Miller Time: 49ers Rookie Fullback Gets 2nd Consecutive Start
by Dylan DeSimone on Sep 28, 2011 8:01 AM PDT
in 49ers Roster
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PrintThe San Francisco 49ers rookie out of Central Florida will get his second consecutive start at fullback against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Bruce Miller, like many other Niners, is adjusting to his role on the team. The standout college defenseman, now expected to pass block, run block, run and receive in a complex west coast offense, has shown the will to put it on the line.
Miller has a great attitude, and has displayed the want to get better at his craft, for himself and his teammates. The Niners new offense features a lot of single back sets that don't include a fullback, but when Miller's number was called, he made sure to get a helmet on someone every play.
He's shown a great enthusiasm for the physicality that comes with the fullback position, but needs to improve his technique. Miller is used to charging at people, but when they are charging him and he's asked to protect his quarterback, he needs to get low and plant his feet. Against Cincinnati, former 49er linebacker Manny Lawson broke through the offensive line and connected with Miller.
When Miller and Lawson collided, Miller lost his footing and got bowled over, allowing the sack. Fortunately, the Bengals were called for offside and the sack was nullified. At no point during the play though did Miller allow himself a fighting chance to block Lawson.
The fullback is coming off of a preseason where he really turned some heads, but the regular season is a different beast. With Moran Norris sidelined by injury, Miller is the next man up and his team is depending on him to play like a professional. Between his physical capability to stand up linemen twice his size and his desire to get better, Miller could replace Norris more permanently.
Another bit of criteria Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers staff felt Miller met when they drafted him was with versatility. In limited time, Miller has already hauled in 4 passes for 25 yards. To give you some scale as to how significant that is to the 49ers offense, Michael Crabtree, Braylon Edwards, Ted Ginn Jr. and Delanie Walker all have only 4 catches each.
Miller adds a whole new dimension to the offense with his pass catching ability; something the 49ers haven't been able to get out of Norris. This is good because he can provide an extra check-down for Alex Smith when he's under fire by opposing defenses.
The fullback has only 1 carry this season but his athleticism would lead many to believe that he is capable of Peyton Hillis-like runs. Miller may need an extra season to become acclimated and put on some extra weight, but his versatility affords him no ceilings.
I also like Miller to set the tone for the offense. Coming out of the fullback position, Miller can accelerate to full speed before lowering a shoulder into a defender. This offense could use a hype-man to get them excited and having fun. Miller can do that providing some big hits, that hopefully open up lanes as well.
I think Miller is one of the new 49ers additions that is just going to keep getting better and better if he stays healthy. And Miller, along with Kendall Hunter and Aldon Smith, are rookies that can make some noise for the 49ers right now. But Miller has a real challenge ahead of him this weekend when the 49ers take on Philadelphia.
He is going to have to stand in the pocket and help slow down that pass rush. The fullback might be called on to help keep Alex Smith vertical with an offensive line that has been struggling. Watch Miller's development this season, starting with his growth from week three to week four.
Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80
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Definitely liking what I’ve seen so far. Alright, he fumbled his only carry, but considering the guy is playing in his first season as a fullback EVER, he is only going to get better. Quietly becoming more and more enthused by what I’m seeing from the team this year. Horrendous oline play notwithstanding…
A Real Fullback
I will never understand the aversion the front office has to drafting or signing a real fullback. I am pleased with the four receptions but am not thrilled with the one carry where he fumbled the ball. Moreover, his pass blocking is worse than his buddies on the offensive line. It’s hard to expect more from Miller as it’s a reach to take a defensive player and transform him into a skilled position on offense.
We all enjoy cheering for the underdog, especially one that has a lot of heart and Miller does show some flashes of being able to catch the ball and that’s delightful. Someday, he might be a legitimate NFL fullback but that day isn’t coming any time soon. Frankly he’s a project that’s going to take years to develop. He’s a reach at fullback but that’s all we have and, at some point, you have to wonder why.
Not sure what game you are watching on Sunday, but our TRUE FB Moran Norris Strikes out more than Jose Canseco did back in the day.
