Last February, after playing with a mangled shoulder in the Orange Bowl, Braxton Miller underwent a surgery that was billed as a "minor, outpatient" procedure by Ohio State.
Almost exactly a year since the ordeal, it's been a crazy, strange 12 months for the Buckeyes’ fifth-year quarterback who was once the face of program and the centerpiece of coach Urban Meyer’s tenure.
In three seasons, Miller emerged as one of the nation’s most electrifying players. He was the back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013. He was a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate last year. He graced the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Yet after another shoulder injury during training camp in August, Miller finds himself in an unusual — and some might even say unfair — position, having lost his starting job to two different quarterbacks to no fault of his own.
Even so, without Miller’s services, which Ohio State so dearly clung to sometimes, the Buckeyes captured the first-ever College Football National Championship last month after rolling Oregon, 42-20.
Behind J.T. Barrett, who set a school record for 45 total touchdowns, and Cardale Jones, who guided the team to three monumental wins in his first three career starts, the Buckeyes flipped a would-be quarterback carousel nightmare into what's been dubbed an embarrassment of riches.
Where Miller, who was the team's unquestioned starter the last two seasons, fits into the conversation has sparked considerable and passionate debate.
After speculation that he might transfer amidst a crowded quarterback room in Columbus, Miller appears to be returning to Ohio State for one final hurrah. At the team’s National Championship coronation, he addressed 45,000 fans and more or less told them as much.
“It was a privilege and an honor to be a part of the national championship team in 2014,” he said. “But guess what: We’ve got another year to do it.”
Whether or not Miller leads the Buckeyes at quarterback?
That, of course, depends on whether he's healthy.
To be sure, Miller offers the Buckeyes a resume of talents and treasures.
Here’s how we got to this point, though:
Jan. 3, 2014
In a 40-35 loss to Clemson in the Orange Bowl, Miller combined for 269 yards and four touchdowns. He did so after injuring his throwing shoulder on the fifth play of the game. Miller played through the pain, but five sacks and several other big hits made the damage worse.
“I think it just affected my running,” Miller told reporters after the game. “Throwing-wise, it was cool. I don’t know what happened. I landed on my elbow, but it shot right up to my shoulder. It was hurting real bad.”
Feb. 19, 2014
During halftime of a men’s basketball game against Northwestern, Miller met with reporters shortly after receiving his second-straight Chicago Tribune Silver Football award. Asked to address his health, Miller reiterated he was healthy.
Feb. 21, 2014
After Eleven Warriors broke the news Miller, who suffered substantial damage to his throwing shoulder in a loss to Clemson in the Orange Bowl, needed surgery, Ohio State confirms the development through a news release:
“Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller had minor, outpatient surgery on his right shoulder this morning at the Ohio State University Medical Center. He will be limited in his activities throughout spring drills, which start Tuesday, March 4.”
It was expected that Miller will make a full recovery.
July 28, 2014
At Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, Meyer opened his press conference by saying Miller, who had been throwing over the summer, is healthy.
"I know we'll get asked that question," Meyer said. "(He's) ready to go. He's full speed, in the best shape of his life."
But the Buckeyes, by their own admission, say keeping Miller healthy is a premium.
“How important is it for Cleveland to keep LeBron healthy?” said senior tight end Jeff Heuerman.
Aug. 16, 2014
While he had been practicing with the team during training camp in August, Miller curiously remained limited in his ability to throw the ball. With two weeks before the season opener against Navy, questions lingered whether Miller would be ready to play. Meyer said he expected his quarterback to be fine.
“I’ve known Braxton for three years and it’s almost like looking at your son, you can see in his face if he’s concerned. And he’s not,” Meyer said. “I trust that he’ll be ready."
Aug. 18, 2014
After Ohio State's first practice of a two-a-day session, Miller met with reporters and said he was "100 percent."
Later that evening, after the team's second session, sources told Eleven Warriors and the Columbus Dispatch that Miller re-injured his throwing shoulder on a non-contact play during practice.
The ensuing response is an avalanche of stories, news and tweets wondering whether Miller will miss his senior season and whether that dampens Ohio State's championship hopes.
Aug. 19, 2014
Ohio State releases a statement that Miller will miss the 2014 season after re-tearing his right labrum:
"Ohio State senior quarterback Braxton Miller re-injured his right shoulder attempting a short pass in practice Monday and will miss the 2014 football season. Miller, who was not hit on the play, was in the process of returning from off-season surgery in February for an injury sustained in the 2014 Discover Orange Bowl. This latest injury will require surgery."
In the release, Meyer added: "My thoughts and prayers are with Braxton and his family. This is an unfortunate injury to a young man who means so much to this program and to Buckeye nation."
Miller vowed to return for one more season.
"I love Ohio State and Buckeye nation, and my goal is to come back from this injury stronger and better than ever," Miller said.
"I am on course to graduate in December and I want to attend graduate school, and then return to lead the Buckeyes next season. In the meantime, I want to give all the support I can to my coaches and teammates as they chase a championship this season."
Meanwhile, J.T. Barrett is named the starting quarterback. And the Buckeyes, their championship hopes in peril, move on.
Sept. 29
As Barrett settles into his role as Ohio State's starting quarterback and builds momentum after a record-setting thrashing of Cincinnati, Meyer is asked whether he'd consider making the 2015 quarterback job an open competition. Meyer said it would be a good problem to have, but dismissed the notion.
"Braxton is our quarterback," he said. To be fair to Braxton, Big Ten Player of the Year."
"Good to know we've got both of them," he said.
Nov. 10
After Barrett lit up Michigan State's vaunted defense in a monumental win in East Lansing, Meyer offers the first notion that Miller's job is far from guaranteed in 2015.
"Competition brings out the best," he said, "and I'm really excited to have two really good quarterbacks next year, if that's the plan."
Asked if it's a crazy sort of situation, Meyer added, "I don't use the term 'crazy,' I think 'fortunate' and 'blessed' ... I think they're both excellent quarterbacks.
"Excellent quarterbacks," he continued, "and we'll worry about that day when it comes. But we're very fortunate to have those guys.
Jan. 15
After becoming an unlikely hero in guiding Ohio State through a postseason run against Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon to win the national title, Cardale Jones announces he will return for another season to compete for the starting job against Miller and Barrett. For Miller, it's another contender to face.
Feb. 15
Miller tweet he's throwing again.
@BWollenslegel: @BraxtonMiller5 have you been able to start throwing yet? Yessir ..
— BRAXTON MILLER (@BraxtonMiller5) February 15, 2015
What remains to be seen is whether Miller, who captured a fanbase with his dazzling dashes across the field and big-time throws, will be healthy enough to reclaim such magic in Columbus next season.
