COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State might be able to scratch one item off its list of potential concerns. Based on the one-handed snag Braxton Miller shared with the world, it looks like his hands are going to be just fine.
Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer tried to quiet some of the growing hype for Miller's transition to wide receiver and H-back last week at Big Ten media days, pointing out that the former two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year at quarterback hadn't played the position in pads, has never needed to block anybody before or proven that he could consistently catch the football.
And while holding five footballs and reaching up to grab another with a single hand is an eye-popping bit of skill, that trick might not be of much use in an actual game. But it could offer Meyer some reassurance ahead of training camp, particularly given that he expects Miller to be an "impact player" and could use another H-back after suspending Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson for the opener at Virginia Tech.
"He's one of the best athletes I've ever coached," Meyer said last week. "He's got an incredible first step. Above all else, if you say it's time to win or lose time, and he's not going to lose.
"The feedback I'm getting from guys like J.T. [Barrett] and Cardale [Jones] is that he's very athletic obviously, and he can catch the ball. I've not seen him do that. I'm anxious to see him do that."
If Meyer and the Buckeyes just can't wait, all they have to do now is fire up Instagram and let the buzz continue to build.