Braxton played ball about 10 miles from my house and fortunately I was able to see him play several times (GWOC league) over the years. First of all, in my opinion, he will never leave Ohio State early, he grew up loving the Bucks, I recall his senior year in high school he removed his helmet after coming to the sidelines and had block "O" shaved in his hair.
Secondly, If I were Urban, I would start Braxton every game. However, any indication of pre-injury, I would pull him. For example, he takes a big hit to a shoulder or a leg muscle becomes severely stressed. I would yank him before permanent damage. Rest him, get him back to health so he can start the next game. Then I would rotate J T or Cardale. Cardale would be my first choice against more dominant D-lines. The reason is, Cardale is ALWAYS good for a 2-3 yard gain because of his long strides and his sheer strength, he seems to win every head on collision. J T late in the game.
Third, Braxton has been successful as a starter for years. Remember this, all opponents have studied Braxton's tendencies, passing , running etc. and they devise a game plan to stop him, yet game after game he prevails. Cardale is awesome, but he may have had an advantage because defenses did not have years to study him. They really did not know what to expect. In some ways, the same could be said about J T.
Fourth, Braxton has done everything asked of him. He sacrificed his body many times, going out of the games due to injury and then returning. He won't quit. With that said how can you take the starting job away from this kid. An injury should not be the cause for losing your position. The only way Braxton does not start is if his pending injuries restrict his play. If he is normal he starts.
Lastly, I will suggest this. Braxton starts every game, or at least the majority. Utilize him just like we did in the past. Passing, option, running etc. Wear the opposing defenses down in the first half. Then in the 3rd and 4th quarters you crush the defense with "12 gauge" How can any defense after trying to cover Braxton's elusiveness in the first half ever have the strength or endurance to stop "12 gauge" 255 pounds of a downhill stampede in your face, along with bull dozing Zeek Elliot. That would be hard to stop. We seem to do better in the second half because first and foremost, no one conditions as well as we do and two NO COACHING staff can make adjustments as well as we do. Like Urban says what Lou Holtz said, the first 5 minutes of the second half is huge and we have the talent to explode.
J T would be brought in late in the games where the lead is high double digits, BUT, I make sure J T's ankle is 110 %. I personally do not think Braxton has the physique to play in the running back position. RB's are expected to fight for yards and take on hits every single play. For whatever reason, Braxton does not seem to be able to sustain repeated hits like a Zeek Elliot. As QB, Miller can choose to run or not to, slide to avoid contact or run out of bounds. Plus he has the advantage at the QB spot to see the field of play and take the path of least resistance. As an RB your gap is pre-determined for the most part. He has many more options at QB to avoid major contact.
