Nov. 7, 2007
Q & A With Bart MillerBy UNM Media Relations Assistant D.J. Renteria
Senior Bart Miller is a veteran offensive lineman who won his first starting job during the 2007 training camp, taking over for two-time first team all-Mountain West Conference selection Robert Turner (now with the New York Jets) at right guard. Miller has experience playing both guard and tackle and can also play center if needed. A dedicated, hard-working player and quick learner on the field, Miller is a player who coaches say they can count on to be in the right spot at the right time.
A product of Elk Grove Village, Ill., Miller has 17 career game appearances over the past two seasons, primarily on special teams before 2007. He was plagued by injuries early in his career, but finally enjoyeda full year of uninterrupted health leading into the `07 campaign. He earned Academic All-MWC honors for his performance in the classroom in ’06.
This fall, Miller has done a fine job in the first six starts of his career. He has improved each week, helping to return the Lobo offensive line group, known as “The Hitmen,” to its traditional place as one of the premier units in the MWC. Miller has 42.5 knockdowns, just one sack allowed and one penalty on the year.
D.J. Renteria: Growing up playing football was there any athletes you looked up to as role models?
Bart Miller: I looked up to guys like Grant Wistrom, Zach Wiegert (1994 Outland Trophy winner) and bigger linemen who were successful and played the game right.
DR: What are some of the important characteristics that go into the making of an offensive lineman?
BM: Size is always the starting point. Others are the ability to make decisions on the move, like making blocking calls, but strong and quick are always good characteristics to have.
DR: What is the biggest things people underestimated about offensive linemen?
BM: Most definitely the athleticism involved in being an offensive lineman. Almost always people think we are just fat, ugly guys and that is far from the truth. We might not win a race with a skill guy, but we are definitely athletic.
DR: If you could play defense what position would you play?
BM: I would play linebacker probably. I’d like to run a couple blitzes and makes some plays.
DR: If you were stranded on a deserted island what two things would you have to have to survive?
BM: Well I watch the show “Man vs. Wild” on Discovery Channel, so I would be ready to survive! I would have a knife or a tool so I could build some things that would help me to survive. I also would have some sort of satellite phone that would work everywhere so I could make some S.O.S. calls to be rescued!
DR: If you had to pick between Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie who would it be?
BM: J-Lo. Definitely. She has that exotic look thing down.
DR: Do you have any special talents the world does not know about?
BM: I can sing pretty well in the shower but that’s about it.