Transfer from Akron to Slippery Rock a win-win situation for Shaler grad Jake Miller

Jake Miller watched the transfer portal activity and felt things at Akron weren’t going his way.

Thanks to the covid-19 pandemic, life’s natural progression wasn’t taking its course. Players were being granted extra eligibility and Miller felt his opportunities were slipping away.

Like many student-athletes in search of a better opportunity, Miller hit the portal himself and ended up committing to play at Slippery Rock. More than 2,000 football players entered the transfer portal during the 2021-22 season.

“There ended up being some guys being granted sixth and seventh years with the covid year and medical redshirt,” Miller said.

“Playing at Akron meant everything to me. Going up there and proving I can play with those guys was amazing. I’m taking a bit of a risk, but I want a chance to play and not be behind guys who are 24 and 25.”

Covid cast a shadow over his entire time with the Zips. As a true freshman, Miller had found a spot on special teams after the MAC agreed to play a six-game schedule. However, Miller had a false positive test and missed most of the season.

When Miller returned in 2021, he again found a home on special teams. He was credited with one tackle against Toledo last season.

However, the 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker was seeking an opportunity to do more. Miller also was hoping to land with a program that had a different type of culture. Two coaches Miller worked with at Akron, Anthony Cicone II and Sam Kukura, ended up moving to The Rock. Miller decided to follow them.

Playing at a program with a history of winning also appealed to Miller. Slippery Rock finished 9-3 last season, winning the PSAC West Division before losing to Notre Dame College in the first round of the NCAA playoffs.

Since 2013, SRU had made the playoffs six times and reached the NCAA Division II national semifinals in 2019.

When he played at Shaler, Miller never played on a team with a winning record.

During his two years at Akron, the program went 3-15.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of a winning program and winning culture,” Miller said.

“Everyone was used to being a part of the same old, same old. No one expected much.”

Things will be different at The Rock.

Miller is looking for an opportunity to make a name for himself and prove he can be one of the better linebackers in the PSAC.

But he’s still glad he took the chance to pursue a Division I opportunity with Akron.

Miller feels he proved he belonged at the level.

“The speed of the game changed completely,” Miller said.

“It’s something you have to adapt to. It takes a lot of live team reps. That’s how you get acclimated to that environment. I think I was able to prove I belonged when I was up there.”