Dakota Miller has been through the recruiting gauntlet, but he has landed on his feet.
Miller, one of the nation's top five rated QB recruits currently on board with an FCS school, was originally slated to sign with Nevada–the college home of another great QB, Colin Kaepernick of San Francisco 49ers fame. But a coaching change prompted him to go in another direction, and Weber State and the Big Sky Conference came calling. It was a whirlwind of activity, but Miller (6-1/190) enrolled early and loves the school. Two months ago, he planned to go to Nevada–but now he's already on the Utah-based campus as an early enrollee.
"It wasn't that hard to make that decision late, really," Miller told HERO Sports. "I already knew the coaching staff through recruiting and I liked them. I think this is a really good level to play in. North Dakota State was my first offer and when I watched film on them I coulud tell it was really good football and competition at this level."
Along with the Bison, Wolfpack and the Wildcats, Miller also held offers from FBS Utah State and emerging FCS power Northern Arizona. Notre Dame even inquired about Miller early in the process. But Miller had his heart set on Weber State, a Big Sky program that went 6-5 last year with a signature overtime win over playoff-bound Montana. Last year's starter, Jadrian Clark, was a junior. Miller could have a shot at the starting job as early as a year from today.
Miller, a native of California, loves how former Eastern Washington and Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams plays, and said his style of play is similar.
"Coaches say they love that when the receivers are not open I can extend plays with my legs and keep my eyes downfield, and if that doesn't work I can take it for 6 (points) myself," Miller said. "People have said I have the 'it' factor."
Miller joins another 3-star prospect (rare for FCS schools) on Weber State's recruiting list for 2016. In-state product Noah Kramer received looks from Oregon and Utah and reports an offer from BYU, but Weber State won the defensive tackle over.