So what is a REAL FB? A guy that played it in college but isn’t as talented as another guy that can learn it? Marecic was the only real FB that was in this draft with the abilities that the 49ers would look for. He also was drafted about 2 rounds before they thought he would go. Marecic also played LB in college, and Miller played a small DE, and would have been a LB in the NFL.
Harbaugh also recruited Marecic, so I would think he saw a lot of Marecic in Miller. guys in college change positions all the time and then become one of the best at that position 2 years latter to become a 1st round talent. It’s Miller time and he will prove it. BTW, it was his first start ever………
by ericalancanty on Sep 28, 2011 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Have to agree with this....
I don’t see how it is going to take that long to learn his role and how to do it properly. His position coach pioneered the position within the offense that we are using moving forward. He looks natural catching the ball, which would be the one thing that takes longest to learn considering his college position, and his blocking assignments and the technique used is something that is better learned through repitition. The guy relishes contact, which is something that Norris seems to avoid at all costs now.
And before anyone jumps on him about pass blocking, let’s not ignore the block that Gore completely missed and didn’t seem concerned with at all that lead to a sack. That’s our RB who we’ve claimed is one of the best pass blockers in the game.
by 9thevolution on Sep 28, 2011 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Absolutely...
And he didn’t just miss the block, he didn’t even try. There was absolutely zero effort put into that play on his part, nor did he seem to care after it happened.
by 9thevolution on Sep 28, 2011 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
I think his effort in the game, or lack thereof, was because of his ankle.
He just didn’t seem to give it 100%.
Then he should have been on the bench.
We are going in circles.
Really?
First, one game with 4 receptions does not a fullback make.
Secondly, the idea there was one fullback available in the draft to suit a WCO is just plain silly and is not credible. Also — Since you know so much, can you tell us why the Niners haven’t drafted a fullback since Baalke has been with the Niners? (six years) Have there been no suitable fullbacks available in those drafts as well?
Lastly, comparing anyone to Norris is going to make him look like he’s all-world, simply because Norris is… well… Norris.
one game with 4 receptions is the reason to be patient
Who drafts fullbacks? They are either undrafted or converted from a different position (DE, LB, and my favorite slow running back). Lorenzo Neal was a halfback converted, Madison Hedgecock was a DE in college, Heath Evans and John Kuhn are more like a HB/FB hybrid and both were undrafted. Myself, I think we should have Dixon as a “fullback” and use it as a dual back set. The big bruising fullback is pointless in my opinion.
Who Drafts Fullbacks?
In the last three years Cleveland, Arizona, Miami, Dallas, Philly, Jets, Seattle,
Giants, Greenbay, Washington and Carolina. That’s about a third of all the NFL teams.
Your statement about Hedgecock is largely untrue as he played running back, fullback and defensive end while at the University of North Carolina, rushing for 130 yards (118 as a senior) and 2 touchdowns his senior year.
by Ninerpoints on Sep 28, 2011 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
I think you're overrating the "skill" of a FB
There’s skill and technique just like any position, but I’d guess it’s about as easy a position to learn as their is. Bruce Miller may have much to learn, but he’s a great physical specimen for the role. A great combination of size, power and athleticism. Unfortunately for him he’s got really short arms, which is the only reason you’d “waste” an athlete like that at a relatively unimportant spot.
by hammystyle on Sep 28, 2011 9:42 AM PDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Odd
One third of all the NFL teams in the last three years draft their fullbacks. I think it’s because they consider it a skilled position.
by Ninerpoints on Sep 28, 2011 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Miller is a fullback. He was drafted as a fullback and plays a fullback.
So 49rs drafted a fullback. Your point is moot.
no its not moot
he has a point in if you are going to draft a player to a position it would be of a benefit that they have some experience at the position. I disagree that the FB is a skill position and is a draftable position since only a third of the NFL pick them where placekickers are selected. But he has some points and I agree with some of them.
There are very few fullbacks drafted compared to a lot of positions...
and most are picked late. It is hard to judge what really makes a fullback a good one or not… as it has less to do with skill, and more to do with attitude. A fullback needs a good amount of crazy to be a good one.
by Sigelvictory on Sep 28, 2011 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
I think
you’re correct on both counts — About the draft position and number of fullbacks taken compared to other positions. The reason for this is the fullback position is predicated on the offensive scheme used. In college the traditional fullback is used mostly in run oriented offenses.
