Before this season began, Ohio State defensive end Steve Miller was sort of like an appetizer — something to tide Buckeyes fans over until it was dinner time.
The main entree, of course, was going to be All-Big Ten performer Noah Spence, who was originally supposed to be suspended for just the first two games of this year after failing a drug test before last year's Big Ten championship.
But prior to Ohio State's game against Kent State, Spence failed a separate drug test and was suspended indefinitely. All of a sudden, Miller was thrust into a more prominent role on the Buckeyes' defense at the "Viper" position for the foreseeable future.
“I just looked at it as that I had to step up and I be ready for my brothers and I ain’t wanna let my brothers down," Miller said after Wednesday's practice. "I knew I had to play a big part this season helping my brothers out.”
So far this year, Miller hasn't produced at the same level as Spence. But, to be fair, that wouldn't be a realistic expectation.
Spence was a highly-coveted recruit and made an immediate impact for Ohio State. Last year, he recorded eight sacks and had 14.5 tackles for loss as he was named first-team All-Big Ten.
Miller, on the other hand, hadn't seen much playing time until last year when he backed up Spence. His first career start didn't come until this year's season-opener against Navy.
And while it hasn't exactly been an easy road for Miller, he's finally contributing to the Ohio State defense. Against Maryland last Saturday, he had his best game.
Look at the box score of the 52-24 win and you'll see Miller only had two tackles against the Terrapins, but his constant pressure of Maryland quarterbacks certainly didn't go unnoticed by the Buckeyes coaching staff.
“He had his best day as a Buckeye, sure did,” head coach Urban Meyer said. “He has played OK this year — I won’t say great — then he played his best game, no question, against Maryland. And he has to.”
While Meyer feels Miller played his best game, the Canton native still feels he has a long way to go.
“Yeah, it felt like I was playing well but I’ve still got stuff to work on," Miller said. "I still gotta work on my get-off and I’ve still gotta work on my pass rush and playing the pass better.”
It certainly helps Miller is playing alongside some of the best defensive linemen in the country in Michael Bennett and Joey Bosa. In particular, Miller said Bosa makes things easier on him because of the attention he draws from the opposite defensive end spot.
“Joey’s a great player and on pass rush, he’s got good moves and he can get there quickly," he said. "He’s a big help, definitely.”
Meanwhile, Miller and Rashad Frazier will do their best to fill in for Spence while he's out. And while Spence isn't allowed to practice with the team, Miller said they try to talk as often as they can.
“Noah’s like a brother to me," he said. "I talk to him all the time, see how he’s doing. He’s trying to get better, we’re trying to help him the best we can.”
