Sure I can.
Were Allen Hurns and Leonard Hankerson elite? (#1 and #2 for most receiving yards in a single season by a Hurricane)
Miller was an exceptional talent and was on his way to becoming elite, but he left for the NFL after having a standout Redshirt Sophomore year. He would disappear at times during games and rarely carried the team on his back.
"Elite" has a wide range of interpretations, so I'm not at all saying you're wrong if you think Miller isn't "elite"
My points would be:
- Miller's Soph, Hankerson's Sr., and Hurns Sr. season were all great seasons - much better than "decent".
- I also give more credit to Miller for showing out a younger age than Hankerson & Hurns - it's a sliding scale
- I don't knock Miller for leaving after his Soph year, just like I wouldn't knock McGahee for leaving after his Soph year.
Miller = 2 years, 1,918 yds, 5.7 ypc, 15 TD's, 9 100 yd games. Best season = 1,272 yds
Gore = 3 years, 1,975 yds, 5.7 ypc, 17 TD's, 8 100 yd games. Best season = 945 yds
Of course Gore was the better pro, and Gore would've put up way better numbers if it weren't for the ACL's - no question.
But in terms of what they actually did in just their college career - I think Miller & Gore were very similar.
IMO - I think you'd have to consider both elite, or neither elite (in terms of their college careers).