In the WCO Walsh used the fullback to block, run and catch the football. Roger Craig, the first man in the entire history of the NFL, both rushed and received passes for 1,000 yards each in a single season. Rathman also was exceptional in all phases of the game.
My position is simple — If you’re going to run a real WCO you’re going to need to have a fullback that can run, block and catch the football. It’s just that simple and in my book, that makes it a skilled position.
by Ninerpoints on Sep 28, 2011 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Glad we drafted a guy who will do all that.
That was the best athlete who can run, block, and catch the football. And we drafted him.
Now you're just being silly
He is no where close to the best. Hell, he’s not even in the same zip code!
But you are correct that we drafted him and I think he is the best athlete playing fullback on the Niners’ roster this year.
The only way he’s gonna learn the position is to keep playing him. Expect fumbles, drops and missed blocks — It’s gonna happen. We’ll see if his ‘upside potential’ makes up for his lack of experience.
I wish him all the sucess in the world and I’m certainly going to be cheering for him on every down.
So who was a better athlete to play fullback available at that draft spot?
And why do you think that you know that so much better then 49r FO?
They needed a fullback, they drafted a guy to play fullback. What is so complicated?
and with the spread offense being used in college
there aren’t very many fullbacks coming out…
by Sigelvictory on Sep 28, 2011 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Baalke
can you tell us why the Niners haven’t drafted a fullback since Baalke has been with the Niners? (six years) Have there been no suitable fullbacks available in those drafts as well?
Baalke has only been the GM of this team for less than a year. He has never been in a position to draft a suitable FB, only to give his opinion as a scouting director and letting McNolan ultimately make the selections.
by 9thevolution on Sep 28, 2011 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
This is a great point
except the Niners have done the same thing with three different head coaches. The front office signs a defensive player and feeds him to the coaching staff to convert to fullback. They did it with Nolan, then Sing and now Harbaugh. He was a scout then Director of Player Personnel for years.
You might be right, but somehow I think it’s a huge coincidence. In any event, the tradition lives on.
by Ninerpoints on Sep 28, 2011 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Since I know so much.......Here goes.
there were 6 TRUE FBs taken in the 2011 NFL draft.
Cleveland Browns select in the 4th round (WOW)
Owen Marecic, 245 lbs…..3 games played, 2 runs for 4 yards, 2 catches – 13 yards,
1 fumble
Arizona Cardinals select in the 5th round
Anthony Sherman, 242 lbs…..3 games played, 0 runs, 2 catches for 12 yards
Miami Dolphins select in the 6th round
Charles Clay, 239 lbs…..0 stats……
SF selects DE/FB Bruce “not Brit” Miller in the 7th round
Bruce Miller, 248 lbs….1 game played on offense. 1 run, 2 yards 1 fumble,
4 catches, 25 yards 1 first down, 1 fumble recovery (Vernon Davis)
Dallas Cowboys select in the 7th round
Shaun Chappas…..Did not make team, could be on practice squad, but not on 53 man.
Kansas City Chiefs select in the 7th round…..
Shane Bannon…….Did not make team, could be on practice squad, but not on 53 man.
Phili Eagles select in the 7th round….
Stanley Havili…..Did not make team, could be on practice squad, but not on 53 man.
So in 1 game, Miller has out performed the 6 REAL FBs that were drafted in 2011. I know he is young, but he is athletic and has a desire to preform at a high level.
Most importantly is that….Baalke has only been the official General Manager for this one year. Last year, it was GM by committee. So blaming a guy that had no real power for all 6 years makes no sense. Can’t blame the scouting agent, when he isn’t the one picking the guys during the draft. Baalke didn’t like Taylor Mays, and look how that tyrned out….Blame Sing for that one.
by ericalancanty on Sep 28, 2011 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions
It's True
Guys change positions all the time in college. They even change in the pros, but usually they change position on the same side of the ball. Like a guard moving to center.
Can you name a guy who played his entire college career playing defense and then became an all pro playing a skilled position on offense in the NFL?
