The Rise of C.J. Stroud: Stroud’s Journey to NFL Stardom
HOUSTON — In the vast history of the NFL draft, a staggering 817 quarterbacks have been selected since 1967. Among them, 108 have achieved the honor of making the Pro Bowl. These quarterbacks hail from a variety of educational backgrounds, ranging from esteemed institutions like Notre Dame and Michigan to less traditional football schools such as North Dakota State and Wyoming.
Interestingly, Ohio State, a trend-setting football giant with the second-most wins in college football history, has never had a quarterback grace the Pro Bowl. However, C.J. Stroud, the rookie sensation for the Houston Texans, is on a mission to change that narrative and perhaps even vault into MVP contention.
Stroud’s Impressive Start with the Texans
Leading the league with an average of 291.8 passing yards per game and boasting a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15 to 2, Stroud’s performance is nothing short of remarkable. His 15 touchdowns are just shy of the league leaders, Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa. Moreover, Stroud shattered the record for the most pass attempts without an interception at the start of a career, with 186.
Recently, the Texans celebrated a 30-27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, ending their four-game winning streak. Stroud was instrumental in this win, orchestrating a successful drive for the second consecutive week. His 356 passing yards in the game placed him among the elite company of rookies like Cam Newton (2011) and Andrew Luck (2012), who have thrown for over 350 yards.
Following a record-Breaking performance of 470 passing yards in a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stroud’s cumulative 826 passing yards over two games is second only to Newton’s 854 yards in 2011. His contributions have propelled the Texans to a 5-4 record, their best since 2019, and have significantly boosted their playoff chances according to Gitty Gazette’s Football Power Index.
Stroud’s Take on the Ohio State Quarterback Narrative
Stroud is well aware of the skepticism surrounding Ohio State quarterbacks in the NFL, but he remains unfazed. “Stories have been written about Ohio State quarterbacks that aren’t necessarily true, and for me, that’s fine,” Stroud said. “It’s my job to go out there and prove that wrong and try to prove that we’re getting prepared the right way at Ohio State.”
Ohio State’s Quarterback Legacy in the NFL
Since the common draft era, Ohio State has seen 14 of its quarterbacks drafted, with four being first-round picks. Despite the success of players like Cardale Jones and Troy Smith in college, their NFL opportunities were limited. Joe Burrow, although a product of Ohio State, transferred to LSU and is not considered an OSU draft pick.
Mike Tomczak, an undrafted free agent, is the only Ohio State quarterback to start over 40 games in the NFL. The overall record for Buckeye quarterbacks in the league stands at 91-128-1, with Justin Fields being the only other active starter besides Stroud.
DeMeco Ryans’ Confidence in Stroud
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t let the historical record influence his decision to draft Stroud as the No. 2 overall pick. “Every player is different… It’s more about that player and that person than it is about pinpointing a school,” Ryans explained.
Former Ohio State quarterbacks like Jones and Smith have their own perspectives on the matter. Jones emphasizes the importance of the right situation for success, while Smith reflects on his readiness for the NFL and the offensive style of Ohio State during his time.
Stroud’s Preparation and Ohio State’s Influence
Despite differing opinions, there’s a consensus that Stroud’s preparation is exceptional. “I’m seeing a quarterback that no matter what the situation is, [it’s not] frightening, threatening, or big to him. It’s almost like he’s been there before,” Smith said.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day, who has NFL experience, has incorporated pro concepts into the Buckeyes’ offense. Under his Guidance, Stroud developed into a quarterback with a special ability to read the field and adapt to pressure, finishing his college career with impressive stats.
“C.J. has a special ability to see the field,” Day said. “He’s very intelligent. And he’s extremely accurate.”
Stroud credits his time at Ohio State for his preparedness, likening the program to a “mini NFL team” due to the level of attention and scrutiny it receives. This experience, he believes, has been invaluable in his transition to the professional league.
As the Texans continue their season with Stroud at the helm, the young quarterback’s journey from Ohio State to potential NFL stardom is a testament to his skill, preparation, and the evolving trend of quarterbacks emerging from the storied program in Stroud.
