Braxton Miller to become receiver, returner

The Ohio State Buckeyes are already favorites to repeat as national champions in college football, and now they have another star for quarterback Cardale Jones to target. Jones, who once backed up Braxton Miller, will be throwing to him, after Miller told Sports Illustrated on Thursday night that he is becoming an H-Back and punt returner.

"“For the most part, it’s going to be H-Back and punt return,” Miller said in a phone interview on Thursday night. “It’s a long process to get back totally to throwing and throwing every day. This is the smarter thing for right now, God blessed me with a lot of talent and different opportunities. I’m going to have fun with that and still score a lot of touchdowns and help the team out and be dominant at that.”"

Miller was one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy headed into last season, but was lost for the season in August when he hurt his shoulder during practice. With Miller out, J.T. Barrett stepped in and played well, losing only one game to Virginia Tech in 2014 before also getting injured, giving way to Jones. Barrett and Jones will compete for the starting job, with Miller now bowing out of the competition.

Ohio State believes Miller is a strong enough athlete to both return punts and play on the outside, something his stats would suggest to be accurate. The senior ran for 1,271 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2012 before churning out another 1,068 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013. In fact, Miller reminds receivers coach Zach Smith of another star who played for the Buckeyes, per SI.

"“Braxton Miller can play wide receiver as long as he wants to play it,” says Smith. “His speed, strength, talent, commitment and, really, lifestyle will allow him to be like Joey Galloway. It’s going to be a matter of how quickly he grows into the position, but the sky is the limit for him.”"

If Miller is anything approaching the talent level of Galloway, the Buckeyes may never have to punt. Speaking of punting, Miller is excited for an opportunity to run back some kicks, something that isn’t the norm for a kid standing 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds.

"“That’s fun, too, man,” Miller said. “Be confident catching the ball, make sure your surroundings are perfect. Make one guy miss and you’re gone.”"

Good luck, Big Ten.