Former MLB Prospect Jai Miller to Play Football for Alabama Crimson Tide

By Mike Atkinson
Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors surfaced today that former MLB prospect Jai Miller will be leaving the MLB and joining the Alabama Crimson Tide’s football program as a safety.

Matthew Elliott, Miller’s brother-in-law, said Miller chose Alabama because of head coach Nick Saban.

“I think the desire was there on both sides to get him back into football and see what he’s capable of doing. If the opportunity is there for him to play professional ball, then the best situation for him would be to play for one of the best coaches in the game and that would be coach Saban.”

Miller played minor league baseball for the Norfolk Tides in Norfolk, VA most recently, but also played in games for the Miami Marlins, the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics.

He was recruited as a quarterback and safety to Alabama, the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, but committed to the Stanford Cardinal on full scholarship after graduating from high school with a 4.0 GPA.

As if that wasn’t enough, Miller also was recruited by Stanford as a basketball player.

Miller decided to give up his dream of college football and basketball shortly after his commitment, when he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2003 MLB draft to the Florida Marlins.

In the MLB, Miller only had 73 plate appearances. He had 17 hits and two home runs. As a minor leaguer, Miller hit 137 homers in 10 seasons, but only averaged .239.

Now, the 28 year old will return to school for the Crimson Tide in the spring semester and will be eligible to hit the field with his new team for spring training for the 2013-2014 season.

Miller reportedly chose the Crimson Tide over the Georgia Bulldogs.

This is a great story. This guy obviously has serious athleticism  and should be capable of performing well at the collegiate level in football.

Miller’s brother-in-law stated that Miller is trying to get to the professional level. I don’t know how long he will be able to play in the NFL were he to get there, considering he is already 28 and just now heading to college.

If nothing else it will be interesting to see how this will play out.

Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeAtkinsonRS or visit his Rant Sports Author Page.

 

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like