South Carolina football alum Dante Miller took a unique route to the NFL. After being an All-Ivy League running back with the Columbia Lions, he moved down south to Columbia, South Carolina to join the Gamecocks where he served as a depth running back and special teams contributor.
Miller's time with USC was cut shorter than he had hoped thanks to the NCAA denying his request for a final year of eligibility, but because he sat out the 2023 college football season, the speedy running back became eligible for the NFL a little sooner than most of the players in his draft class.
After a strong showing at the Gamecocks' Pro Day, Miller signed a free agent contract with the New York Giants. He had a great summer and a good preseason with the team but was a roster casualty when the NFL's cut to 53-man rosters came into play earlier this week. However, on Wednesday, news broke that showed Miller wasn't going anywhere.
According to a report from ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Dante Miller has been signed to the New York Giants' practice squad.
As one of the fastest players in the NFL, it comes as no surprise that Miller (who runs a 4.27 in the 40-yard dash) isn't done trying to live out his pro football dream. With the Giants, he will battle with Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, and Tyrone Tracey, Jr. for reps this fall. Singletary, Gray, and Tracey will have a leg up as they are all on the active roster.
Miller's ability to help on special teams (both in the return game and on coverage units) could be what allows him to move up the pecking order in New York, but if given the chance, he can provide some production as a 3rd-down back, as well, with his speed and pass-catching ability.