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Coming out of high school, Braxton Miller was rated as a five-star quarterback recruit by Scout.com after putting together a remarkable career at Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio.
Miller received offers from just about every major college in the country including Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, and USC, but ultimately chose to stay in-state and play for the Ohio State Buckeyes under head coach Jim Tressel.
After beginning his college career as the backup to Joe Bauserman, Braxton would take over the starting quarterback duties for the Buckeyes in the fourth game of the season.
He went on to win the ‘Big Ten Freshman of the Year’ and the 2011 ‘CFPA National Freshman Trophy’ after completing 85-of-157 passes for 1,159 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions, in addition to 715 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
Over the next two seasons, Miller led Ohio State to a 24-2 record before sustaining a shoulder injury that would force him to miss the entire 2014 campaign and eventually transition to playing wide receiver upon returning in 2015.
During the 2015 season, the former quarterback caught 25 balls for 340 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for 261 yards on 43 carries as a senior.
Miller showed enough at the wide receiver position during the 2015 season and the pre-draft process to warrant being selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
After posting 15 catches for 99 yards and a touchdown during his NFL rookie year with the Texans, Miller sat down for an exclusive interview with RantSports.
RantSports: When did you decide that football was the sport that you wanted to pursue after your success with basketball and track and field in high school?
Braxton Miller: After receiving my first scholarship in 9th grade, I knew football was it.
RS: Did you ever seriously consider another school or was Ohio State the clear favorite for you the whole time?
BM: Never, I was a born a Buckeye.
RS: What was it like being one of the nation’s top recruits? Do you feel like you carried any extra pressure to perform at a top level?
BM: It was a blessing. It motivated me more than anything to never fold under pressure.
RS: Did you ever consider transferring with the coaching change following the 2011 season at Ohio State?
BM: I came under Coach Tressel who I respected and liked a lot. I was anxious to see what Coach Meyer had in store for us.
RS: Was it tough having to sit out the entire year the Buckeyes won the national championship?
BM: It was tough cause I’m just a natural competitor. It was also a blessing in disguise.
RS: What were your initial feelings on transitioning from quarterback to wide receiver?
BM: I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but luckily I was surrounded by the right individuals to help me transition through that process.
RS: Do you feel as if the transition for your final season at Ohio State helped your NFL Draft value?
BM: Absolutely. Teams were able to see that I was one of the best athletes in college football.
RS: What advantages does being a former QB give you while playing wide receiver?
BM: I can still throw the ball, jump in the wildcat, and do whatever Coach needs me to do. Also being able to read coverages.
RS: How would you grade your rookie season with the Texans?
BM: It was a learning experience. I learned that your body is the most important part of the game. You need to take care of it. In college, it was a priority. Now it’s my number one priority. The body is everything.
RS: What are you working on specifically in your game this offseason?
BM: Playbook. Studying the playbook. Footwork. Speed. Everything.
RS: Do you feel better prepared going into your second season now that you will get a full offseason with the offense?
BM: Absolutely. I am excited. I only played one season of wide receiver before I got drafted. I’ve learned a lot since then.
RS: What season or career goals have you set for yourself?
BM: I want to win. I also want to pave the way for the younger guys and lead by example that you can switch positions and still make it to the league.
RS: Do you miss playing quarterback or are you happy at receiver?
BM: I just love the game of football. Put me on special teams and I’ll make plays and be happy.
Miller sounds like he’s ready to be a big producer for Houston in 2017. The NFL better be ready.
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