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StumbleuponWayne's Miller hopes to cast his own mold
Thursday, August 07, 2008
HUBER HEIGHTS — Editor's note: This is another in a series of reports from area high school football practices. Coming Thursday: Stebbins.
Most high school quarterbacks would love to hear that they've been compared to Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Wayne quarterback Braxton Miller wanted no part of it.
"It's great to say that, but I want to be like me," he said. "I want to be the first big quarterback to come out of Wayne. I want people to compare themselves to me."
Though just a sophomore, Miller has received an offer to play at the University of Cincinnati. He used his strong arm and fleet feet to lead the Warriors offense through the rough Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division last season.
Now, that division includes Northmont and the combined Springfield school.
"You can't take anything for granted," head coach Jay Minton said of the Warriors' schedule. "Anybody in the conference can beat anybody. Every week, you better get ready."
Seen
Wednesday, Aug. 6, was the first day of full contact, and the Warriors were taking advantage. They had two separate tackling drills, including one in which a running back and defender were set five yards apart, then released.
"We get to even it out a little bit with the offense now," safety Javon Marshall said. "We're finally getting a little physical after the summer of two-hand touch."
Coaches kept a careful eye on the drills. The most common fix for tacklers: keeping the head up.
Overheard
"When you stood up, your eyes got big, son! You're scared to death!" coach Jeff Berk yelled to running back Michael James when he entered a tackling drill players call "the hamburger."
Pads weren't the only things making noise. Players jawed back and forth, challenging each other to stand in.
Extra point
A big hit came from a surprising source. Even though he was wearing a black jersey, which usually means "Don't hit me," Miller jumped in as a ball carrier in a drill.
He fumbled at the whistle, recovered, lowered his shoulder, ran over a defender and walked into the end zone.
Wayne Warriors
2007: Went 8-2 in the Greater Western Ohio Conference Central division. They were one spot away from making the playoffs.
Ones to watch
Braxton Miller, So, QB
Erique Geiger, Sr, RB
Javon Marshall, Sr, S
Contact this reporter at gsilverman@coxohio.com.
