Christian Miller Fakes Out Audience, Then Picks Georgia


Chalk this up as one of the more memorable track and field signings of all-time. 

Christian Miller, the 17-year-old high school senior from Creekside High School -- as well as MileSplit's No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2024 -- ended his signing mystery on Wednesday, committing to the University of Georgia after a brilliant bait-and-switch. 

Miller's plan looked simple enough at first, a row of hats on the table signaling his future NCAA collegiate home. Possible options included Florida, LSU, Georgia and Florida State.

He went through each one, inspecting it, then placed it back on the table. 

Then the fireworks began. 

With a live audience looking on and another 300 or so online watching with anticipation on MileSplit's Instagram account -- including several University of Georgia athletes and coaches -- Miller took off his black long-sleeve to reveal all purple -- LSU colors -- as he stood in front of the audience.

* Miller stopped by MileSplit's National Signing Day podcast on Wednesday (wearing Florida blue!), and explained his feelings -- and options -- as he headed toward his decision that night

- - - 

It seemed like an era passed. Cheers came. The bravado!

Then, with one swift move, off came the purple and underneath revealed black and red.

Miller placed the Georgia cap on his head and a video above him began to play. It was Georgia's Director of Track and Field, Caryl Smith Gilbert, welcoming Miller into the family, along with the rest of the Bulldogs' coaches. 

It was a fitting bookend to National Signing Day for the Bulldogs, which also nabbed the No. 5 recruit Xai Ricks, No. 7 Jayden Keys and honorable mention athlete London Costen from the Class of 2024.

Miller, who was named MileSplit's No. 1 athlete in June, was the coup. 

The Creekside athlete produced a ridiculous end to his 2023 season, claiming two USA U20 wins in the 100m and 200m with times of 10.06 and 20.51 in July at Hayward Field. 

His 100m time was the fourth-fastest in U.S. history. 

Miller also won two Florida Class 4A state titles in the 100m and the 200m, secured a New Balance Nationals Outdoor title in the 200m and was fourth in the 100m.