Buccaneers rookie WR Scotty Miller talks football journey, under-the-radar status

The Buccaneers released their latest “Meet the Rookies” video Friday afternoon, this time highlighting sixth-round pick Scotty Miller. The speedy receiver out of Bowling Green talked about his journey to the NFL, which included some insight into how he has flown under the radar throughout all of his life.

Miller talks about his start with football, coming pretty much as soon as he could walk. He would throw the ball around with his dad to start, but he started his journey in tackle football during fifth grade after begging his parents to play. From there, he talks about being under-recruited out of high school. He went into his senior year with just three offers, all from FCS schools.

His eventual Division I offer from Bowling Green came with a caveat, with the coach saying he had 24 hours to decide or else the offer would be gone. He took it and never looked back. He said he has no regrets about it, and why should he? In four years there, he totaled 2,867 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. He finished his career with a yards per catch average of 13.3.

After that brief look into how he got to Bowling Green, he talked about his longtime status as a sleeper. The rookie then noted how thankful he was for the opportunity to be with the Bucs, saying that he was going to do everything to the best of his ability so he can truly say that he did everything he could to earn a roster spot.

The video closes with Miller mentioning how he plays with a chip on his shoulder every day. He says his entire journey has prepared him and led him to where he is today.

“Everything that’s happened to me has prepared me for where I am right now. I still have to fight for everything. I’m not guaranteed a roster spot. I’m not guaranteed anything. But I will come in and work to get what I deserve.”

Miller will figure into Tampa Bay’s wide receiver battle during training camp. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Breshad Perriman are locked into their spots. But after that, there is an opportunity. Miller, Justin Watson, Bobo Wilson and DaMarkus Lodge are competing for what will probably be two roster spots. Miller is intriguing, with his speed offsetting his lack of size. His college production speaks for itself, but can he carry that over into the NFL?

We’ll get our first look at him when training camp gets going in just a couple of weeks.