HOG CALLS: Receiver doesn’t regret coming back

By Nate Allen

FAYETTEVILLE — Triumphant in tragedy and tragic in triumph.

That’s how Lucas Miller closed an Arkansas 2008 season that never entirely reopened for him in 2009.

Not that losing a football game is truly tragic, but it can feel that way to a player at the time. Even a player pumped with success.

Against these same Mississippi State Bulldogs opposing Arkansas today in Little Rock, Miller tasted bittersweet ups and downs like he had never had before.

A former walk-on wide receiver from Greenwood, Miller had the game of his life against Mississippi State last season. On 10 catches, including an 87-yard touchdown, he became only the second Razorback to top 200 receiving yards in a game. His 201 yards were just shy of Mike Reppond’s Razorbacks record 204 set on 12 catches against Rice in 1971.

Despite Miller’s milestone, the Hogs lost 31-28 in Starkville.

“During the press conference afterwards, it was really tough,” Miller said. “You wanted to be happy because I felt like I played so well, but at the same time, our team didn’t win, and I’m a team player.”

A team player who didn’t get to celebrate the 2008 Hogs’ biggest victory the following week. Millertore his anterior cruciate ligament during the 31-30 season-closing upset of LSU in Little Rock.

Major knee surgery ensued. A broken collarbone in August kept him out the first two games of 2009.

“Of course, the collarbone we all know about,” Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino said. “But that knee he had last year against LSU has been bothersome. Caused some problems with his hamstring and ankle.”

Younger, healthier, faster receivers passed him by.

So for all 2009, Miller, with six catches, hasn’t caught as many as in that one game in Starkville.

Makes you wonder if the already graduated fifth-year senior thinks it was worth coming back.

“It’s tough,” Miller admitted. “It’s all come piling on top of each other,but I would miss it like crazy if I didn’t come back. The camaraderie you have with your teammates. ... I love those guys to death. Those kind of bonds I wouldn’t have if I had gotten a job and left. I’m glad I’m here. The Lord has blessed me to be back. Let’s just go get another win.”

With two to play, the Hogs are 6-4 and bowl eligible compared to last year’s 5-7 mark. And Lucas Miller has played a part.

“He’s doing a great job on special teams,” Petrino said. “I tell you what, he’s as tough as they come.”

Miller plays on three special teams, including punt team gunner.

“Special teams has become where I can get on the field right now,” Miller said. ”And if that’s where it’s at, then that’s where I can help the team.”

Sports, Pages 22 on 11/21/2009

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