http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate...l/13375294.htm

Year-end award fit for a Prince

Byrnes athlete Miller named state’s Mr. Football after amassing more than 2,000 all-purpose yards

By AKILAH IMANI NELSON

Staff writer

For the past four years, he’s been Mr. Offense, Mr. Defense and Mr. Special Teams.

On Friday night in Myrtle Beach, Byrnes High athlete Prince Miller was presented with the Mr. Football award, which recognizes the top senior high school football player in the state.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be Mr. Football, but I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates, because I wouldn’t be getting this award if not for them,” Miller said after receiving his bronzed trophy and embroidered jacket at the North-South All Star Game Awards banquet.

In the past four years Miller and his Byrnes teammates have compiled a 58-2 record and collected four consecutive Class 4A state titles.

During that time, Miller has been a standout performer as a running back, defensive back and kick returner.

In nominating Miller, Byrnes coach Bobby Bentley called the all-purpose athlete “without doubt the best football player I have coached.”

This year, Miller amassed more than 2,000 all-purpose yards as a running back, wide receiver and kick returner. He caught 18 passes for 342 yards, rushed for 352 yards and scored 16 touchdowns — including two in the state championship game.

On defense, he made four interceptions and forced three fumbles.

Being named Mr. Football is validation of all the work that produced those stats, Miller said, and a reward for the people — his mother and older brother, coaches, and teachers — who supported him along the way.

“It means that I work hard on the field and in the classroom, and I am happy to know that work has paid off,” he said.

Miller, who has committed to Georgia, was also recognized as Back of the Year by the S.C. Coaches Association and will play in the Dec. 17 Shrine Bowl.

Flashing a smile brighter than the jewel in his left ear lobe, Miller said he could not think of a better end to his high school career.

“It’s a great finish,” he said. “I just feel very blessed to have it.”