Pine-Richland’s Luke Miller wastes no time making commitment to Kent State

By: Chris Harlan
Saturday, May 16, 2020 | 7:55 PM

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Pine-Richland junior Luke Miller didn’t need long to decide.

Two days after receiving a Kent State offer, Miller committed Saturday to the Golden Flashes. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker and receiver chose the Mid-American school over more than a dozen other Division I offers.

Miller took an unofficial visit to the school’s campus about a week before Pennsylvania and Ohio governors issued stay-at-home orders. He liked what he saw and connected with the coaches but had to wait for an offer.

That arrived this week in a video conference call with Kent State assistants Tom Kaufman and Joe Coniglio, who coach the linebackers.

“I was hoping that it was coming,” Miller said. “I’d talked to them for months but nothing serious until that offer. … I was so excited. I was in shock. I just sat down and said: ‘I think this is it for me. I think this is where I can do my best.’”

Miller led Pine-Richland in tackles last season with 112, including 44 solo tackles, as the Rams reached the WPIAL Class 6A final. He also had 16 tackles for loss and five sacks but also was a key part of the offense with 26 catches, 356 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

He’ll play weakside linebacker at Kent State, the position he plays at Pine-Richland.

“Coach said he could see me playing there four years,” Miller said. “I’d love that.”

Miller also listed offers from Akron, Albany, Bryant, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, Duquesne, Fordham, Holy Cross, Lehigh, Maine, New Hampshire, Robert Morris, Stony Brook and Youngstown State.

Kent State went 7-6 last season, 5-3 in the conference in coach Sean Lewis’ third season.

“I wanted a good place where I was wanted and where I think I can play,” Miller said. “I love the campus and the people there. They have a great culture up there, so I wanted to be a part of it.”

I am extremely excited to announce that I have COMMITTED to Kent State University!!! Let’s get to work!! @KentStFootball @PRRamsFootball pic.twitter.com/RoszP4PKne

— Luke Miller (@_luke_miller_7) May 16, 2020

Today has been one of those unforgettable days. Beautiful weather. Quality family time. Then a true tough dude from a GREAT Pittsburgh HS program commits to the #FlashFAST family. This LB is going to be special. #HappyDad #HappyCoach

— ⚡️Tom Kaufman⚡️ (@CoachTomKaufman) May 16, 2020