Kody Harris Miller’s return impacts Army defense

Kody Harris-Miller kept telling Army defensive coordinator Nate Woody he hadn’t played his last snap of the season.

Woody was unsure of his starting nose tackle’s chances of coming back after an injury late in Army’s season opener.

Harris-Miller made good of his word when he returned to Army’s starting lineup in a 20-17 victory over Air Force last Saturday. 

Did trying to get back from the Commander in Chief’s game provide any motivation for Harris-Miller’s recovery?

“Absolutely,” Harris-Miller said after the Air Force victory. “I know we all want to win games. There’s just certain games it really means a lot more. I know it’s a cliche to say but this game was definitely circled on my calendar.

“Both CIC games have been circled on my calendar…Just knowing the amount of physicality required, the amount of preparation required and the amount that goes into these CIC games, it was definitely a driving factor.”

Harris-Miller was his usual self, commanding double teams, in his first game since August 29. Woody said Harris-Miller’s energy is also contagious. 

“He worked really, really hard to (get back),” Woody said. “That kind of attitude filtrates through the rest of the team. That positive vibe and that confidence, that’s huge for you defensively. I appreciate all that Kody does for us. He’s just a tremendous young man.”

Harris-Miller was credited with two tackles in the Air Force win. The junior’s impact will be felt outside of the statistics during the rest of the season.