One of the most important positions on the Ohio State Buckeyes’ roster is backup quarterback.
As Kenny Guiton proved last year, the Buckeyes’s No. 2 signal caller can be called upon at any time and possibly be forced to win the game.
Quarterback Braxton Miller has been plagued by multiple nagging injuring over the past two seasons. Guiton played in 15 games during that time and started two contests. Guiton was a senior, though. And Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has been searching for a new backup.
Meyer may have found found one.
Redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett has taken a “slight lead” in the competition, according to The Columbus Dispatch‘s Tim May.
“And that’s because of his (taking advantage of his) opportunities,” Meyer told May.
It was only a matter of time before Barrett moved up the depth chart. Barrett was a highly regarded four-star recruit in the 2013 class. Sophomore Cardale Jones, on the other hand, wasn’t recruited to Columbus by Urban Meyer and his staff.
It simply took the younger signal caller time to develop and gain confidence.
“He was always kind of a quiet guy,” Meyer said. “He’s starting to act like a quarterback.”
The Buckeyes may need Barrett to mature quickly. Miller is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Meyer has repeatedly stated his starting quarterback is “right on schedule” in his recovery, but Barrett needs to be ready in case he has to play against the Navy Midshipmen or Virginia Tech Hokies in weeks one and two.
Miller’s status will become more clear at the start of the week.
“He scrimmaged today; just limited throws is where we’re at right now,” Meyer said. “We’re expecting Monday to take a big step.”