As Ohio State freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett continues to lead the Buckeyes to what could be a College Football Playoff berth, his competition for the job next season is still taking baby steps. Senior Braxton Miller, currently recovering from shoulder surgery, is still about a month away from throwing a football, according to Big Ten blogger Lisa Byington.
Ohio State head trainer Doug Calland told Byington that Miller is working three hours per day, six days per week. Calland said Miller is doing resistance training, has his range of motion back, and will soon be throwing foam balls.
That projection could put Miller back to throwing a real football in late December as the Buckeyes are preparing for a bowl game, or perhaps, a playoff semifinal. The battle between Miller and Barrett won't really heat up, however, until spring drills, when Miller will presumably be ready to practice with the team again.
That is, if Miller maintains his initial intention to stay at Ohio State.
Barrett has been dynamic as Miller's replacement. In his most impressive performance, he shredded Michigan State for 386 total yards and five touchdowns in a 49-37 win. OSU coach Urban Meyer, who said the 2015 quarterback job would be Miller's earlier this year, has since softened that stance.
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