For Dolphins undrafted rookie LB Aubrey Miller, preseason means everything

MIAMI GARDENS — Aubrey Miller was a four-star recruit to Missouri, a Tennessee Mr. Football who ended his college career as an All-SWAC linebacker at Jackson State, where he played for Deion Sanders.

As an undrafted Miami Dolphins rookie, he's just trying to make the squad.

"You've just got a chip on your shoulder," Miller said this week. "It makes your 'why' huge. My 'want' is very high. I really want this. And I understand the type of role I'm in and what I have to do."

Miller is behind veterans David Long and Duke Riley on the Dolphins' preseason depth chart.

And so Friday night's game against the Falcons means everything to him. While some players may hope to avoid the preseason entirely, or even consider action a "punishment," Miller understands what's on the line for him.

"I love football," Miller said. "I love to play. I'm willing to do whatever I've got to do to contribute."

Miller is 6-foot, 229 pounds, similar in stature to Long and Riley, who are Miami's smallest linebackers.

What Miller needs to do is make the team with a dominant performance on special teams.

"I think it's number one," Miller said. "I treat that just like it's defense. You've got to listen, learn, apply and execute. I need to execute and show high energy."

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Long and Riley have told Miller he needs to focus on special teams as well as mastering the playbook.

"Know what I'm doing," Miller said. "Make sure I know what I'm doing."

Miller said he's adjusting to the speed of the NFL game. He is focused on being a "team player" and a "play-maker."

Coach Mike McDaniel is not afraid to put undrafted players on his roster. And he's not afraid to put them in key roles, if they're earned.

"We have 90 (players)," McDaniel said. "We'll have 53-plus 16 (on practice squad). There’s math there and you don’t know who it’s going to be, you don’t know what, but those opportunities are premier really for a guy’s career."

Miller believes his family and friends will be watching the game from back home in Memphis.

"The team is a family," he added.

While it seems probable Miller will get some defensive snaps against the Falcons on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium, he repeatedly noted how important the special teams snaps will be.

Known as a fearless striker in college, Miller would love to deliver a punishing blow.

"A big hit is a big hit," Miller said. "But kickoff is where you set the tone. So I'd say on special teams is where I'd want to get it."

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Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at.jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins vs.Falcons: Undrafted Miami LB Aubrey Miller out to make squad