Buckeyes Now

'He'll Take Full Advantage': C.J. Stroud Praises QBs Kyle McCord, Devin Brown

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is as familiar with Ohio State Buckeyes signal-callers Kyle McCord and Devin Brown as anyone.

Casey Smith

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The Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback battle is reaching its final stretch and someone who knows a thing or two about playing the position in Columbus weighed in on it.

Former Buckeyes and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud praised both Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, saying they both have qualities of being a starting quarterback. He said McCord has "waited his turn" and has always prepared "like a starter" which bode well for the competition he's currently in.

"If he does get the opportunity to be the starter, I think he's definitely going to be ready," Stroud told 10TV's Adam King. "He's very accurate, very smart, mobile in the pocket, can make every throw on the field and definitely something that I challenged him on is being a vocal leader. 

"I think that's something that talking to them boys now is something that he's stepped up and he's done since I've stepped out of there. I'm super, super happy for him and know that if he gets his opportunity, he'll take full advantage."

McCord is the only one of the two that has thrown a collegiate pass, including filling in for Stroud against Akron in 2021. He went 13-for-18 for 319 yards, two touchdowns and an interception against the Zips, and has completed 70.7 percent of his 58 career passes for 606 yards, three scores and two picks.

Brown, on the other hand, is in the same boat as Stroud was — both had one carry to their credit before competing for the starting job. The difference? Brown's was a 1-yard rush against Toledo, and Stroud's was a 48-yard touchdown against Michigan State.

Stroud said he and Brown were roommates during camp last season and sang his praises for the second-year quarterback, saying, like McCord, he has the arm strength and accuracy to make every throw on the field.

"He was groomed to be a great quarterback not only in college but in the NFL as well," Stroud said. "The more experience that he gets the better off that he'll be, so practice is going to be really big for him. Just stepping up to the plate, not worrying about making mistakes and accepting that. I know coach Day is coaching Devin hard, so accepting that coaching because I got that, too. And doing what is asked of you and when it's time to make a play, go make a play."

Head coach Ryan Day has said he wants to make the starting quarterback announcement sooner rather than later, and from the sounds of it, Stroud has confidence in either under center.

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Casey Smith
CASEY SMITH

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