Braxton Miller, the number one ranked quarterback in the country, committed to Ohio State just moments ago in front of a crowd of teammates, coaches, family, and members of the media (including 11W staff---video to come soon). He chose the Buckeyes after narrowing down his choices to OSU and Florida, while also holding offers from many of the nation's top programs including Notre Dame, Alabama, Georgia, and USC among others.
The 6-2/200 dual threat quarterback from Huber Heights Wayne threw for around 1,100 yard and 9 touchdowns in 2009, while running for over 450 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. He was recruited by Jim Tressel from the time he was a freshman and for good reason, as he is an advanced passer for his age and could be a contributor with his legs right away from the second he steps on campus.
While it would take an absolutely sensational year for Terrelle Pryor to go pro after this season, it is not out of the question. If that scenario unfolded, Miller is thought of so highly that he could conceivably start as a true freshman, despite Kenny Guiton making big strides this spring, Joe Bauserman having the veteran's edge, and Taylor Graham coming into the program this summer. If Pryor chooses to stay for his senior season it is likely Miller could redshirt to preserve a year of eligibility and learn from the sidelines while holding a clipboard during the 2011 season.
Miller is a huge get for the Buckeyes and becomes the 12th member of a recruiting class that is looking like one of the country's best for 2011. Braxton is expected to help the Buckeyes fill out the rest of their class, much like Mike Brewster did three years ago, and could start by talking to his best friend and fellow top recruit Trey DePriest, a linebacker from Springfield regarded as one of the nation's best. In addition to DePriest, some other Buckeye targets include Columbus Eastmoor DB Ron Tanner, St. Vincent St. Mary CB Doran Grant, Monroeville (PA) Gateway DB Dondi Kirby, Westerville Central TE Nick Vannett, Glenville OT Aundrey Walker, New Jersey OG Angelo Mangiro, Tucker (GA) LB James Vaughters, Vernon Hills (IL) WR Evan Spencer, and Miami (FL) Monsignor Pace CB Jabari Gorman.
It will be interesting to see how the rest of the class unfolds, but one thing that is for sure is that the Buckeyes got a big prize today in Braxton Miller.
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