C.J. Stroud 'An Unbelievable Dawg!' Says Laremy Tunsil of Texans Rookie QB

Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil became the latest veteran to share how impressive rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has been during the early stages of his pro career.

HOUSTON — At the start of OTA practices in May, coach DeMeco Ryans said there would be a competition at quarterback between Davis Mills and C.J. Stroud. But by the end of mandatory minicamp a month later, Stroud appeared to have the upper hand for the starting job. 

Several coaches and players have said how impressed they have been with Stroud during the early stages of his pro career. The latest compliment came from Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show Friday afternoon.

"He handles himself well. He came in the building with these unbelievable leadership skills, and he's killing it," Tunsil said. "He's a straight dawg. He comes in there ready to work, he handles the huddle perfectly and he goes out there and balls, man. You've got to appreciate that, especially in a young quarterback like C.J."

Naming the Texans' starting quarterback for the 2023 campaign might be difficult for Ryans. But Stroud's performance during 11-on-11 and two-minute drills in workouts - plus the faith the locker room seems to have in him - could make the decision easier for the first-year head coach. 

Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said Stroud is putting in the work while describing his work ethic as "awesome." Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson said Stroud is "already way ahead of pace."

Stroud finished his college career at Ohio State throwing for 8,123 yards while completing 69.3 percent of his passes for 85 touchdowns and a dozen interceptions.

He established himself entering the NFL Draft in April after an impressive performance against the Georgia Bulldogs in December. Despite falling 42-41, Stroud finished with 348 yards and four touchdowns while completing 23-of-34 pass attempts. He also rushed for 34 yards in the loss. But now? The "unbelievable dawg'' is a Texan ... and Tunsil is among the believers.

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