Originally Published: January 3, 2011
Under Pressure
Ohio State bound QB Braxton Miller prepares to play early
By Jamie Newberg
ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Pressure. The big stage of college football. It's what all the Under Armour All-Americans live for and for one, Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne QB Braxton Miller (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne), it might happen sooner rather than later. Miller is an Ohio State commit and enroll early in Columbus and with the future of current starter Terrelle Pryor up in the air, the door is open for Miller to play immediately. Pryor, who has said he will return for his senior season, will serve a five-game suspension to open the 2011 season and he could still conceivably leave for the NFL draft.
"I am not redshirting. Coach [Jim Tressel] told me that," Miller said. "I just need to go in, learn the system and get the hang of it. They will make the choices. I just need to work hard."
Back in Class of 2008, Pryor was one of the most coveted prospects in the nation. Miller has drawn comparisons to Pryor, but some think he can make more of an impact on the Buckeyes than Pryor has in his time in Columbus.
"My feeling about Braxton Miller is that he's the most important quarterback pick up [for Ohio State] in the last decade," said ESPN Recruiting coordinator Craig Haubert. "Terrelle Pryor was highly coveted because of his athleticism. He's developed some as a quarterback but he's not a hot commodity as an NFL QB because he has some limitations at that position. Braxton can bring a similar level of athleticism, although Terrelle Pryor is a freak, but Braxton can do more as a passer at a younger stage. If he can handle it mentally, he has the physical tools of a QB and the running element. Early on in his career, he can do more in the passing game."
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