Clemson University

Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller reveals decision on NFL vs. college future

Oct 12, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Oct 12, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Imagn Images

Clemson’s top offensive line prospect is staying put.

Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller is returning for his senior season instead of declaring for 2025 NFL Draft, he announced via social media on Saturday.

He is the second prominent Clemson player with NFL interest to announce he’s returning to school in as many days, joining wide receiver Antonio Williams.

Miller (6-6, 315) has started 41 straight games for Clemson at right tackle and was a first team All-ACC selection in 2024. Miller was the team’s highest graded offensive lineman in season-long Pro Football Focus metrics.

Miller was also a freshman All-American selection in 2022 and a third team All-ACC pick in 2023. He became the first Clemson non-specialist player to start every game of his freshman and sophomore seasons since DE Clelin Ferrell in 2016-17.

An iron man, Miller is also one of only six players in Clemson history to record multiple seasons of 950 or more offensive snaps.

Miller started all 14 games for Clemson in 2024 and played 944 snaps as the Tigers went 10-4, won the ACC championship and appeared in the College Football Playoff.

The Ohio native’s consistency and performance drew intrigue about whether Miller, 20, might enter the NFL Draft early after his junior. But his return to Clemson for one more season gives the Tigers four of their five starting offensive linemen back.

Miller joins LT Tristan Leigh, C Ryan Linthicum and RG Walker Parks as returning starters in 2025. Starting LG Marcus Tate has exhausted his eligibility.

Leigh made a joint announcement confirming his return with Miller on Saturday.

With the returns of Williams and Miller confirmed, Clemson has gone two for three on retaining players with draft decisions. The third is redshirt senior tackle DeMonte Capehart, who’s yet to announce if he’ll return for a sixth and final season.

Chapel Fowler
The State
Chapel Fowler, the NSMA’s 2024 South Carolina Sportswriter of the Year, has covered Clemson football and other topics for The State since summer 2022. His work’s also been honored by the Associated Press Sports Editors, the South Carolina Press Association and the North Carolina Press Association. He’s a Denver, N.C., native, a UNC-Chapel Hill alum and a pickup basketball enthusiast. Support my work with a digital subscription
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