Grant Miller: Big 12 vs. SEC, definition of grit, favorite moment of 2021

Senior offensive lineman Grant Miller discusses a variety of topics about his college experience, time at Baylor and more in this special Athlete+ Q&A. 

Athlete +: What is the primary differences between the Big XII and SEC?

Grant Miller: In the SEC the front 7 is much bigger and I think that reflects a lot in terms of play style. In the SEC you see a lot of linemen trying to 2 gap and read the backfield. In the Big 12 it’s much faster paced and creative with more blitz packages.

Athlete +: You played center at Vanderbilt and played primarily right guard at Baylor. If you get the chance to go on to the NFL, do your picture yourself playing center or guard? And why?

Grant Miller: I think it really would depend on what team takes me and what they need. Over my career I’ve had pretty much an equal amount of starts at guard and center so I’m really comfortable anywhere in the interior three. I think my size and skills translate to either.

Athlete +: Which of the offensive linemen that haven't started or played much yet are you looking forward to seeing play the most?

Grant Miller: I’m looking forward to seeing Micah Mazzccua reach his potential. I think he moves really well for being one of our heavier guys on the OL, he plays with a physical brand and he still has a lot more time to get better and develop even more under Coach Mateos.

Athlete +: How happy are that you left Vanderbilt for Baylor?

Grant Miller: I can certainly appreciate the opportunity I had to go to Vanderbilt. Coach Mason believed in me out of high school and gave me a chance to earn a very respected degree. But playing for my parents alma mater and the school I grew up rooting for is really a dream come true, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come to Baylor and get my masters degree.

Athlete +: What are the main culture differences?

Grant Miller: The thing that sticks out to me the most are the fans. It’s Texas football so the energy, atmosphere and therefore the culture that surrounds this program is different. I also think Vanderbilt was mainly focused on academics whereas at Baylor they truly live up to their motto of developing champions on and off the field. Baylor truly wants to be successful in all aspects of being a student athlete.

Athlete +: Have you benefited from Eric Mateos as your line coach? Is he preparing you for the League?

Grant Miller: I definitely have benefited from Coach Mateos over my last year here. I think overall in terms of just becoming a more diverse football player is what he’s really helped with. Some teams won’t take guys if they can’t play multiple positions, Coach Mateos is preparing all of us for that. Other teams won’t take guys if they can’t play in certain schemes and Coach Mateos introduced me to a whole new offense (wide zone) and I’ve seen myself grow as a player from it.

Athlete +: Who is the strongest o-lineman?

Grant Miller: That’s a tough one but I will probably go with Mose Jeffrey. I have seen him squat well over 700 pounds the day after a heavy conditioning session.

Athlete +: How much did being a legacy influence you to come to Baylor? What was/is your dad's perspective of Baylor as a former athlete? Does he get as hyped about it as non-athlete alums?

Grant Miller: My whole family has always gotten hyped up for Baylor athletics and we were avid fans throughout my whole childhood. I remember going to the women’s basketball Final Four in 2005, the men’s basketball tournament game against Anthony Davis and Kentucky as well as going to the Fiesta Bowl. So I would say we all get hyped up. We all view Baylor athletics as “our teams” and I think all of it definitely played a role in coming to Baylor.

Athlete +: I hear of an OL having good "footwork". How would you define footwork and what part of footwork is natural talent and what part is taught/coached?

Grant Miller: I would define footwork as the foot speed and precision of an offensive lineman’s first three steps. Some guys it comes very naturally based on how their built, others take years to get it to an elite level. But footwork will look different and will vary depending on the offensive scheme.

Athlete +: What is your definition of grit?

Grant Miller: I would say grit is emptying the tank when you think there’s nothing left. Persevering in the most difficult times. Ultimately never giving up no matter how bad the circumstances are.

Athlete +: You find yourself trapped and forced to fight. You get to choose one player from Baylor or Vandy to fight with you... Who do you pick and why?

Grant Miller: This is a tough one but at Vanderbilt we had a center who now plays in the XFL, Bruno Reagan, who is 330 pounds with a black belt in Judo.

Athlete +: Favorite place in Waco to eat at?

Grant Miller: I really hate having to pick one, because as an O-Lineman, trust me I have a lot of great spots. But if I have to pick one I would probably say Kitok. They have great Korean food and burgers. Interesting combo but great food.

Athlete +: Any specific DL or player you are looking forward to going against this season?

Grant Miller: If this was last season I would’ve said Nik Bonitto since we were high school teammates. Now I wouldn’t say there’s a specific DL or player I’m looking forward to playing but I will say I think it will be interesting to line up against my former head coaches defense now that he is the DC at Oklahoma State.

Athlete +: In what area of OL technique have you grown the most in since getting to Baylor?

Grant Miller: I think my hand place placement is a work in progress but has definitely been my most improved aspect of my game since arriving at Baylor.

Athlete +: What part of your game do you feel needs the most work?

Grant Miller: I’m really emphasizing my footwork this offseason it’s a goal of mine to get it to an elite level for this upcoming season.

Athlete +: What part of your game do you think translates the best to the NFL?

Grant Miller: I think my play speed and athleticism. I think I do a solid job of playing in space, getting to second level blocks and pulling.

Athlete +: While we know it's one game at a time, what game are you most looking forward to personally and as a unit?

Grant Miller: Honestly our first game against Albany. I think everybody is itching to get back out there in McLane with the home crowd.

Athlete +: What was your favorite in-game or game day moment last season?

Grant Miller: A lot of special moments so it’s hard to choose from but beating Oklahoma and having the fans storm the field was special to me. A lot of my family and friends were at that game too so it was a crazy experience for me.

Athlete +: Do you miss Broadway in Nashville?

Grant Miller: I miss some of the food spots down there for sure. But I never really went down there too often for the nightlife or anything like that since I didn’t really have that kind of time at Vanderbilt,  so I don’t miss it too much. Although the fireworks show on Broadway was spectacular every year and I enjoyed