By : Matt Bressington of Europe’s Elite
The UK has cultural significance in European American football, this is a result of the NFL “International Series” games that circulate every season with the Jacksonville Jaguars often playing host after a length bid to fill the gaping hole the market. However, it could be argued that the UK is lacking in producing talent into the European Leagues and the NCAA, with only a handful of athletes having the opportunity of professional football or achieve a scholarship. Continued evidence of this would be the paid league structure is non-existent, this is long overdue before BAFA is taken seriously in the market. Although, there are steps in the right direction the NFL Academy has shone a light on many talented competitors that have been featured by Europe’s Elite.
One in particular maybe be the future for the UK, Tah Jae Miller. To have zero football experience to go on to be receiving interest from Division-1 FCS schools is nothing short of spectacular. The 220lb line-backer plays the game with ferocity and aggression that is unrivalled for a player in his Class of 21. TJ is routinely lighting up lineman, running-backs, Wide/Slot receivers, he doesn’t discriminate and its imperative that you respect his 4’6 speed or he will decleat his target. That being said, it’s not only his brawn that sets him apart from his peers. TJ’s instincts and IQ for the game is only comparable to the best in the GFL and AFL.
Furthermore, he reads the movement of the Quarterbacks without over committing, he waits patiently before firing into disrupting the flight of the ball, or joyfully crack the player after the catch to force the ball out. Its honestly mind-blowing that he hasn’t had to opportunity to show his skills in a full game, to execute his 145KG (320lbs) bench and 190KG (420lbs) squat coupled with all of his brilliant knowledge that he’s been taught from the NFLA. with possible playtime with the renowned London Warriors, we may get the privileged to see him perform with the best team in the UK and in the best league.
There are many aspects of TJ’s game that should be recognized as elite. The mobility and pace he sets are inhuman for someone that big and strong. His hands are solid and the awareness to tip throws through his zone shows his immense reflexes. It wouldn’t be a bold statement to suggest that TJ is one of the top Line-backers in the 2022 class, I would also go as far to say he is one of the top three at the position in the UK. The rumblings suggest that he will have a place in the top 50 amongst the top 150 athletes within his class.
The hype of TJ will continue to surge once the offers flow through and he could potentially be part of the new generation of Europeans who make a name for themselves on an NCAA roster. Now is the time to buy stock, because in the coming years he will be making more than an impact on the gridiron.