy' Miller has been one of the most productive defensive players that I have coached here at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). In the classroom, Samuel has a 3.0 GPA to go along with his special abilities on the field. Little did anyone know how tough Samuel is; he played the entire season with a bad shoulder that affected his tackling form. At NDSCS, he has played 2 different positions, Outside Linebacker/Nickel and Inside Linebacker/Will, showing his versatility and productivity at multiple positions," stated Head Coach, Eric Issendorf. "Sammy plays the game with as much effort as I have ever seen in a player, and his relentless pursuit of the football is like no other I have coached before. For these reasons, Samuel has earned this accolade, and we are extremely proud of him for this prestigious award that is a first for our football program."
His impact on the Wildcats was unparalleled as they remained in the top 5 of National Rankings all year long, staying in close competition with the National Championship Runner-up, Louisburg College.
Miller earned a first-team 2024 All-America selection as well as Region 13 Defensive Player of the Year honors. He was selected to the first-team All-MCAC and All-Region 13 teams while being named as a top MCAC Defensive Player.
Between his two years with NDSCS, Miller has made significant improvements from this season to the last. His total tackles increased by 30 while he more than doubled his total amount of yards and sacks. As Miller's opportunities on the field grow, his talent and career will flourish.
2024 Statistics
- Solo tackles: 48 (4th)
- Assists : 48 (1st)
- Tackles: 96.0 (1st)
- Tackles per game: 8.7 (3rd)
- Sacks: 3.0
- Sack yards: 18
Personal
- Position: Linebacker
- Number: #3
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas
- Hight School: Weiss High School