27 Aug 2024 501 Football Team 2024: Owen Miller – Harding Academy

In just its second season in Class 4A, Harding Academy ran away with its fourth state championship in five years, completing an undefeated season and adding to the history books of Arkansas high school football.

Despite moving to Class 5A this season, the Wildcats’ mission remains the same: bringing home an 11th title.

“Our goal is to win another state championship,” senior quarterback Owen Miller said. “For me, it begins with being a leader and pushing through. Seasons are long, and I must lead by example to persevere.”

His Wildcat career has been legendary Last season, the sharpshooter led the nation with a 76.4 percent pass completion, setting a state record with 3,841 yards and 49 touchdowns. On the ground, the state championship MVP amassed 815 yards with 12 rushing scores.

“Owen is extremely athletic,” Head Coach Neil Evans said. “His ability to extend the play and find an open receiver is a huge asset for us. He has good arm strength and can deliver the ball downfield with a quick release.”

College offers arrive in droves for Miller, whose legacy extends beyond the gridiron.

“I want to be remembered as someone my teammates admired and aspired to be like,” he said. “In the grand scheme of things, football means very little. I want to shed Jesus’ light on and off the field.”

“Owen is a very gifted player,” Evans said. “His ability to play both sides of the ball at a high level gives our team a great chance of being successful.”