CJ Miller came back from a serious shoulder injury to rush for nearly 1000 yards at Mercer last year.
Rocket Spotlight on CJ Miller
3/19/2026 9:00:00 AM | Football
On growing up in a "girls' house," his comeback from a devastating injury and watching movies alone in a theater
CJ Miller is a senior running back from Gadsden, Alabama. A communication major, Miller rushed for 957 yards and 14 touchdowns at Mercer last season, earning first-team All-Southern Conference honors. He is one of 14 transfer students from Mercer joining the Rockets in 2026.
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On growing up in a "girls' house"
I grew up in Gadsden, Alabama. I have three sisters and two brothers. I grew up mostly with my two older sisters on my mom's side. I grew up in a girls' house. It definitely taught me how to respect women, and how to have patience.
On his passion for going to the movies
I like to go out to the movies, sometimes by myself. I've gone to movies where I'm the only one in the theater. "Sinners" was my favorite movie last year.
On his favorite sports movies
My favorite would be Coach Carter or Remember the Titans. I also liked Gridiron Gang. You should watch that one.
On his impressions of Toledo
It's definitely different, but I like it here. We have more resources here than we had at Mercer, and it's a lot bigger. The weather is a lot different too, a lot crazier. It's way colder than what I'm used to. It's also different for me because I'm living on my own far from home.
On overcoming a serious shoulder injury his freshman season
My freshman year, I didn't play a lot at first, but then other guys ended up getting hurt. So I got a chance to play. Â I had a really, really good game (105 yards vs. VMI), but I hurt my shoulder. I tore all four of my rotator cuff muscles. So that caused me to miss the rest of that year and all of the next season. The doctor told me I might never play football again. I had a year-and-a-half of rehab until the doctors said it's possible for me to play again. So my first full season wasn't until 2024. That spring, in 2024, I definitely struggled. I was just getting back in the groove of stuff coming off my injury. But by the start of the (2024) season, I was back. I was good. I worked my way up (the depth chart) and really got my opportunity last year.
On the decision to transfer to Toledo
It was a process. I definitely had bigger schools interested in me. What it came down to was me trusting the coaching staff, playing time and what they had planned for me. I trust them more than going somewhere new and trying to learn to trust another coaching staff. So that's why I came here. We already have a relationship.
On the biggest things he's learned about Toledo Football
I know about the Bowling Green rivalry. I learned how important that is. I also know about how many guys Toledo puts in the league (NFL). That's something different than what I'm used to.
On his personal goals for 2026
First, I'd like to rush for 1,000 yards, maybe 15 to 20 touchdowns and make First-Team All-MAC. And no fumbles. Those are my personal goals. My team goals are to win the MAC, of course, and get into the College Football Playoff. And yeah, beat Bowling Green. That's the first goal.
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On growing up in a "girls' house"
I grew up in Gadsden, Alabama. I have three sisters and two brothers. I grew up mostly with my two older sisters on my mom's side. I grew up in a girls' house. It definitely taught me how to respect women, and how to have patience.
On his passion for going to the movies
I like to go out to the movies, sometimes by myself. I've gone to movies where I'm the only one in the theater. "Sinners" was my favorite movie last year.
On his favorite sports movies
My favorite would be Coach Carter or Remember the Titans. I also liked Gridiron Gang. You should watch that one.
On his impressions of Toledo
It's definitely different, but I like it here. We have more resources here than we had at Mercer, and it's a lot bigger. The weather is a lot different too, a lot crazier. It's way colder than what I'm used to. It's also different for me because I'm living on my own far from home.
On overcoming a serious shoulder injury his freshman season
My freshman year, I didn't play a lot at first, but then other guys ended up getting hurt. So I got a chance to play. Â I had a really, really good game (105 yards vs. VMI), but I hurt my shoulder. I tore all four of my rotator cuff muscles. So that caused me to miss the rest of that year and all of the next season. The doctor told me I might never play football again. I had a year-and-a-half of rehab until the doctors said it's possible for me to play again. So my first full season wasn't until 2024. That spring, in 2024, I definitely struggled. I was just getting back in the groove of stuff coming off my injury. But by the start of the (2024) season, I was back. I was good. I worked my way up (the depth chart) and really got my opportunity last year.
On the decision to transfer to Toledo
It was a process. I definitely had bigger schools interested in me. What it came down to was me trusting the coaching staff, playing time and what they had planned for me. I trust them more than going somewhere new and trying to learn to trust another coaching staff. So that's why I came here. We already have a relationship.
On the biggest things he's learned about Toledo Football
I know about the Bowling Green rivalry. I learned how important that is. I also know about how many guys Toledo puts in the league (NFL). That's something different than what I'm used to.
On his personal goals for 2026
First, I'd like to rush for 1,000 yards, maybe 15 to 20 touchdowns and make First-Team All-MAC. And no fumbles. Those are my personal goals. My team goals are to win the MAC, of course, and get into the College Football Playoff. And yeah, beat Bowling Green. That's the first goal.
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