Fundamentally, it's a demanding spring for Ohio State's Braxton Miller (and his QB coach)
Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer
on March 29, 2013
Fueled by his head coach's demands that he improve, Ohio State's Braxton Miller has a clear assignment during spring drills. "I think about that all time, every time I step on the field," Miller said Thursday of Urban Meyer's criticisms.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Two days after the Ohio State football team completed an undefeated season and Braxton Miller was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, coach Urban Meyer threw some cold water on a sophomore quarterback being bathed in recognition.
Miller recalls Meyer's words and his challenge last November. So does Buckeyes quarterbacks coach Tom Herman, who also was implicated.
"Our quarterback wasn't the best quarterback fundamentally in America, so Tom Herman and I are going to have a chat," Meyer said on Nov. 27. "Why didn't that happen?
"This is big-boy football. That's your job. He did great work in other areas. Tom Herman did a fabulous job. But Tom Herman and Braxton Miller understand they have to get better. And Braxton fundamentally, if he becomes fundamentally the best quarterback in America, I think he will be the best quarterback in America."
Miller and his position coach were reminded of the comment Thursday after spring practice. The quarterback, who graced the Sports Illustrated cover on March 4 and is being touted as one of the Heisman Trophy frontrunners, said he uses Meyer's comments as motivation.
"I think about that all time, every time I step on the field," Miller said.
cont...