Zachary Joseph Miller (born December 11, 1985 in Phoenix, Arizona) is a professional American football tight end for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 2nd round (38th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Raiders. He played college football at Arizona State.
 Miller in November 2008 | |||||||||
| Oakland Raiders | |||||||||
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| Career information | |||||||||
| College: | Arizona State | ||||||||
| NFL draft: | 2007 / round: 2 / pick: 38 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Roster status: | Active | ||||||||
| Career NFL statistics as of Week 08, 2010 | |||||||||
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Early years
Miller Attended Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Arizona. Miller played in the 2004 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which is an annual all-star game for the nation's best high school football players.
College career
In three seasons at Arizona State University, Miller caught 144 passes for 1,512 yards, and 14 touchdown receptions. He was named a John Mackey Award finalist in 2006. The Sun Devils finished the season with a record of 10-3. Miller was a All-America selection by the AFCA and the Walter Camp Foundation in 2006.
Professional career
Miller was projected to be a first round pick, however, his slightly disappointing performance at the combine caused him to be drafted early in the second round and 38th overall, by the Oakland Raiders. Miller's successful college career draws high hope of the Raider Nation. He is expected to be a big reliable receiving threat and a solid blocker for the Raiders, after many disappointments at the team's tight end position, including Doug Jolley, Courtney Anderson and Randal Williams. One of his two biggest plays was a 25-yard catch from Daunte Culpepper, sparking the Raiders' comeback win against the Kansas City Chiefs. The other was a 13-yard touchdown catch thrown by Josh McCown in a victory against the Denver Broncos. Miller's blocking has been a large factor in the Raiders' running game, in which the team ranks 6th in the league in rushing yards per game. He finished his rookie year with 44 catches for 444 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a great season finale.
2010 Season
Miller has thus far exceeded expectations of fans and fanasty owners alike in the first few weeks of the 2010 NFL season. On October 24, 2010, Miller caught a 43-yard long touchdown pass to get the Raider's offense started against the Denver Broncos. Miller also played Left Tackle in the game.