ESPN INSIDER: OSU QB Miller would be best served to remain a Buckeye

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AP Photo/Jay LaPreteWhere will Braxton Miller play football next season?

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- What will Braxton Miller do?

 

Not even those closest to the Ohio State quarterback seem to know for sure, though there’s no shortage of opinions here at the American Football Coaches Association convention.

 

Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer has said repeatedly in the past few weeks he expects Miller to return to Columbus. The distinct possibility remains Miller could transfer and play elsewhere in 2015. The slight chance also exists he could turn pro and enter the NFL draft.

 

Now, what should Miller do? That comes down to one question, really.

 

“How bad does he want to play quarterback?†one coach asked.

 

Quarterbacks do not typically let go of the position easily. But if Miller returns to Ohio State, that’s likely what is staring him in the face.

 

The offense clearly ran efficiently with J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones, so Miller -- college football’s Wally Pipp, seemingly -- could wind up third on the Buckeyes' QB depth chart. And even if Jones winds up leaving for the NFL, Miller could easily be lodged behind Barrett.

 

That’s where option 1A comes into play, the idea of Miller shifting positions.

 

Meyer could sway Miller on the idea of becoming an ultimate utility back in the offense, showing the NFL his playmaking skills by lining up at a variety of spots. He could play some quarterback, running back, slot receiver, an H-back-type position.

 

After seeing the Ohio State offense chug like it did in the playoff against Alabama and Oregon, can you imagine adding as versatile a weapon as Miller?

 

“The kid is gifted,†a coach here said. “I’m sure they could find a spot for someone as talented as he is.â€

 

That spot just might not be quarterback, at least not solely. So if that’s what he really wants to do, and he still believes he can play quarterback in the NFL, a transfer does make the most sense.

 

But where?

 

In talking with a number of coaches and industry types, one of two factors needs to be in place for Miller to have the best chance to succeed: It either needs to be a low-stress sort of environment -- Duke is one such place that has been reported -- or it needs to provide a “system†approach to the position.

 

FSU doesn’t fit either of those. But Oregon does, especially with the thought of Miller alongside young skill players such as Royce Freeman and Charles Nelson. The Ducks are currently an afterthought to make the 2015 playoff, but Miller’s addition could quickly shift that perception.

 

There’s one caveat to consider for a transfer, or even if Miller stays in Columbus: Following his August shoulder surgery, it’s doubtful he will be cleared for a full throwing program until the summer months.

 

So he wouldn’t be able to really integrate himself at a new school in the spring, at least on the field. And those familiar with Miller say he never was particularly sharp in grasping Meyer and Tom Herman’s system at OSU. So it makes you wonder what sort of impact he could have in his first year elsewhere, especially if he couldn’t physically practice until preseason camp.

 

Perhaps that timetable means adapting to a new position with the Buckeyes would make the most sense for Miller. At least then he wouldn’t be starting from scratch with a new offense. Plus, he’s best with the ball in space, anyway; he was always striving as a passer, but Barrett and Jones both looked more efficient than Miller in smaller sample sizes.

 

Put it this way: Miller isn’t currently on the NFL’s radar as a quarterback. Proving that in one year in another offense? That seems like a big ask.

 

And think about this, too: Teams would have a difficult time trying to defend both Ezekiel Elliott and Miller. The NFL likes playmakers, and Miller is certainly that. It finds places for guys who are dynamic with the ball.

 

Quarterback was undoubtedly a unique position for Ohio State in 2014, and it’s making for a unique decision for Miller to begin 2015.

 

“Shoot, I wish I could just pick one of them,†a coach here said. “They’ve got three better than most teams’ No. 1 guy.â€