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Key Ohio State defender reveals former Buckeye star Braxton Miller played a part in him getting to Columbus

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Nov 7, 2024 11:56 AM ET

Ohio State has been one of the best programs in college football over the past couple of decades and with that have come some pretty special talents along the way.

Braxton Miller was a fan favorite during his time in Columbus and quit the electric player. Miller made a switch from quarterback to wide receiver after suffering a season-ending injury his senior season. As a redshirt senior, Miller became a third-round pick as a wideout to the Houston Texans.

It has been nearly a decade since Miller daunted the Ohio State uniform, but he is still having an impact within the program. Sophomore defensive tackle Kayden McDonald admitted Miller played a part in him choosing to be a Buckeye.

“I got a funny story when I was like around seven or six. I remember I watched Braxton Miller he did like a spin move in a game against Virginia Tech and I was like, ‘I’m going there when I get older’,” McDonald explained, via Kellyanne Stitts.

#Buckeyes sophomore DT Kayden McDonald shared how watching a Braxton Miller spin move when he was 7-years-old inspired his desire to become a Buckeye.

All smiles, he talked about making the most of his opportunity against Penn State. pic.twitter.com/GQaiNMYpqT
— Kellyanne Stitts (@KellyanneStitts) November 7, 2024

The famous spin move without changing speed much by Miller is one of the best plays you’ll ever see. It still makes its circles on social media every so often. That play stuck with a player like McDonald, who wanted to be just like that. McDonald was a four-star prospect out of Georgia in the class of 2023.

Of course, McDonald is a defensive tackle who weighs north of 320 pounds, so you won’t be seeing him do a soon move unless it is getting after the passer. Then, you still probably won’t see it often.

As a sophomore, McDonald has been a key piece of depth for the Buckeyes and has become a player who would be starting at most places right now. McDonald is playing behind two future NFL defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton this season.

So far on the year, McDonald has 11 tackles and one tackle for a loss. The stud defender has been huge for the Buckeyes on running downs and he is a legit run-stopper that can plug a hole. It seems like every game that McDonald is making a play.

Looking back, the Buckeyes should be happy that Miller made that spin move for many reasons. It is still having an impact to this day.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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