News-Argus Defensive Player-of-the-Year -- Keevon Miller

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on December 22, 2013 1:52 AM

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Anyone who wants to know what kind of impact James Kenan standout Keevon Miller has on a football game should simply ask a coach from the Carolina 1-A Conference.

One opposing coach called Miller "a force" and another described him as "a game-changer" at different points this season.

Miller anchored a defensive unit that helped the Tigers claim the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-AA state championship. The talented defensive end has been named the 2013 News-Argus All-Area Defensive Player-of-the- Year for his efforts.

So what does James Kenan head coach Ken Avent Jr. think of Miller?

"Keevon is a kid that makes big plays at big times," Avent Jr. said. "He has size and speed. Whenever he gets the chance, he is going to deliver a hit. He deserves all the recognition he has gotten."

Miller tallied 60 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, and three sacks on the season. He forced three fumbles, recovered two and blocked two field goals.

The defensive end watched teams run the ball away from him all season.

"Nobody likes to get hit," Miller said. "Teams run to the other side, which is fine. The key is to not get frustrated and stay focussed."

Miller helped James Kenan get off to a 4-0 start in non-conference play. As the season wore on, the Tigers' defense got stronger. After a 35-22 win over Princeton to open the Carolina 1-A Conference schedule, James Kenan cruised through five consecutive league wins and allowed a total of 35 points.

Miller made a splash in the playoffs when he crushed Union quarterback Shyquan Brunson and knocked him out of the game. The Tigers rolled to a 49-0 victory. Following a shootout win over Princeton in the second round, the Tigers defeated Whiteville 17-7 behind another strong game from Miller, who finished with a team-high six tackles.

"I know I am glad I don't have to game plan against (Miller)," Avent Jr. said. "He forced opposing coaches to make adjustments all season."

Miller made seven tackles against archrival Wallace-Rose Hill in the 1-AA east regional championship game.

To cap his senior campaign, Miller logged five tackles and recovered a fumble against West Montgomery in the state championship game in Winston-Salem. James Kenan finished 15-0 and it was Miller who hoisted the trophy at BB&T Field.

"We were ready for the conditions which really helped us," Miller said. "We had been practicing in the cold and in the rain, so when we got to (Winston-Salem) we knew that we would be ready to play and our hard work as a defense paid off."

Miller is undecided on his college destination next fall, but he does plan to keep playing football.

"I'm going to sit down and talk to coaches and see what's out there," Miller said. "Obviously, I want to keep playing football, but I also know that college is about preparing for the real world."