Eric Boggs
Landon Miller, the son of former Ohio State star Braxton Miller, has received his first Division One scholarship offer despite only entering the sixth grade this fall. Landon announced the offer from Florida Atlantic University on his X account, sparking a mix of excitement and controversy.
Offering scholarships to young athletes who haven’t yet played high school sports might seem premature to some. However, there’s a strategy in being the first to identify and secure a talented athlete who could become a top prospect. This proactive approach is what Florida Atlantic hopes to capitalize on with Landon Miller.
Landon isn’t the first young athlete to receive such early attention. The case of “Baby Gronk” is another example. The story of Baby Gronk, driven by his father’s marketing efforts, has garnered significant attention and debate. Some view it as a genius marketing strategy, while others see it as exploitation. Baby Gronk, whose real name is Madden San Miguel, has made headlines for “committing” and “decommitting” from various schools, despite not having any official offers.
This raises questions about the ethics and motivations behind such early recruitment. While Baby Gronk’s father pursued aggressive publicity, resulting in mixed reactions, Landon Miller’s situation seems different. Landon’s early offer highlights the potential for his athletic future, but it also draws attention to the pressures and expectations placed on young athletes.
Ohio State fans should keep an eye on Landon’s progress. Unlike Florida Atlantic, Ohio State has yet to extend offers to such young athletes. However, it’s likely that Ohio State’s coaching staff, including Ryan Day, is aware of Landon’s potential. As Landon grows and develops his skills, there may come a day when he receives an offer to follow in his father’s footsteps at Ohio State, possibly with an NIL deal included.
