Realistic Expectations for Braxton Miller in 2015

For now, Braxton Miller has his eyes on re-earning the starting quarterback job for Ohio State in 2015. That's actually a strong possibility, even though the Buckeyes' unique 2014 championship run was also an example of how even great players can be viewed as yesterday's news. 

You probably know the story by now: Miller, who sat out last spring with a shoulder injury, reinjures that shoulder in the preseason. That paves the way for J.T. Barrett's surprising stretch as a starter, but his ankle injury against Michigan opens the door for Cardale Jones to finish off an odds-defying year with one hell of a three-game run.

But what if Miller doesn't win the job? With three proven quarterbacks vying for one starting job next season, two will hear bad news from head coach Urban Meyer. How does Miller fit into the equation?

The two-time Big Ten MVP is throwing again, according to his Twitter account, so that's a positive start. 

Kevin Ryan of 247Sports writes that Jones may be the only quarterback healthy enough to fully participate in spring drills. If that ends up being the case, it wouldn't be surprising to see the redshirt sophomore take a majority, if not all, of the first-team reps: 

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At this point it appears that Miller, Barrett and Jones will be vying for playing time in the fall, but it is widely thought that only Jones will be healthy enough to fully participate in spring practice. Many have Miller's timetable to return to play quarterback questionable even for the fall, but if he has begun to throw that timetable could be accelerated.

Miller is enrolled at Ohio State and is taking classes, but any of the three quarterbacks could transfer following spring practice if they believe they would be better suited to continue their college careers at a different program.

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How Miller feels will dictate what he can physically handle. He would love nothing more than to get back out on the field and take some much-needed snaps. It doesn't matter if he takes first-team reps. The important thing is that he shakes off the rust some way, somehow. (The Buckeyes' spring game is April 18.) 

That would be a huge step in the right direction from last spring, when the best he could do was essentially double up on his mental/film reps. Make no mistake, Miller was active during those practices. Still, as B/R's Michael Felder wrote at the time, he missed an important opportunity to get better. 

It's an opportunity that shouldn't go to waste this time. While Miller doesn't want to push himself too hard, he is approaching his final year of eligibility. If he believes his future is at quarterback, getting any type of work in now is crucial. 

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Besides, there's no need to rush a decision on where (or what position) he'll play. Take, for example, Miller's statement last month in the midst of myriad transfer rumors. In short, he implied he would be coming back to Ohio State for another season. 

"Privilege and honor to be part of this team," Miller said in January, via Tim May of The Columbus Dispatch. "Guess what, we've got another year to do it. So go Bucks."

In reality, though, his options are still open. 

If Miller had announced he was transferring, he would have run the risk of Ohio State moving on from him. What does that mean? Consider Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams, who will transfer to Oregon as a grad student later this summer. According to Eagles head coach Beau Baldwin, via of Kyle Bonagura of ESPN.com, Adams will not be able to work out at team facilities going forward. 

In other words, Adams made his choice, but he has to find his own way to prepare for his next step while staying in school. Miller has avoided that balancing act. 

Miller could still transfer at the end of spring practices if he feels he's falling behind in the quarterback race. Since he would be eligible to play right away, he would be one of the most sought-after grad transfers in college football. If he really wants to play quarterback in 2015, some team will give him that chance. 

All of that might sound like he is using Ohio State, but it's a savvy move. His future as a football player could depend on what happens over the next year. He's not getting any better if he forfeits a spring session without at least testing the recovery process. 

For all anyone knows, Miller could have a better spring than expected, with Meyer reminded of what he had to begin with. Or, it could be affirmation that it's time for Miller to move on. There's only one way to know. 

The possibility also exists that Miller simply wants to finish his college career where he started it. There's something to be said for that too. Blake Bell knew his time as Oklahoma's quarterback would be short-lived, so he made the smart decision last spring to spend his senior season as a tight end. Now, he has a legitimate chance to make a future of it in the pros. 

Miller could also switch positions, but because of his injury, that likely won't happen in the next couple of months. And if he's throwing again, it behooves him to go through spring drills and see where he stands as a passer. 

After that, his options will be clearer: finish at Ohio State and take a chance at re-earning the starting job, switch positions or move on and spend the final year proving he's a legit quarterback prospect for NFL organizations. 

There are no bad decisions since Miller's happiness is the only thing that matters. Nevertheless, it will be an important decision. 

Ben Kercheval is a lead writer for college football. All quotes cited unless obtained firsthand.