San Jose State vs Auburn Football

Auburn offensive lineman Patrick Miller blocks San Jose State defensive lineman Adrian Blake at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. (Mark Almond/malmond@al.com)

AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn offensive tackle Patrick Miller is going pro.



The junior decided to skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft, the school announced Tuesday. The move, in what amounts to a small surprise, comes two days before the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft.



"I want to thank Pat for his contributions to the Auburn football program during his three years," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement released by Auburn. "I'm excited for Pat and wish him the best."



Miller has floated between starter and backup during his three-year career with the Tigers. Many draft experts have not yet rated the junior, who is listed as the 43rd-best tackle in the 2016 draft class by CBSSports.com.

Miller (6-7, 289) started the first four games of the 2014 season at right tackle, but an injury to his left ankle kept him on the sideline for nearly six games. He finally returned to the starting lineup against Alabama on Nov. 30, but freshman Braden Smith started over Miller at right tackle in the Outback Bowl. Miller later replaced Smith in the lineup during the first half.

"Whenever you're out for a while you always try to keep your spirits up," Miller said after the 55-44 loss at Alabama. "Every week (offensive line coach J.B. Grimes) gave me a chance to earn the starting job back. I would just practice my butt off."

Miller battled injuries -- and was suspended for three games in 2013 -- during his three seasons on campus. He started 19 games during his three-year career. He was unseated as the starter following five starts to open the 2013 season and regained his job in 2014 before a leg injury put him on the sideline again.



Miller is the second Auburn player to declare for the NFL Draft. He joins junior receiver Sammie Coates, who led the Tigers with 741 receiving yards and declared for the draft following the regular season.

Four Auburn players sought feedback and a draft grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board in December, but Miller was not one of them.