'Dont Sleep On Kyle McCord': Ohio State's Ronnie Hickman Praises Buckeyes QB

Ronnie Hickman had only positives to say on Kyle McCord's potential.

INDIANAPOLIS -- C.J. Stroud will be gearing up to begin his NFL journey after a two-year run as a starter, but one former Ohio State Buckeyes player is certain the program is in good hands. 

Safety Ronnie Hickman is all-in on the upside that Kyle McCord brings to the table. And for those wondering if McCord will live up to the expectations, Hickman has a message for the doubters. 

“Don’t sleep on Kyle, man,” Hickman said during his time with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday morning.

McCord, one of three quarterbacks looking to be Stroud's heir apparent, might have the upper hand based on production. He started in 2021 against Akron and threw for 319 yards and a touchdown. Since then, he's played in 12 games, mostly in a mop-up role, and completed 28 of 40 passes. 

Most fans won't dig too much into watching passers light it up against third-team defenses in blowouts, but Hickman spent three seasons with McCord in Columbus. This means practice, an area the rising junior shined and pushed Stroud to be more efficient. 

“That guy can sling it,” Hickman said. “I’ve spent a lot of time with Kyle and that guy can put the ball where it needs to be. And he will still have some great weapons." 

McCord, along with Devin Brown and Oregon State transfer Tristan Gebbia, will all battle it out for the title of QB1 once spring practice begins on March 7. Gebbia, who spent the last three years in Corvallis, will have the biggest mountain to climb as the new guy on campus. 

As for Brown, Hickman said the limited reps were enough to make him confident that the freshman could end up winning the starting job. 

“Devin has a tremendous arm as well,” Hickman said. “He can put that ball pretty far out there. It’s going to be a great, great battle between those guys. I’m sure Coach (Ryan) Day will make the right decision.”

Stroud, who led all FBS quarterbacks in passer rating (177.6) and finished second in touchdowns (41), will meet with the media Friday before working drills Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Stroud is one of three quarterbacks expected to be drafted in the first round that will throw, along with Florida's Anthony Richardson and Kentucky's Will Levis. 

Alabama star Bryce Young, the projected top passer in the class, will not throw until his Pro Day on March 23. 

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