It’s no secret that the Missouri Tigers’ wide receivers are one of the best in the country. Behind that star-studded cast, however, are several players who are making a positive impact on the Missouri football program. Junior receiver Mekhi Miller is one of them, looking to be a leader on and off the field.
Miller, a native of Overland Park, Kansas, had 11 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers last season. He is a smaller, nimble receiver who is best with the ball in his hands. He has a similar skill set to other receivers on their unit, making it harder for him to stand out. Miller says practice is the time to stand out.
“Just go out there and compete every day. You can’t really put any pressure on yourself because you know you have a lot of room to grow with the guys in that room,” Miller said Thursday. “They could take stuff from anybody in that room and ask you about their game, so just go out there and compete.”
The third-year receiver said he has made progress in many areas, but the most important area for Miller’s development has been the mental side.
“More on the mental aspect. Understanding the games. It’s my third year here, my third year in the SEC, and I understand the game a lot better. It’s my second year in (offensive coordinator) Kirby’s (Moore) offense, which gives me a chance to really learn what’s really going on, what’s being called, and just be a better teammate and just grow.”
Not only has he had time to grow physically, mentally and as a player in this offense, but he has also developed into a stronger leader. As a third-year member of this core of receivers, he believes now is his time to lead the younger group of players.
“Being in year three now, I realize I’m probably at that higher level and I’m a leader,” Miller said. “I’m not the young person in that group anymore, so I have to help the younger ones, help them understand it, help them have fun and go out there and compete.”
As the younger ones settle in and the older ones take the lead, the reception room as a whole is slowly coming together. Miller says they are having fun now and enjoying their time together. The close proximity could make this reception core even more intimidating.
“We always have fun in our room. Whether it’s the players or the coaches, we always have fun. Every day is easy, every day is different. We always have something to joke about and laugh about,” Miller said.
As a group they try to push and challenge each other to make each player better. With so much talent in their room and also on defense, they can all make each other better.
“We go out there and do the same thing when we get on the practice field,” Miller said. “We just help each other out and push each other to get better.”
Miller has seen coaches come and go during his time with the Tigers. His relationship with current offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has grown year after year. Miller even called Coach Moore by his first name, showing the closeness of their relationship.
“He’s not like your normal coach. He talks to you and makes sure he builds relationships,” Miller said.
Miller has made significant progress since his freshman year with the Tigers. His role may not be significantly larger or smaller this season, but his leadership of younger players will be a key factor in the success of the younger wide receivers.
Competitions for running back and left tackle seem to be settled for Missouri
Who is the next man behind Darris Smith for Missouri? – The extra point
Missouri edge rusher Darris Smith suffers knee injury and will miss the 2024 season
