OSU's Miller freshman of the year

Ohio State's Braxton Miller threw for 997 yards and rushed for 695 yards in the regular season.

COLUMBUS -- Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, who became the team's starter in the fourth game of the season, was named the Big Ten's freshman of the year on Wednesday.

Miller rushed for 695 yards and scored seven touchdowns while averaging nearly five yards per carry. He had a school record for quarterbacks with an 81-yard touchdown run in a win over Indiana.

His passing improved as the season progressed and Miller finished the regular season with 997 passing yards, good for another 11 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He completed 67-of-134 passes (50 percent).

"I look at this as a team award and so I also have to recognize my teammates, who put their trust in me and who helped me throughout this year on and off the field," Miller said.

Miller finished the season very strong, totaling 13 rushing and passing touchdowns over the final five games. He had more than 100 yards rushing three times in the last four games.

"It is truly an honor to win this award," Miller said. "And it is definitely a surprise. I have to thank God, first, for blessing me with my abilities, and I want to thank my parents for all their support through the years."

Miller will receive the newly named Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year Award Friday in Indianapolis as part of the activities associated with the Big Ten's first championship game, which takes place Saturday.

Miller joins an elite group of Buckeyes that have won the honor: running back Robert Smith (1990), offensive tackle Kory Stringer (1992), offensive tackle Orlando Pace (1994), linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer (1996), running back Maurice Clarett (2002), and quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2008).

Contact Matt Markey at: mmarkey@theblade.com, 419-724-6510 or on Twitter @MattMarkey.