Miller talks Baylor commitment

Cris Dishman has only been on the job as Baylor's new safeties coach for three months. But Friday signaled the first net of what his 13-year NFL career means when Baylor competes for top secondary recruits.

A week's worth of conversations with Dishman appeared to be the last part of what was needed when Frisco Lone Star safety Chris Miller gave his verbal commitment to Baylor this past Friday.

Miller is the eighth member of the 2016 class and is the second safety along with Lancaster Kenan Ivy. Verbal commitments are non-binding. The first day a recruit can sign a national letter of intent if Feb. 3, 2016. Miller (6-0, 187, 4.57) doesn't plan to be an early enrollee.

"Everything was great on Friday,'' Miller said. "My mom and dad and I got there and coach [Art] Briles showed us where I would be staying as a player. Then I sat down with coaches and talked with them. Committing felt right. You can't get much better than what Baylor is doing right now.''

Currently unrated by Rivals, Miller holds offers from Wisconsin, Mississippi State, Nebraska and Tulsa. Baylor's offer arrived in early March. But it appeared to be a formality after lead recruiter Jim Gush established the relationship for the last two years.

Miller is viewed as a physical safety. However, Baylor likes him early as a free safety for his ability to play in pass coverage. Miller said the staff is intrigued the way he can break on the ball.

But his national exposure jumped in mid-March at the SPARQ event at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Miller produced one of the nation's best scores at 118 which was aided by a 39-inch effort vertical. It helped his national exposure but only strengthened Baylor's pursuit.

"This was like my fourth trip to Baylor and coach Dishman talked about this about being a family and the aspirations we have about going for another Big 12 championship and a national championship,'' Miller said. "I feel very good about what they're doing. You can't get better than back-to-back championships.''

It's clear that more schools will come after Miller now that he has committed. That's basically when the recruiting process starts. Miller said he's willing to visit other schools. But it would take something extraordinary for his bond with the Bears to weaken.

Gush and Baylor defensive coordinator Phil Bennett are expected to visit Miller this coming week. Lone Star begins spring football workouts on April 28.