TAMPA, Florida. – After a year and a half on the Buccaneers practice squad, Ryan Miller is ready to step up his efforts.

Miller is making the most of his chances with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sidelined with injuries. Miller started quietly the last two games, and on Monday night he scored his first career touchdown on a crucial catch to tie the game when it mattered most.

“I’m just waiting and stalling,” Miller told FOX 13 sports. “I just work day in and day out. I got my opportunity this year and I’m making the most of it.”

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It was a bittersweet moment in Miller’s career, as it ended in defeat, but it did not go unnoticed by his family and friends. He received over 100 text messages, and the fact that his parents were there to see him made the moment even more special.

“They’re very supportive of me,” Miller said. “They’ve only missed two games in my entire career. They are very supportive parents. They love me and I love them.”

Scotty Miller throws a football during Buccaneers practice

The Bucs love what this former college tight end does at wide receiver. Miller made a quick impression with new Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen this offseason.

“Ryan did a lot of good things last spring; (he) had a ton of reps last spring, Coen said. “Ryan actually ran the best route we’ve had here since Godwin this training camp .”

Coen went on to say that Miller is building on a strong training camp this summer.

“Ryan had the best last spring. He had a lot of production last spring and played a lot, so he’s been doing things well for a long time,” Coen said.

Coen continued to praise Miller, saying he had complete confidence in the largely unproven receiver.

“It was just a matter of getting an opportunity and making a play. I didn’t even think about who was in position when we called off that play in the low red zone to score. I trust him,” Coen said.

Coen highlighted Miller’s strong plays in the blocking game, saying, “He made a great block on Rachaad (White)’s touchdown on the toss play at the nine-yard line. Respect to him for having done it the right way, staying the course, and seizing an opportunity and making the most of it.

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With the Bucs’ top three receivers out due to injuries, Miller, who normally works on the scout team, found an early connection with Baker Mayfield.

“He does the right thing, he does it on time,” Mayfield said. “I talked to him about it after the game, but this is a guy who last year (was) sitting on the team (of (training) all year round, really he’s also trying to learn and grow physically, but he’s taking advantage of his opportunities, and that’s what it’s all about.

Mayfield, accustomed to taking advantage of new opportunities, said he respects Miller for being ready when his big break finally came.

“You never know when an opportunity is going to present itself, and he took full advantage of it. It’s a credit to him to be mentally locked in, have a fit body and be ready to play,” said Miller.

“It’s been tough for him,” Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said. “Not only that, he was a tight end in college, but this stuff is new to him.”

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Bowels said Miller is progressing as he continues to improve his game.

“He’s a worker. He’s probably not the quickest, probably not the fastest, but he’s one of the toughest. He understands every position and plays the game the right way,” Bowels said .

Bowels continued to praise Miller, saying, “He’s always in the right spot and he has exceptional hands. The game is never too big for him. He’s always competing. When you have a guy like That’s easy to keep.” “.

Some big-name receivers were traded before the trade deadline. The Bucs kept making moves, which sent a strong message to players that they had confidence in the team’s talent, including Miller, who has just five receptions in his professional career.

“I’m very grateful,” Miller said. “They could have gone out and grabbed anyone, but they chose to bring me up. It shows that they have a lot of confidence in me, and I’m very grateful to this team and the organization for believing in me. Let me go out there and play.”

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