Braxton Miller sporting new jersey number at Ohio State practice

Media in attendance at Ohio State's first football practice of 2015 saw two new things from Braxton Miller. 

Not only was the former Big Ten Quarterback of the Year practicing at wide receiver (as expected), he was also wearing No. 1 instead of the familiar No. 5 he has worn since at least his days at Huber Heights Wayne High School in southwest Ohio. 

Why the change? 

Miller told ESPN.com he felt he needed a new start after having two surgeries on his right shoulder last year. The second knocked him out for the season, and its lingering effects are at least part of why he is trying his hand at wide receiver this month while the Buckeyes prepare to defend their national championship. 

"I just wanted a new start, restarting myself, and I don’t want to remember what happened a couple years ago with my shoulder situation," Miller told the site. "I’ve got some bad memories, so I just wanted something where I could move forward and look forward to with the excitement of a new beginning.

“Rocking No. 1, I feel like it’s me now. This is me, No. 1. One and only.”

Like most programs these days, Ohio State has a lot of double numbers. Last year, No. 1 was worn on offense by receiver Johnnie Dixon, who has taken Miller's No. 5 this season. Safety Erick Smith remains No. 1 on defense while linebacker Raekwon McMillan is No. 5 on defense. 

Also notable: Columbus TV station WCMH reported last week Ohio State has decided to stop selling jerseys with numbers specifically representing current players, instead choosing to sell a jersey with a number representing the year as well as a jersey bearing ... you guessed it: No. 1. 

We're guessing the latter is about to become a hotter seller than it was last week.