Urban Meyer says Braxton Miller’s in the best shape of his life. But his shoulder, which underwent surgery in February, apparently remains a lingering concern.
The senior quarterback and Heisman hopeful was limited in Ohio State’s practice Wednesday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Miller was dressed in his helmet and shoulder pads, but took only a handful of snaps behind center and less as the afternoon went on. In his place, backup quarterbacks Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett worked in with the first and second team offenses.
On Monday, Meyer said Miller’s shoulder was sore and that it had an effect on his ability to throw the football. Meyer's also said the coaching staff will be careful not to overwork Miller's shoulder this August.
Notes:
- Ohio State's linebackers have been disappointing over the last two years. Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell said that could change this season: "I promise you that group's going to be as strong as we've had in a while."
- Fickell said defensive end Noah Spence's absence is a "travesty." Spence will sit the first two games of the season after failing a drug test. Backups Rashad Frazier and Steve Miller battling for playing time when he's gone.
- Fickell on past struggles, particularly last year: "The depth had been the thing that's killed us the most. And the consistency."
- In terms of production, Fickell said the linebackers will operate as a committee this season. Former linebacker and current Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier dominated in that realm last year. Fickell called it "addition by subtraction."
- Antonio Underwood and Joel Hale are battling at left guard. Underwood took first-team reps today.
- Right tackle competition is between Darryl Baldwin, Chase Farris and Evan Lisle. Baldwin has upper hand.
- The goal is to have five starters on the O-Line, but Warinner wants seven to eight guys for the depth. Believes OSU is on track for that.
- Warinner likes what he sees in Lindsay. Said he's a smart, hard-working, fundamentally sound guy. Can play center and guard.
- Alabama transfer Chad Lindsay is showing some rust, Warinner said. It's to be expected since he didn't go through any spring practice.
- "All three [centers] could start." -Warinner. He added that Price could move to guard. Versatility is important for OSU.
- Jacoby Boren took first-team snaps at center. But that's subject to change. Warinner said Billy Price and Chad Lindsay aren't far behind.
- Warinner is extremely high on Ohio State's defensive line. Said they're the best group he's ever seen. That's high praise.
- Despite improvements, Warinner thinks the line has a long way to go. He's encouraged and believes they're further along thanks to new rules.
- The offensive line is improved physically and better conditioned from the spring, according to Warinner.
- Tracy Sprinkle practiced with Ohio State today.
- Ed Warinner said there's a plan not to rush Braxton Miller back. He essentially has a pitch count. Should be fine onAug. 30.
- Warinner on Demetrius Knox and Jamarco Jones: "Wow. They're pretty impressive."
- Cardale Jones and JT Barrett both took first-team reps. Barrett looked solid, took offense right down field against first-team secondary.
- Ohio State first-team OL: Decker, Underwood, Boren, Elflein, Baldwin.
