 
Miller selected 81st overall by Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009 NFL Draft
April 26, 2009 Former Texas DT Roy Miller was chosen 81st overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft on Sunday. His selection gives the Longhorns at least two draft picks for the ninth consecutive year. "It's something that you dream of," Miller said. "There aren't too many people that get picked in the NFL Draft. I'm definitely honored to be picked by the Bucs. I'm so excited because they've had a lot of great players on defense there, so going to a place that's known for defense is going to be a lot of fun. I know they like to get after it on defense. "I feel like I can help stop the run and be a productive player for them, but I'll do whatever I need to to help them win games. I'm looking forward to getting down there and getting started." It also marks the second straight year a UT defensive tackle has been chosen, following Frank Okam, who was drafted in the fifth round last year by the Houston Texans. Derek Lokey also signed as a free agent last year with the Kansas City Chiefs. "I've got to thank everyone that's helped me along the way, coach Tolly (Tolleson), coach Brown, coach Muschamp, everybody," Miller said. "I want to make sure I represent the program well and I'm going to put in the work to do that." The Longhorns have also had six total defensive tackles selected in the Brown era, including Rod Wright (seventh round, Miami Dolphins, 2006), Marcus Tubbs (first round, Seattle Seahawks, 2004), Casey Hampton (first round, Pittsburgh Steelers, 2001) and Shaun Rogers (second round, Detroit Lions, 2001). "Roy Miller is one of the best leaders we've ever had because of his toughness," Texas head coach Mack Brownsaid. "He was able to play both ways. He was our fullback in the short yardage and goal-line package. At the same time, he dominated the line of scrimmage from the day he got here. He'll do the same in the NFL and is very similar to Casey Hampton." Miller is the fourth Longhorn chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in franchise history following QB Chris Simms in the third round in 2003, CB Fred Acorn in the third round in 1984 and DE Ken McCune in the 10th round in 1981. Miller played in 49 career games, starting 19, and recorded 138 tackles, 25 TFL, 10 sacks, 44 pressures, six PBD, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery during his career. He started all 13 games at defensive tackle in 2008 and capped his season with Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP honors. Tabbed first-team All-Big 12 by the league's coaches, Miller logged 49 tackles, 11 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 28 pressures, four PBD and a fumble recovery last season.
|
|
