The Surprise SEC Team That Should Make a Play for Braxton Miller?

The Braxton Miller sweepstakes has calmed down a bit after it dominated headlines in the days following Ohio State's 42-20 win over Oregon in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship, but could this be the calm before the storm.

Miller, who injured his shoulder in August and missed the entire 2014 season, is staying in Columbus, according to Tim May of the Columbus Dispatch...at least, for now:

What does that mean? Well, for now anyway, the plan is at least for Miller to rehab his throwing shoulder with the Buckeyes.

That makes sense. After all, the training staff in Columbus knows more about him, his injury and his progress than anybody else. Former offensive coordinator Tom Herman told Matt Hayes of Sporting News at the Allstate Sugar Bowl that Miller's rehab might take some time.

"I don’t know if either (Miller or rising sophomore J.T. Barrett) will be healthy enough," Herman told Hayes. "That (competition) could be something that starts in fall camp."

If that's the case, why wouldn't Miller finish his rehab in Columbus?

Miller has been connected to countless programs, including LSU, Florida State and Oregon despite repeatedly saying he's sticking around. When I made bold predictions for the SEC offseason, I tabbed Miller to LSU.

Let's go a little less chalky, though. If we're searching for the dark-horse team that should make a play for Miller, South Carolina would be an attractive option. 

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier made a name for himself at Florida in the 1990s, as the high-flying Gators revolutionized college football, aired it out early and often and won a national title in 1996. 

At South Carolina, though, the Head Ball Coach has taken a different approach.

Running backs Marcus Lattimore and Mike Davis ushered in a more conservative style under Spurrier, and that offense was at its best when dual-threat quarterback Connor Shaw was the one taking the snaps. Shaw played a big role in South Carolina, posting three straight 11-win seasons—the first three in program history—from 2011-2013.

He tossed for 6,075 yards and 56 touchdowns during his collegiate career, adding 1,683 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground.

Miller can be Shaw Part II.

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

He clearly has the legs to be a weapon on the ground. Over his first three seasons in Columbus, Miller rushed for 3,071 yards and 32 touchdowns and can play a part in keeping the ground game viable in Columbia in the post-Davis era.

Brandon Wilds and David Williams will return at running back. If joined by Miller, that would create a dynamic backfield. Add in superstar wide receiver Pharoh Cooper—who can be a deep threat, a weapon in possession situations, a force on the ground and potentially a changeup at quarterback—and suddenly, South Carolina's offense would be a force.

Tyler Smith/Getty Images

As of now, the quarterback position is a major question for Spurrier heading into the 2015 season. Connor Mitch is the most experienced player on the roster, but he only threw six passes as a redshirt freshman last year. Perry Orth, a walk-on who transferred to the program in January 2013, only attempted two passes last year.

Miller would provide instant stability to a position that, as it stands right now, is decidedly unstable.

Would Miller improve his draft stock as a quarterback under Spurrier?

Shaw made some waves at the next level in 2014. While Spurrier's track record of developing quarterbacks hasn't been stellar, he has at least given players such as Rex Grossman, Danny Wuerffel and Doug Johnson a chance at the next level, which is about all he can do.

Miller is at Ohio State, for now anyway. While higher-profile programs will undoubtedly be high on his list if that changes, keep an eye on South Carolina. It could be a perfect fit for both.

Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Barrett Sallee is the lead SEC college football writer and video analyst for Bleacher Report, as well as a co-host of the CFB Hangover on Bleacher Report Radio (Sundays, 9-11 a.m. ET) on Sirius 93, XM 208.

Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All stats are courtesy of cfbstats.com, and all recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports. Follow Barrett on Twitter @BarrettSallee.