Ohio State’s Quarterback Conundrum: Staff Debates
Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer is in an unusual situation for a coach coming off a National Championship victory. He has three very capable quarterbacks on his roster, each of whom has proven himself on several occasions: Redshirt Senior Braxton Miller, Redshirt Sophomore JT Barrett, and Redshirt Junior Cardale Jones.
While Miller has shown sustained success at Ohio State, the star of the college football playoffs Cardale Jones put on a show in the first three games of his college career. JT Barrett helped pull Ohio State through a grinding season, but will his health hold him back from winning the Ohio State starting job?
Members of our NFL Mocks staff were presented with two questions: Who should be the Ohio State starter and what will happen to Braxton Miller if he is not named the Ohio State starter?
Joe Wedra
I’m still of the belief that Cardale Jones should get the spot. I understand there’s legitimate competition, but how can you deny the spark that Jones brought to the table last year? Barrett and Miller are capable, but Jones can be a step above that. For Braxton, time is ticking away. It sure looks like he’s going to be staying around. Look for a potential position change. It’s a dark road ahead after that, but he can make it work – @JoeWedra
Matthew Holowiak
I believe that Cardale Jones is the most complete quarterback of the group. We have a smaller sample from him, but that sample was easily the most impressive. Very confident in the pocket, big and durable. To me, he seems like the most complete out of them. As for Braxton Miller he should look to transfer maybe to Alabama or another big team with quarterback questions. If no where, then hope for a late round pick in next years draft – @Goach49
Tyler Morales
Cardale Jones should be the starting QB week 1. That Ohio State offense was just tough to stop with Jones at quarterback. He can beat you down field with his cannon of an arm and can run over you. He is confident, and is not afraid to push the envelope on throws. He is their best quarterback by far. I think Miller should move to RB actually, he’s not an NFL quarterback so if he pulled a Denard Robinson and played RB during his senior year I really think that could benefit the team. But in reality he should just transfer it makes the most sense, go to another top school and be the quarterback there – @_TylerMorales
Sayre Bedinger
I want to see JT Barrett get another shot, but I’m intrigued by Cardale Jones. Barrett did all the heavy lifting for Ohio State last year, and Cardale came in with ice in his veins and closed the deal. They worked like an elite pitching staff last season as a QB group. Braxton Miller should leave. He’ll probably be playing running back or something else in the NFL. I think he should go to Iowa, but that’s just me…. – @SayreBedinger