There may be one or two, but that is the corner case senario and not what usually happens in the pros. That’s why I say Milelr is a reach. It’s not that I don’t think he’s an upgrade over Norris and it’s not that I don’t want him to become a great fullback for the Niners.
But the truth is that if it happens at all, it’s going to take time.
Miller's senior year in HS
He played TE and defense. In HS he also lettered two years in basketball and one year in baseball. All reports say he is a hard worker with a nonstop motor. If Rathman is coaching him I think it’s going to be less time than you think.
We have the 2 best FBs in the game.....Miller and........................
Ice……………Sopoaga……..Who doesn’t need a 330 lbs Samoan clearing the lane for a crippled Frank Gore……..just kidding about Frank, but not about the Ice man.
In just one start, Miller has surpassed Norris in just about every category….minus the Whiff category. Miller may have Whiffed on Lawson, but Norris does that 4-5 times a game.
I would like to point out again, that this was a “What is he doing!” Baalke move….turns out that it was a great decision.
I'm ready for the inevitable contest between Miller and the lesser Matthews Brother.
I hope Bruce lays Casey out!
Come on, Alex, please be good this year...
Eagles Linebackers have been overpersuing all year
of course because they are inexperienced.
Miller could provide I nice misdirection option, maybe a pitch or quick pass after a run fake. I’d like to see Hunter used in this capacity as well.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
I Think He's and Upgrade Already
And if anybody can make him truly useful in that role in the WCO I’ve got to believe it’s Tom Rathman. That said, I’d rather see two tight-end sets with a no-huddle and if we need a fullback for a given play, have one of the TE’s motion to that position. Is that still the West Coast offense…I’m not sure, and I’m not sure I care. We’ve got two great tight-ends and at the moment middle-of-the-road wideouts and a novice fullback. Either the fullback or an extra wideout takes one of the TE’s off the field. I think the priority should be to keep the TE’s on the field because there’s so much flexibility and so many mismatches with them in there. Is Miller’s (or Norris’ or Sapuaga’s) lead blocking ability so much greater than, say, Delaney’s that it has greater value than the flexibility/mismatches of two awesome TE on the field at the same time? Am I making sense or being an idiot?
Dangerous question to ask ...
I’d agree with your proposed offensive personnel package, but we can’t run that same look all day. Even just to force the opponent’s defense to have to rediagnose the play, different looks can lead to big plays. Rotation for breathers on a long drive (wouldn’t that be great to see!) is another reason to swap personnel.
by OffensiveInterference on Sep 28, 2011 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Delanie is starting to get overrated here
He’s good enough to MAYBE start on the teams that don’t have quality, ball-catching TE’s, (which is only a few now), but his blocking is not very good. Certainly not good enough to make him a viable FB. Delanie is a WR for all intents and purposes.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Sep 28, 2011 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Sopoaga that is..
Those Somaon.. err Samoan name are too hard on me.
He is a scary human beeing.
But I do not think he can catch reliably.
They should put Soap at RG.
That would be some Samoan sandwich for the defensive line.
Still say Niners should draft Chad Diehl from Clemson next year. Guys listed at 6’ 2" 265 lb’s, he’s going to be a beast. That’s what this oline & FB positions need, guys with attitudes, mean streaks.
by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Sep 28, 2011 1:05 PM PDT reply actions
granted
Miller’s pass blocking may leave something to be desired, but he run-blocks like a man possessed. And seeing as Norris does neither really well these days, if it were up to me, I’d have Miller starting @ FB any day of the week and twice on Sundays
Miller Time!!!!
Finally a true west coast style fullback. He’s definately a weapon in the pass game something Norris lacked. He seems to be a hard nose blocker in rushing assignments though he lacks in pass protect he will get in in time. For a rookie thats new at his position he sure is a breath of fresh are offensivly. Anyways i hope he steps up big in philly so that way gore can open his eyes and realize what he’s been missing. Btw if gore flopps again and Hunter shines i think we may see Gore get bumped off the depth by him. So it may very well be their last chance to prove themselves worthy of their roster spots. I can’t wait to see Miller and Hunter in action sunday!!!! Go Niners!!!
by Zintzun22niner on Sep 28, 2011 9:09 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
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