Already preparing for next season, Duke might get a major boost at quarterback if the rumors of Braxton Miller transferring from Ohio State to the Blue Devils for his final year of eligibility are true.
Still just rumors, but interesting ones. There are 14 players leaving Duke after another excellent season, which leaves the quarterback battle between redshirt sophomore Thomas Sirk and redshirt freshman Nico Pierre. But those two guys might just be put on hold if the rumors of Braxton Miller leaving Ohio State and transferring to Duke are true. The ones about Jeff Driskel don’t really matter because he isn’t a good enough quarterback anyway, even if this isn’t Florida.
Braxton Miller is eligible after missing the entire senior season with Ohio State. That injury meant J.T. Barrett rose to Heisman candidate level before a season ending injury to him, giving Cardale Jones a chance to start and carve out a little piece of history for himself. It wasn’t that surprising that Jones did very well in the win over Wisconsin, considering no one recruits quarterbacks to Ohio State in order to be backups.
Miller is returning for his senior year, but with Barrett on the rise and Miller looking to put himself back on the shortlist of NFL scouts, the interests don’t match. Barrett is probably the better quarterback and better to go with at this point. If Miller wants a shot to play and make it in the NFL, he’s either going to switch positions (which isn’t going to happen) or switch schools, which right now looks like the likeliest of options.
Duke have been historically (their own standards) good these last three seasons, going to three consecutive bowl games. They’ve won 19 games over the last two years as David Cutcliffe changed the perception of them being “just a basketball” school. It’s hard replacing talent and great classes in a place like Durham in this sport, but getting that kind of boost at the quarterback position might make things a little bit easier.
Miller has been one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in 2012 and 2013, rushing in both seasons for other 1000 yards and throwing for over 2000 yards.
0 comments:
Post a Comment