Ohio State Quarterback Braxton Miller Says He’s Switching to Receiver

Defending college football national champion Ohio State has an embarrassment of riches at quarterback. In training camp last year, Miller went down with a torn labrum, ending his season. He was succeeded by J.T. Barrett. All Barrett did was pass for 2834 yards and 34 touchdowns. But then he got hurt in the last regular season game against Michigan. Next in line was Cardale Jones, who led the Buckeyes to wins over Wisconsin (in the Big Ten Championship game), Alabama (in the Sugar Bowl) and Oregon (for the National Championship).

All three players are back this year. So, OSU coach Urban Meyer has a dilemma; what do you do with three great athletes who all just happen to play quarterback? The answer, apparently, is that you move one to a new position. Miller told Sports Illustrated that he’ll be switching to receiver and will return some punts. Rather than being a wideout, Miller is projected as an H-Back, sort of a combination tight end/slot receiver.

Recovery for this type of injury is typically a year or more, so this move will enable Miller to return to the field and make an immediate contribution (assuming he adjusts to the new position) as it is questionable if the surgically repaired shoulder of his throwing arm will allow him to pass as well as Barrett or Jones when the season starts. Miller would still be available as a backup quarterback, especially as the season moves along and he’s had more time to throw. So now Jones and Barrett will compete for the starter’s job. Overall, Ohio State is stacked and will be a serious contender for a second straight national title.