Buckeyes get pledge from coveted QB

ESPN's analysis on Ohio State landing Braxton Miller. Enjoy…

Two years after winning the Terrelle Pryor sweepstakes, Ohio State has landed another big-time recruit at the most important position on the field. The Buckeyes on Thursday were able to keep Braxton Miller at home, as the heralded quarterback recruit from Huber Heights, Ohio, picked Ohio State over several major programs, including Florida. Miller will be billed as the projected successor to Pryor, who could turn pro after the 2010 season or play two more years in Columbus. Colleague Craig Haubert writes that while Pryor came to Ohio State with unparalleled hype and unique skills, Miller might be a more significant addition, especially because of what he can do in the passing game. You might have to go back to the Class of 2002 when the Buckeyes signed Troy Smith to find the last time the Buckeyes landed a QB whose production at the position matched the hype. Miller, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, isn't the biggest player, but has a big arm and does a good job of going through his progressions and can make all the throws. He shows good velocity on deeper throws, can fit the ball in tight spots and knows when to take something off it to throw catchable touch passes underneath. Miller will have to beat out Joe Bauserman and Kenny Guiton to succeed Pryor, which is never a guarantee. But he certainly has the all-around skills to be very good at the college level. After signing a middling recruiting class in February, Ohio State is well on its way to compiling the Big Ten's top class for 2011. The Buckeyes already have a league-high 12 commitments, including three ESPNU 150 prospects.

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