Big Money’s Next Stop: The NFL


Heath Miller

Heath Miller came to UVa as an unheralded quarterback from one of the tiniest high schools in Virginia. He’ll leave as the greatest tight end in ACC history, destined for a big city, fame and riches in the NFL.

Miller decided to forego his final season of eligibility and apply for the NFL draft, and why not? On an individual basis, he had little left to prove as a student-athlete. He set numerous ACC records and won the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end in 2004. He also is on course to graduate in May and is projected as a first-round pick in April’s draft.

Because of that, his decision came as little surprise and received the support of UVa coach Al Groh.

“There is a significant difference between a player’s being ready to be drafted and that of a player’s being ready to play well in the NFL. Heath clearly fits into both categories,” Groh said in a press release. “We fully support his decision to start his NFL career. Heath is one of the best players to have ever played at Virginia. He has done a great deal for our team and we appreciate and admire him. All Virginia fans will enjoy following his NFL career.”

Forturnately, it appears Miller will be the only Cavalier underclassman to make himself eligible for the draft. Junior tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, junior linebacker Darryl Blackstock and sophomore linebacker Ahmad Brooks – all possible first-round picks – have indicated that they will remain at UVa. The deadline to apply for the NFL draft is Jan. 15.

The 6-5, 255-pound Miller was a standout quarterback at Honaker High School in Swords Creek, Va., where he is a local hero. He redshirted and changed positions in 2001, then made a major impact the next year with nine touchdown catches. As a sophomore in 2003, he recorded 70 catches for 835 yards, smashing the ACC single-season marks for a tight end. He led the Cavaliers this season with 41 receptions for 541 yards and was a unanimous first-team All-American.

Miller, dubbed “Big Money” by his teammates, holds the ACC records for a tight end for career receptions (144), yards (1,703) and touchdowns (20).

Miller also developed into an outstanding blocker and was respected, admired and appreciated by fans, teammates and coaches for his work ethic and humble attitude. He was polite to reporters but rarely said more than one sentence at a time. Nevertheless, he apparently saved the longest statement of his career for the press release announcing his intentions.

“As you know, I have had a decision to make as to whether to declare myself eligible for the NFL draft, or stay with the Virginia Cavaliers for another exciting season,” Miller said. “This has been a very difficult decision for me, however I believe I am prepared as a player and as a person to enter the 2005 NFL draft. The past four years of my career at UVa have prepared me for the opportunity to play at the next level.

“I want to thank God, my family members for all of their support, Coach Groh and his coaching staff – who have not only helped me develop as a player, but as a person – my teammates who I know will remain like family to me, and the unbelievable fans who turned Scott Stadium into a ‘Sea of Orange’ that I was proud to play in each and every Saturday. I want to thank Evan Marcus and his weight room staff, Kathryn Jarvis and the academic advising staff, Ethan Saliba, Kelli Frye, and the athletic training staff, and everyone else who has supported me. Lastly, I am proud to have been a part of Virginia football for the past four years and I will surely be proud to be a part of the Virginia football family for the rest of my life.”