CaneSport.com - Miller lost for season

October 14, 2008

Garret Miller's Boilermaker career was marred virtually in its entirety by injury. Unfortunately for the senior offensive tackle, it ends with it, as well.

Miller, who had started every game at left tackle this season, will undergo season-ending foot surgery to repair an injury sustained Saturday at Ohio State, Coach Joe Tiller said Tuesday.

"I feel bad for Garret," Tiller said, "because his career has been filled with injury.

"He was emotionally distraught last night over this, because he wanted in the worst way to finish out his senior year. He's a good kid. His heart's in the right place."

The 6-foot-8, 275-pound Texan was considered a future standout when he first arrived at Purdue in 2004, but he dislocated the patella in his knee during pre-bowl practices that year, setting him back considerably.

Since then, he's battled shoulder, knee and ankle problems at various points in his career.

But Miller, despite a variety of nagging injuries this season, became a starter because classmate Sean Sester was limited in the preseason after undergoing back surgery in the spring.

Sester played more Saturday than he had in the five games prior.

"He held up well," Tiller said, "and he's going to have to (the rest of the year)."

With Miller out, junior Zach Jones will move from right to left tackle, with Sester starting on the right side, where he started every game in 2005 and 2006 before starting every game at left tackle a year ago.

Purdue's offensive line continues to adjust as it goes.

"We've never been comfortable with our offensive line (personnel)," Tiller said, alluding to the onslaught of injuries that hit the unit beginning in the spring. "It's been a hit-and-miss thing, and it doesn't look like that's going to change."

Another move on the O-line this week: With sophomore starter Justin Pierce still smarting from a bout with headaches, freshman Ken Plue is listed No. 1 at right guard.

Zach Reckman, a junior who started at guard last season, is listed No. 2 behind Jones at left tackle.

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