NEW ORLEANS — Christian Miller is certainly glad that he chose to continue his football career at Alabama. The redshirt junior linebacker has made it to the College Football Playoff four times and has a chance to win his second national championship.

But when Miller reflects on being recruited by Clemson — the team that of course will play the Crimson Tide in Monday’s Sugar Bowl semifinal — he has a fond recollection. Especially when he remembers what it was like to be courted by Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

“It was good,” Miller said on Saturday during Alabama’s Media Day session ahead of the Sugar Bowl. “He’s a high energy guy, and he’s a great coach, obviously. I enjoyed it.

“He was one of my favorite guys on their staff, and I wish him well. He’s a great coach, great guy.”

Miller was rated as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1 player in South Carolina coming out of Spring Valley High School. The native of Columbia, S.C., participated in the Under Armour All-American Game and was regarded as one of the top 50 prospects nationally.

Clemson extended Miller’s first scholarship offer when he was a rising junior in high school. He was appreciative of his opportunity to play for the Tigers, but ultimately, his recruitment came down to Georgia and Alabama.

“They recruited me pretty hard,” Miller said. “They were my first offer. They used to come to a lot of games. I used to hear from them a lot. But I was really focused on the main schools I was interested in.”

Alabama landed Miller’s commitment in July 2013, and he enrolled at the school the following June. Miller graduated in December with a degree in human performance and exercise science, and he is pursuing a master’s in sports management.

On the field, Miller did not log a stat in last year’s national title game loss to Clemson and missed 10 games this season due to a biceps injury. However, the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder has a chance to play a much more prominent role in the Sugar Bowl with Alabama’s linebacker corps banged up.

“It means a lot, playing on the highest stage,” Miller said. “I couldn’t ask for more, and I’m really appreciative to be on this team.”

Miller is the son of former South Carolina linebacker Corey Miller, who went on to play eight years in the NFL. Despite his loyalties to the Gamecocks, according to Miller his father encouraged him to visit Clemson and stay open to all opportunities during the recruiting process.

With Alabama set to play Clemson in the College Football Playoff for the third straight year, Miller’s dad has even more reason to pull for his son on Monday. Miller’s dad, though, would want the best for him regardless.

“He’s really just pushing me to do my best and be successful,” Miller said. “Obviously he did go to USC and he obviously is going to root for me because I play for Alabama, but it’s nothing too different. He just wants to see the best for me and see me be successful.”