CHICAGO — Urban Meyer has spent a little extra time of late putting pen to paper, trying to come up with ways to use an array of offensive weapons he has at his disposal for the upcoming season.
"Pretty intriguing," Meyer said of his newfound offensive options with the news of Braxton Miller's move to H-back last week during Big Ten Media Days. "For a guy that sits and doodles all day long like a child, it’s pretty exciting."
When asked by a reporter to expand on or share some of the aforementioned doodles, a wry smile came across Meyer's face. If it was almost like he had something to hide it's because, well, he does.
"I’m not letting you see them, either," Meyer joked.
Miller's move from quarterback to H-back gives the Buckeyes' offense all sorts of possibilities. Not only is Miller one of college football's most explosive players, but he's now a former quarterback who always possesses a threat to throw the ball. He's the perfect blend of speed and quickness to play that slot position in Ohio State's offense, but his ability to throw the ball adds a wrinkle that's never quite been seen before.
There's also the chance Miller could be on the field with both guys still competing for Ohio State's starting quarterback position: J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones.
"Yes," Meyer responded emphatically when asked if all three could be on the field at the same time.
With Miller's position switch, Meyer must ultimately decide between Barrett and Jones for that starting quarterback position. It's possible, of course, Meyer could use a platoon system much like he did during his 2006 season at Florida with Chris Leak and Tim Tebow.
And much like his "doodles" of new offensive plays, Meyer isn't tipping his hand on who will be the Buckeyes' signal caller when they take the field Labor Day night for the season opener at Virginia Tech, the only team to beat Ohio State in 2014.
"The first guy that jogs out in Blacksburg will be the starting quarterback," Meyer said.
The possibilities for Meyer seem endless with the amount of talent he has on the offensive side of the ball. And against the Hokies on Sept. 7 — as Ohio State will be without the services of the suspended Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson and Corey Smith on offense — Meyer may have to get a little creative.
Against Virginia Tech, Miller will join Curtis Samuel at H-back. Michael Thomas, Noah Brown and tight end Nick Vannett will likely be the primary pass catchers. And, oh yeah, the Buckeyes will still be able to hand the ball off to Ezekiel Elliott whenever they choose.
"I'm the most fortunate coach in the country," Meyer said.
Right now, it's tough to argue.
