DALLAS -- In terms of pure versatility, Trey Millard of Oklahoma is the Big 12's best Swiss Army knife. He is a capable lead blocker in the running game and quite effective with the limited opportunities he gets to carry the ball. He is a fine receiver that will be lined up all over the field.
But, with the risk of becoming a player without a defined mastery of one specific position, where exactly does the athletic senior fit in to the NFL? The 6-foot-2, 259-pound Millard chooses not to spend much time thinking about it.
"I just try to be as versatile as possible: running back, fullback, H-back or tight end," Millard said at Big 12 media days. "Just be able to play all of them."
That Millard listed tight end last seems like a hint as to how he could be used in his last season with the Sooners, who have not gotten much production from the position since the graduation of Jermaine Gresham in 2009.
Tight ends were essentially phased out of the offense entirely last season, producing three receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown. Compare that to Millard's output of 30 catches for 337 yards and four scores and it becomes clear why he could be the answer.
Millard doesn't know how often he might be used at tight end, but has put a major emphasis on improving his in-line blocking in the offseason.
"With the hand down, it's definitely a different blocking style and technique than it is blocking from the backfield," Millard said.
Still, it's hard not to think of everything Millard could be and start making comparisons. Could he be a more athletic Leonard Weaver, a supersized Darren Sproles or the next Jimmy Graham?
Millard isn't looking that far ahead.
"The best thing you can do is play well, take it one game at a time and not really focus on the future."
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
