Ohio State Football: Braxton Miller and Players Set to Shine Under Urban Meyer

The Ohio State Buckeyes football program has come under fire in recent seasons for multiple reasons, but in 2012 that will all change.

Ohio State will be led by two-time national champion head coach Urban Meyer this season. Meyer is renowned for his ability to create indefensible offensive schemes and getting the most out of his players. 

Fortunately for Ohio State, Buckeyes fans can expect more of the same from Meyer this coming fall. 

Here are some returning players set to shine under Urban Meyer in 2012.

Braxton Miller

Expect Meyer's presence in Columbus to pay off most for sophomore signal caller Braxton Miller in 2012. Miller won 2011 Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors last season, racking up over 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns in all. 

The local product only completed 54 percent of his passes as a freshman though, which will likely change this season. Meyer is a mastermind at developing offensive schemes to fit the strengths of his players. Meyer single-handedly developed Tim Tebow into a dual-threat Heisman Trophy winner.

That's not to say that Miller will become the next Robert Griffin III under Meyer's watch, but he does have the potential to be among college football's top dual-threat quarterbacks. If Meyer and the Ohio State coaching staff can get more out of Miller's arm in the passing game, then his rushing ability will take care of itself. 

Bradley Roby

The sophomore defensive back out of Suwanee, Georgia picked off three passes as a freshman last season and is sure to improve his ball-hawking skills under Urban Meyer in 2012. The Buckeyes return nine starters on the defensive side of the ball this season, and none with more potential than Bradley Roby.

Meyer won't be content to boast the nation's 27th-best scoring defense in 2012. That's where Ohio State ranked last season, allowing 21 points per game and giving up a whopping 40 points to rival Michigan in the Buckeyes final regular season game in 2011. 

Roby will be the player to watch in the secondary. He has spent plenty of time learning the defense, considering he was redshirted in 2009. Meyer will love his speed at corner, and will no doubt attempt to use him in a variety of ways this fall. Look for the sensational sophomore to make strides in his first year under Meyer. 

Jake Stoneburner

Ohio State will return senior tight end Jake Stoneburner in 2012. The 6'5" target caught 14 passes all season long in 2011, but scored seven touchdowns. Oddly enough, no other pass-catcher caught more balls than Stoneburner last season (Miller had only 85 completions all season).

The Ohio native will continue to be one of Miller's favorite targets in 2012, and should have plenty more opportunities to catch and run with the ball under Meyer's new offensive scheme. Expect Stoneburner to increase his production dramatically this coming fall as Miller will have improved his game as well.

Stoneburner has the size and strength to make a significant impact in the running game as well. The Buckeyes rushed for over 191 yards per game in 2011 thanks to the superb blocking by Stoneburner and the offensive line. Look for more of the same from Stoneburner in 2012, as he will learn from one of the best coaches in college football this season. 

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