OSU'S BRAXTON MILLER SPENDING HOLIDAYS WORKING WITH QB GURU

Braxton Miller, left, and George Whitfield

I recall being inside the Wayne High School auditorium in Huber Heights (OH) back in June of 2010, when highly touted prep quarterback Braxton Miller announced he would be playing his college football at The Ohio State University.

While interviewing him on stage following his commitment to the Buckeyes, Miller said that his main goal was to someday be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Apparently that is still the plan.

BUCKEYES TOP RECRUIT CHANGES NAME TO HONOR STEPFATHER

Eli Apple, left, with father Tim

COLUMBUS — Before Ohio State football fans go into a panic wondering why their prized 2013 football recruit Eli Woodard's name is no longer on the Buckeyes' commitment list ... please calm down, take a breath, sip some herbal tea and mellow out.

The five-star cornerback changed his name.

SERIOUSLY, IRISH MUST JOIN BIG TEN

Notre Dame Stadium

If the Big Ten Conference is truly looking to court more schools in their expansion quest to 16 members, Notre Dame has to be at the top of the list.

In fact, there should be no expansion at all if it doesn't involve the Irish coming on board.

BUCKEYES LOSE WR VERLON REED

Verlon Reed

COLUMBUS — Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Verlon Reed is leaving the football program — the first to do so this offseason as the Urban Meyer era transitions into its second year.

Thus far he hasn't made any plans on where he will continue playing his college football.

"No matter where I end up, nothing changes for me," Reed stated on his Twitter account Monday. "I'm still grinding to reach my goal and I will always and forever be a Buckeye."

MILLER, OSU FRONTRUNNERS IN 2013

TBT/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller is already considered a front runner for the 2013 Heisman Trophy.

In fact, according to CBS Sports blogger and Heisman voter Chris Huston, Miller — and not Heisman incumbent Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M — is the favorite to take home the bronze stiff armer as of now.

LUCK OF THE BUCKEYES? NAH, IRISH!

AP Photo

Have you ever heard the expression, "You want your cake and eat it, too?"

I would like to convey that statement to the folks at ESPN.

We have heard all season from the worldwide leader about how weak the Ohio State football schedule was in 2012. Granted, the Buckeyes' schedule was about as strong as a 120-pound, pimple-faced adolescent (thanks to Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin), but ESPN made it as if OSU resides in the Missouri Valley Conference, and played OOC games against the likes of Augustana, Lincoln University and Ayersville High School.

OSU'S HANKINS HEADING TO NFL

Johnathan Hankins

COLUMBUS — Ohio State junior defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins will forego his senior season to enter the 2013 NFL Draft, the all-Big Ten selection announced on Monday.

"I have decided, with the support of my family, to forego my senior season at Ohio State in order to enter the NFL Draft," Hankins said. "I will always be grateful for the family I have gained here at Ohio State.

NO BOWL GAME FOR OHIO STATE JUST MEANS MORE TIME FOR MEYER

Urban Meyer
TBT/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

COLUMBUS — Contrary to public opinion, there are actually some positives about the Ohio State football team not being eligible for post-season play.

Foremost being that head coach Urban Meyer — who is known as one of the best recruiters in the country — can devote all of his energy courting high school prospects, while others have to split time with bowl game preparations.