Offseason shoulder surgery precluded Ohio State star quarterback Braxton Miller from full participation in spring practice, but the Heisman Trophy candidate is well on his way to being fully ready for the regular season.
"He's on schedule, I think, a little ahead of schedule," Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer said, according to the Columbus Dispatch. "His demeanor is fantastic. His attitude is great."
And his arm is on the mend.
Miller has begun a light throwing program after arthroscopic surgery on his right (throwing) shoulder. The procedure was reportedly necessary due to an injury suffered against Clemson in the Orange Bowl -- Miller played through the injury to finish the game. Miller passed for 2,094 yards last season and rushed for 1,068 yards, making him one of the nation's most prominent dual-threat quarterbacks, along with Auburn's Nick Marshall. For a running quarterback who absorbs more than the average quarterback's share of physical punishment, the health of Miller's throwing shoulder is of even greater concern. But with preseason practice less than two months away, Miller is looking forward to testing it.
"I'm feeling good," Miller said of his recovery, per the Dispatch.
If the Buckeyes reach midseason with a third consecutive undefeated regular season in reach, Miller should be squarely in the Heisman Trophy race. As a senior, he will be eligible for the 2015 NFL Draft.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
