Pre-Draft Interview With Ohio State’s Braxton Miller
From the moment he walked on to Ohio State’s campus in 2011, Braxton Miller was destined for greatness. Even as he cut his teeth grinding through his freshman season, Buckeyes’ fans knew he was a generational player.
It was not just the fans. Head coach Urban Meyer saw it too. In Miller’s first game of the 2011 season, he was a backup. Meyer was calling the game as an ESPN analyst and was critical of Miller on air in his approach thinking he should be taking mental reps while watching the game. He also said he was a gifted athlete with loads of talent.
Three months later Meyer became the Buckeyes coach and helped turn Miller into a star.
Over the course of his career, Miller blossomed into one of college football’s most dynamic playmakers. As a quarterback, he finished with 5295 yards passing and 52 touchdowns. He also rushed for 3314 yards and 33 touchdowns. He was a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and a two-time, All Big Ten First Team. As a receiver, he had 341 yards and three touchdowns.
The stats certainly prove his talent, but that only paints half the picture. Miller made everyone on the team better. Always putting the team before himself. Never more so than sticking with Ohio State in 2015 and switching to wide receiver because J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones were better options.
The move was probably based on his ability to throw after recovering from the shoulder injury, but Miller embraced the new position and never complained about not getting enough touches.
Along with 15 other Buckeyes, Miller is taking his talents to the NFL. He’s raw and there is no denying the ceiling for him is high. He worked out for 13 teams this spring. He may not go in the first round, but he will definitely be a high pick on day two.
I met with Braxton this week for this exclusive interview covering family, life after football, the 2016 team and yes, the Team Up North.
How did becoming a father change your perspective on football?
It changed my life on everything, not just football. Sometimes it gets really hard being on the road a lot so I don’t get to see him as much right now, but man it is unbelievable.
How do you balance being a student, star football player, parenting and now a professional?
Difficult. Man, it is a blessing to be in this position. Just understanding how I worked so hard growing up to get to this point and it is here. Just a blessing.
In Light of your shoulder injury, what advice would you give to athletes about overcoming adversity?
When you have a vision, you have to attack it. Can’t leave anything behind. You have to have the best therapist, best surgeon. Have the best team. Keep after it.
Have any former Buckeyes besides Cris Carter reached out to help you prepare for the transition to the NFL?
Yeah. DeVier Posey. He’s my brother. I’ve worked out with him several times. I am just trying to get better every step of the way.
Eddie George is a Broadway star, what can we expect to see Braxton doing post-NFL?
Modeling. Fashion design. Owning my fitness center. I will just be on top of the things that I love.
Do you think the 2016 team can be special? Can J.T. and coach Meyer get the team back to the playoffs?
Absolutely. I have no doubt this team will be great. They just need to figure out how to get better along the road.
Who is the one player flying under the radar that is going to explode this year and become a star?
Gareon Conley, cornerback. Man he is a heck of an athlete. So good. He’ll be a star.
Tell me a little about how coach Meyer helped you transition to wide receiver. Was it more mental or physical?
It was definitely both. Coach Meyer’s first job was as a receiver’s coach so he knows the position. He was great. Took his time with me day in and day out to help me improve and get better.
Why do you think Michigan and coach Harbaugh are getting so much attention considering the Buckeyes have owned them the last 15 years?
(Laughs). I don’t know. I just picked up my fourth pair of gold pants before coming here so I am pretty happy with the experience. We beat Michigan every year, well, we lost my freshman year, but other than that we beat them pretty good. I take that.
Any projections on which team will pick you?
No.
How many teams are in play, three or four?
No. More like 13. I worked out for thirteen. Just blessed to be in this position.
More buckeyes: Will Ohio State Have 6 Players Drafted In The 1st Round?
Great players come and go at Ohio State, but few leave a legacy like Miller has over the last five years. The talent is there for him to be a star in the NFL and the team that gets him is lucky. If things don’t work out, I guess we’ll have to get used to seeing him on the cover of GQ instead of Sports Illustrated.