Omarion Miller is Times Male Athlete of Year

It’s no secret why LSU football coach Brian Kelly has made North Caddo’s Omarion Miller a prime target for the Tigers.

The 6-foot-2, 196-pound Miller is gifted on many fronts, but his ability to high point a football separates him from other talented wide receivers in the 2023 class. His propensity to leave defensive backs grounded are reminiscent of former Parkway receiver Terrace Marshall, who starred at LSU before moving on to the NFL.

Miller is also solid at rebounding and scoring a basketball, which is why he’s been tabbed as the 2022 Shreveport Times Male Athlete of the Year. He becomes just the second North Caddo athlete to receive the honor in the nearly two decades of the recognition. NC’s Jeremy Moore was the 2005 recipient.

Few defensive backs were able to find a way to slow Miller during the past season. He caught 76 passes for 1,502 yards and 20 touchdowns for coach John Kavanaugh.

“O is special due to the obstacles he’s overcome, while remaining focused on his goals,” North Caddo football coach and athletic director Johnny Kavanaugh said. “He has grown into a leader as he matured. He followed the example of guys who came before him like Jarmoin Griffin and Trey Heard.”

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Assistant football coach Reagan Smith describes Miller as “an old soul” who speaks more with actions than words.

“The best part is, even with all the hype surrounding his recruitment, he’s just one of the guys,” Smith said. “He treats everyone as an equal. In a ‘me’ world, it’s really nice to see. From a human perspective, if you want to get his attention, tell him you’re going to Chick-fil-A. He’d have the restaurant in his house if he could.”

Miller was also hard to stop on the basketball court where he led the Titans to the District 1-2A title. He averaged 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks to earn Times All-City first team honors. Titans coach LeAndre Gipson said Miller has deceptive speed and instincts on the court.

“His potential as a basketball player would be just good as football if he took his shooting more seriously,” Gipson said. “But know he will make the shot you need at any time. He is very coachable, humble and always tells me, ‘I got you coach.’ ”

With involvement in three sports in Vivian, Miller doesn’t have much time for extracurriculars.

“To be truthful, his entire life revolves around athletics, school and his family,” Kavanaugh said. “He simply isn’t interested in social events, or doesn’t seem to have time.”

Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.