DELRAY BEACH – Earl Miller has proven to be the best overall player in his class.

The South Dakota verbal commit (No. 1-ranked defensive end; No. 1 overall player) had an awesome senior season at American Heritage (Delray Beach). In eight games played, the 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive end finished with 48 total tackles (23 solo, 25 assist), 10 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, 12 quarterback pressures, and 5.5 sacks.

Miller helped the Stallions (4-4 final record; No. 1 private school team in Palm Beach County) reach the Class 4A-Region 4 final against Cardinal Gibbons, which resulted in their season-ending 26-14 home loss on the night of Friday, Nov. 27.

“This senior year has been a challenge. I have faced a lot of adversity losing my head coach (Brian Sheridan) and the pandemic that we are in,” Miller said. “What stood out was the front seven this year. We had talent all over the field, but mainly on the defensive line and our linebackers. I felt like if we weren’t in this pandemic, Heritage would be competing for a state title right now.”

Suffice to say, Miller’s best game this season was against defending Class 2A state champion Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah). In American Heritage’s 33-27 home loss on Oct. 16, he recorded a total of six tackles, three sacks, and one tackle for loss.

“I played great against the 2A defending champs,” Miller said. “I just came in and executed.”

Probably the most impressive part of Miller’s senior season was his ability to take on more roles. He played several positions, including at defensive end, defensive tackle, and wherever needed on the offensive line.

“My position coaches, Coach [Mike] Hall and Coach [Chris] Rutledge have been by my side throughout the whole season,” Miller said.

American Heritage defensive line coach Mike Hall shared his thoughts on Miller’s season. He posted them on his Twitter account.

“Earl is athletic enough to play DT or DE,” Hall said on his Twitter handle. “I truly am going to miss his leadership and physicality on the DL next year.”

Miller will now turn his attention to finishing strong in the classroom for his senior year at American Heritage. And from there, he will be setting his sights on South Dakota.

Will Miller sign his letter of intent with the Coyotes on Wednesday Dec. 16 (Early National Signing Day) or Wednesday, Feb. 3 (National Signing Day)?

It is too early to tell, but Miller does have an idea.

“I am undecided, but leaning towards December,” Miller said.

Stay tuned for further updates on Miller’s final signing decision.