Buckeyes' Braxton Miller confirms he will return to Ohio State next season

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller reiterated he will return to the program next season and discussed his continued recovery from a torn labrum.

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller told The Columbus Dispatch he will return to the program next season and discussed his continued recovery from a torn labrum.

Miller, a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, missed all of last season after sustaining the shoulder injury during preseason camp. He is expected to compete for the Buckeyes' starting quarterback role along with J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones. 

“I know who I am as a person. I know who I am as an athlete,” Miller told the Dispatch. “As it stands right now, I know I am the best athlete in college football. If any competition wants to come my way, I’ve just got to be smart about things and just stay looking forward.”

Last month, Barrett's father told the Dispatch Miller should have the opportunity to begin the season as the starting quarterback. Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer has not named a leading candidate for the starting position. 

Miller said he's doing “solid” strength-wise and said the rotation in his right arm is the only reason he is not considered fully recovered from the injury.

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“But that’s going to come, by throwing the ball every day,” he said. “That comes with repetition. Other than that, I’m healthy.”

The senior quarterback told the Dispatch he believes he rushed his return back from a shoulder injury sustained at the end of the 2013 season, helping set the stage for his labrum tear last August.

Miller also said schools reached out to him to gauge his interest in transferring out of Ohio State, but he declined their offers. 

“I’m from Ohio, this is my home state,” Miller told the Dispatch. “This is where I started and this is where I’m going to finish it.”

- Molly Geary