SylvesterMiller

His patient hard work paid off last season as he blossomed into a reliable contributor … Played the utility lineman role last season before emerging as a starter late in the season … In 2003, he projects as the starter at right guard, one of five returning Wildcats with starting experience … Also played some at tackle during the spring … His recovery from off-season knee surgery limited him some during the spring, but is expected to be at full go in the fall … Nickname is “Big Kat” … Has played in 16 games, starting five.

2002 (Junior): Played in all 12 games … Started the last five games of the season at left tackle … Before that, he played all the guard and tackle positions as the team’s utility lineman … Accumulated 36 knockdown blocks, including a season-high eight in the win over Vanderbilt … Led the team against Texas-El Paso with six knockdown blocks … Blocked for the SEC’s rushing champion, Artose Pinner … Helped Kentucky rank second in the SEC in scoring.

2001 (Junior): Played in the final four games of the season … Garnered his first varsity letter.

2000 (Sophomore): Redshirted.

1999 (Freshman): Played for the UK junior varsity.

High School: Two-year starter at traditional power Mt. Carmel HS in Chicago, Ill. … Started at offensive tackle, helping Mt. Carmel to a 14-0 record and Class AAAAA state championship his senior year … Blocked for an offense that generated 6.2 yards per play … Also played defense on goal-line situations … Named to the All-Catholic League team, along with several all-area teams … Honorable-mention all-state … Teammate of fellow UK signee Octavius Bond … Coached by Frank Lenti, the Nike High School National Coach of the Year … Joined the track and field team as a senior and competed in the shot and discus … Honor roll student and a member of the student council … Won the Principal’s Academic Achievement Award … Chosen for Who’s Who Among American High School Students … Narrowed his choices to Ohio University, Iowa, and UCLA before picking the Wildcats.

Personal: Full name is Sylvester Davis Miller, Jr. … Born 8-10-81 in Chicago Heights, Ill. … Son of Sylvester Miller, Sr., and Sharon Miller … A cousin, Phillip Cole, played football at Purdue … Another cousin, David Miller, played basketball at Wisconsin and Drake … Sylvester’s sister, Shauntel, played volleyball at Cincinnati … Major is business.

The Cats’ Cause: Participated in the mentor program, meeting with a youngster each week to encourage academic success and personal growth (2000-01) … Participated in Youth Volunteer Day at the UK Children’s Hospital (2000-01) … Participated in the fundraiser for the Hope Center (2003).