Rutgers football: For Monmouth transfer Dymere Miller, a special moment in win over Howard

PISCATAWAY – Dymere Miller knew he was ready to contribute to Rutgers’ football team as a fifth-year wide receiver transfer after a superb career at Monmouth University.

He didn’t know, couldn’t know, just how exhilarating his debut at this level would be. On Thursday, when he took the field at SHI Stadium, the sight and sound of 10,000 uproarious student-fans blew his mind.

“Your blood starts flowing even more,” Miller said. “You get the chills when you hear them screaming, saying your name. I never had anything like that.”

He responded by scoring the Scarlet Knights’ first offensive touchdown of a 44-7 rout of Howard. It was a simple screen pass from the 2-yard line that Miller finished off by barreling over two defenders at the goal line.

“To get in the end zone in the first game with this new team, it was nothing short of amazing,” he said.

But far from surprising. Miller was dynamite at Monmouth last fall, hauling in 90 passes for 1,295 yards and nine touchdowns. He was a first team All-American in the Football Championship Subdivision, and a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as the most outstanding player in all of FCS.

He also caught the attention of NFL scouts for his ability to stretch the field. Over his last three seasons at Monmouth, Miller averaged 14.2 yards per catch. That ability was not on display Thursday, however. Targeted a team-high six times by transfer quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, he hauled in four passes for 37 yards. There were no deep balls.

“Whenever that’s called, I’ll be ready for it,” he said, “but I’m trusting everything that’s going on.”

The Scarlet Knights hardly threw downfield against Howard, perhaps to avoid showing their hand to future opponents.

“We’ll get there,” head coach Greg Schiano said afterward.

Miller will be patient, no doubt. There is something to be said for coming up the ranks the hard way, the perspective it provides. After a serious car accident nearly derailed his high school football career in Coatesville, Pa., he improved each season at Monmouth, evolving from part-time starter to reliable target to game-breaking superstar.

Miller’s time in West Long Branch was invaluable. It let him become him.

“Monmouth, honestly, they gave me my name,” he said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have the confidence that I have. They gave me that confidence, they helped me build it throughout the years, so I’ll always appreciate them. That’s always going to be family.”

Speaking of family, 40 of his relatives and friends were on hand Thursday. One of them was his 1-year-old daughter, Laila. The victory, the touchdown, the raucous student section – all that was super satisfying for Dymere Miller during his big-stage debut, but Laila’s presence was the cherry on top.

“That was the best,” he said. “I just wish she was old enough to really understand what’s going on. It was special.”

Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. He is an Associated Press Top 25 voter. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Rutgers football: Monmouth transfer Dymere Miller's special moment