COLUMBUS, Ohio — Just when it looked like the expectations couldn’t get any higher for the return of Braxton Miller, one more Ohio State wide receiver dropped out of the picture. The fractured leg Noah Brown suffered during practice Wednesday brought an end to both a breakout training camp and his season, and in the process it focused even more attention on the transition Miller is making from his record-setting days throwing passes to his ability to change a game by catching them. The top-ranked Buckeyes have done just about all they can to temper expectations, with Urban Meyer stopping short of calling Miller a starter a week ago and again stressing the difficulty of the switch the former Big Ten Player of the Year is making. A hamstring injury that has limited him at times has also chipped in to try to slow down the hype. But with Brown out for the season and the short-term implications of the suspensions for Corey Smith, Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson already factored in, the latest hit to Ohio State’s depth only adds to the potential value of Miller’s move — assuming he’s ready for the opener at Virginia Tech. “I’m not ready to say [he’s a starter],” Meyer said. “I want him to be. “He’s getting real close.” The Buckeyes would undoubtedly benefit from Miller getting all the way there, particularly now that a group of targets that was once stocked with experienced options is now going to be counting on fresh faces in a hostile environment against an opponent that beat them a year ago. Braxton Miller will have to shake off the rust and learn the nuances of his new position quickly. Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesIn the long run, a roster that is returning six of its top seven in receptions from a year ago figures to be every bit as explosive as expected, particularly when talented, but untested weapons such as Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, Johnnie Dixon and converted quarterback Torrance Gibson are added to the mix. But at least for the opener, the suspensions will rob Ohio State of three of its most productive targets from that top seven from last season…
Continue Reading: With Ohio State’s WR depth tested, Braxton Miller’s transition gaining value
