Christian Miller's big move: What's the next step for 18-year-old Jacksonville sprinter?

Christian Miller is heading for the professional ranks.

The 18-year-old St. Johns County sprinter from Creekside High School announced Friday on Instagram that he plans to skip college track at the University of Georgia, instead turning pro.

In a statement jointly posted with Mezzo Management Group, an Isle of Man-based agency that represents track athletes both inside and outside the United States, Miller said, "After weeks of consultation with my family, mentors, and coaches, I have decided to forgo my NCAA eligibility and pursue a professional career as a full-time track and field athlete. I'm excited for what comes next and can't wait to bring you all on this journey with me."

In closing, he said, "My story has just begun... Dreams 2 Reality."

Miller did not specify a sponsor at this time. He was ranked as the No. 1 college track prospect in the United States by MileSplit when he signed his national letter of intent with Georgia in November 2023.

What are Christian Miller's track achievements?

A three-time Florida High School Athletic Association champion in 2022 and 2023 at Creekside, Miller won the USA Track & Field U-20 outdoor championship in the 100 and 200-meter dash last summer at Hayward Field in Oregon.

This spring, he ran a world-leading 9.93 in the 100 at an April meet in Clermont, on his way to becoming Northeast Florida's first-ever Gatorade National Player of the Year in track and field.

He raced at the U.S. Olympic Trials and placed fifth in 9.98 during the final of the 100, but USATF coaches did not select him for the relay pool for the 4x100 at the Olympics in Paris.

Miller, a back-to-back All-First Coast athlete of the year in boys track, becomes the latest elite sprinter to jump directly to the pro ranks, bypassing college.

Among others, Noah Lyles elected in 2016 to sign with Adidas, despite having previously committed to Florida track and field. Lyles enters the Olympics as the top-ranked American in the 100.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Christian Miller's big move: What's the next step for 18-year-old Jacksonville sprinter?