FINAL-DAY SELECTIONS,
Former coach at Ohio St. calls receiver ‘a steal’
University of Houston coach Tom Herman spent enough time with Braxton Miller to know exactly what type of player the Texans are getting.
“Wh e n the lights come on, man, there’s only a handful guys that I’ve been around as competitive as him,” said Herman, who coached the quarterback-turned-wide receiver during his three years as offensive coordinator at Ohio State.
“He wants to win. He wants to be the best. At the same time, he just happens to be the freakiest athlete I’ve ever seen on the football field. He’s like a video game.”
Miller, a third-round selection and the 85th overall pick, converted to receiver this season after sitting out a year with a shoulder injury. He was a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013, throwing for more than 2,000 yards and rushing for more than 1,000 yards.
He finished his career with 8,609 yards total offense, the second most in Ohio State history.
In his only season at receiver, Miller had 26 receptions for 341 yards and three scores.
Herman, who just completed his first season at UH, said the Texans “got a steal” by taking Miller in the third round.
“Had he been playing (receiver) his whole life he would have been a firstrounder,” Herman said.
Miller (6-1, 201 pounds) is considered a raw talent at receiver, but there is not anything that can’t be taught or developed, Herman said.
Herman said he has witnessed Miller run a 4.3 40yard dash.
“Every time the ball is in his hands it’s an explosive play waiting to happen,” Herman said .“He’ s the most explosive, dynamic athlete maybe since( former Florida receiver/return specialist) Percy Harvin ever to be on a football field,” Hermansaid.
The arrival of Miller in Houston also may cost Her- man’ s pocketbook; the newest Texan was the favorite player of Herman’s two oldest children during their time in Columbus.
“They love Braxton,” Herman said .“I’ m sure we’ ll be getting some jerseys and stickers. It better not cost me money. I better get that stuff for free.”