Jimmy Morel is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Edge High School for AZPreps365.com

Jalayne Miller is heading towards his sophomore year at Desert Edge but no one should overlook the fact that Miller started on the varsity football team in his freshman season.

“He’s been a varsity starter since day one. That has to be tough for an incoming freshman,” head coach Mark Carter said when talking about his offensive tackle.

Miller grew up in a family that loves football and naturally, through growing up in a sports family, fell in love with the sport of football. He mentioned that he started with baseball, which then transitioned into basketball, then ultimately landed on football. 

Miller comes in at 6’ 5” / 290 lbs and has offers from both Georgia Tech and UNLV. Miller, already has shown signs of greatness but doesn’t want to get too far ahead, “I’m kinda taking what I can get…” when talking about his future in college.

“He cemented his role on the team by just coming in and going to work,” offensive line coach Terrance Liddile said. Both coaches mention that a standout feature of Miller is his work ethic and his ability to get better every game.

For Miller it’s also more than just playing football, it's a chance to prove himself, “I’m something, I can do anything I put my mind to,”  Miller is always looking to get better, never settling for what he can do now but what he can do in the future.

Miller’s build and athletic abilities aren’t the only reasons he stands out among this football team as coaches on the team can’t help but sing his praises for the person he is off the field.

"Jalayne Miller is a great kid,” is the first thing Liddile said when asked about Miller. Also mentioned Miller filled the “little brother” role on this team and is showing an impressive amount of growth for how young he is.

“The person is goofy, yet mentally tough. He cares about his football family and is the true definition of a Scorpion,” Carter said.

Miller stands out as one of the younger players on this team as he is one of eight freshmen who is listed on the Desert Edge roster.

Miller’s personal goal heading into the 23’-24’ season is, “Just get better,” he mentions that because he was an incoming freshman he always was behind other players but is using his offseason to get stronger and faster. 

It’s not easy transitioning to high school football especially when you're a freshman playing at the highest level, but Miller proved he could. Miller has earned the respect of his fellow coaches and teammates and will be a player to watch over the next three years at Desert Edge.

Desert Edge went 8-4 last season making it two rounds into the playoffs but falling three points short to Higley 45-42.

Miller and the Scorpions look to continue the success they had last season into the next and as Miller said “just get better.”