Who is Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud, considered one of the top prospects for the 2023 NFL draft?
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud is widely seen as one of the top prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at the 20-year-old’s impressive record.
College football season has kicked off, and one player that will be under intense scrutiny is Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. The 20-year-old sophomore is considered one of the top prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft, regardless of position.
He had a standout performance in last season’s Rose Bowl where he led the Buckeyes to a 48-46 victory over the Utah Utes, finishing with 573 passing yards and six touchdowns. He was also named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
“[C.J. Stroud’s] really spent the time this offseason focused on winning. It hasn’t been about numbers, it hasn’t been about Heisman Trophy, it hasn’t been about yards.”
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 3, 2022
Ryan Day joins College GameDay: pic.twitter.com/CRTGljz5kb
Stroud amassed a number of awards and records in 2021. He set 17 school records at Ohio State, and was named Big Ten Quarterback and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He is favored to win this year’s Heisman Trophy over reigning winner Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.
The Buckeyes signal caller passed for a total of 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns last season, with only six interceptions.
C.J. Stroud escapes the pressure and Emeka Egbuka makes a RIDICULOUS catch 😨
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 4, 2022
(via @BigTenNetwork)pic.twitter.com/kV9KReKuQ5
C.J. Stroud’s early years
Stroud was born in California, and exhibited excellence in football at Rancho Cucamonga High School, where he was named offensive player of the year, MVP of the Elite 11, and was chosen to play in the 2020 All-American Bowl.
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He was a top recruit after graduation, ranking 29th nationally, No. 4 in California, and No. 2 pro-style quarterback. He ended up signing with Ohio State, and he has grown since then. On top of good arm strength, he has a sharp mind that knows how to place the ball down the field. Stroud has a natural instinct for football and is able to adjust his play based on how defense is developing.
The football world will have their eye on Stroud for the next few months to see if he will continue to grow with the Buckeyes and merit the position of number one NFL draft pick.