Former SLU defensive back Harlan Miller was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, Apr. 30.
Courtesy of Sports Info

Former SLU defensive back Denzel Thompson was added as a free agent by the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, May 1.
Courtesy of Sports Info

To some, the NFL draft is only another part of the typical offseason.  

But for many young athletes, the draft is much more than that; it determines if they make the cut to live out their dreams. Southeastern graduate and former Lions’ defensive backs Harlan Miller and Denzel Thompson made it to the NFL.

As the 30th pick of round six in the draft, Miller was chosen for the Arizona Cardinals. He has a strong record as a defensive back with 49 tackles, 10 pass breakups and four interceptions by the time he was a senior. At the end of his career, Miller’s interceptions had risen to 11. And for three straight years, the former Lions defensive back was honored with All-Southland recognition from 2013 to 2015, as well as All-American in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Head football coach Ron Roberts had high praise for Miller’s abilities. 

“Harlan has a great understanding of the game, has been a student of the game and has really mastered his trade,” said Roberts.

Miller is the first Southeastern athlete to be drafted to the NFL since Robert Alford was drafted to the Falcons in 2012. Miller will also not be the first Louisiana athlete to play for the Cardinals. His new teammates include notable LSU defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson. As such, Miller’s presence will help bolster an already strong Cardinals defense. 

According to his draft profile at nfl.com, Miller’s strengths include his quickness of feet, ability to shift weight and change direction, ability to make plays outside his area and tenacity when tackling opponents. The profile also explains that Miller uses his height to his advantage, picking off 11 passes and breaking up another 22 over the past three years. The website compared Miller to Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson. 

When asked what he remembered from Miller’s career, Roberts praised the Lion’s skill, but was unable to narrow down major plays. 

“He was consistent from an early age, and a very competitive player,” said Roberts. “There are too many plays to single them out.”

Roberts also explained that Miller was a fine player off the field. According to Roberts, Miller graduated in three and a half years, led his teammates by example and always remained focused on what he wanted. He was also someone other players would emulate for preparation and practice. 

Despite leaving Southeastern for bigger things, Roberts expects Miller to represent the university well.

“He will go down as one of best players to wear green and gold,” said Roberts.

A day after Miller was drafted, Thompson was added as a free agent by the Seattle Seahawks.

Clearwater, Fl native and Countryside High School alum played 47 games throughout his Lion career and earned 117 tackles, eight interceptions and 21 passes broken up.

During his junior year, Thompson was named to the second team All-Southland Conference, and as a senior, Thompson was rewarded a spot on the Southland Conference All-Academic team.

The nation will soon see what Lions can do as the NFL season begins in September.   

 

Harlan Miller played all four years as a Southeastern Lion. During his career at Southeastern, Miller established himself as a strong defensive player and a dedicated athlete.
The Lion's Roar/File Photo