QB Braxton Miller returning for 5th season at Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Quarterback Braxton Miller is almost fully recovered from his latest shoulder injury and planning to win back his starting job at Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Quarterback Braxton Miller is almost fully recovered from his latest shoulder injury and planning to win back his starting job at Ohio State.

Miller hurt his throwing shoulder shortly before the start of last season. He sat out while Ohio State won the national championship, with J.T. Barrett then Cardale Jones leading the Buckeyes.

Miller got his degree and could transfer and play immediately for another school, but told The Columbus Dispatch (http://bit.ly/1Ga7SjO ) that he's staying at Ohio State for a fifth season. He'll be part of a three-way competition for the starting job.

''Schools reached out,'' Miller told the newspaper. ''They reached out hard. And I kept my head where it needed to be, and I stayed smart with my situation.

''I'm from Ohio. This is my home state. This is where I started, and this is where I'm going to finish it.''

Coach Urban Meyer felt all along that Miller would stay with the Buckeyes instead of transferring to a school where he would be the unchallenged starter.

''He has always loved Ohio State,'' Meyer said. ''That's why when I heard this stuff (about a possible transfer), I was like, `Where is this stuff coming from?'''

Miller said the shoulder is healed, although he doesn't yet have full range of motion. He expects to be able to fully compete when camp opens in a few weeks.

''I'm doing all types of exercises all the other (players) are doing,'' Miller said. ''I don't have any pain or aches or anything like that.

''The only reason why they say I'm not 100 percent yet is a little bit (lacking) the rotation in my right arm. But that's going to come by throwing the ball every day. That comes with repetition. Other than that, I'm healthy.''

He's not bothered by having to compete to get his job back.

''As it stands right now, I know I am the best athlete in college football,'' Miller said. ''If any competition wants to come my way, I've just got to be smart about things and just stay looking forward.''