ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions rookie running back Steven Miller has blazing speed and quickness. He knows it, the coaching staff knows it. But he understands that's not enough to earn an NFL roster spot.

"Everybody knows that I'm fast, but that's not enough in my mind," Miller said. "I still have a lot of different areas I need to work on. I can't just rely on my speed."

In Detroit's offense, running backs are expected to be capable receivers out of the backfield. Miller has seen a steady dose of screen and swing passes during the early training camp practices, but a few of those throws have slipped through his fingers. That's why he gets in some extra work with the JUGS machine at the end of each day.

"For some reason, maybe it's just the nerves, but I'm dropping some balls that I'm taking for granted, swing passes and things like that," Miller said. "The tough ones I'm grabbing on to, but the easy ones I'm taking for granted. I'm turning my head too fast, but I'm coming along. I'm staying after making sure I put in the extra work, make sure I'm getting back to the basics."

Miller's path to a roster spot is a crowded one. Arguably five running backs opened camp ahead of him on the depth chart. But through the early stages of camp, Miller has been one of the most dynamic players on the field, generating a buzz among the fans in attendance.

"I appreciate the fans' support," Miller said. "Being a small guy, I don't usually get too much press because I've always been overlooked. To get that recognition at this level is a blessing. I try to not let it get to me. I'm still climbing from the bottom. I feel like I have a lot of work to do and nothing is set in stone yet, so I have to keep doing what I'm supposed to do."

Miller's best path to the roster might be winning the return job. He hasn't regularly handled kicks since high school, but he's soaking up every tip he can from veterans like Reggie Bush and Micheal Spurlock.

"Technique is everything in this league," Miller said. "You can't just go off pure talent and that's what I've been doing my whole life. Making that complete turnaround at this level is difficult, it's challenging, but I'm working at it so much that it gets getting easier day by day."

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