CJ Stroud explains real reason SoCal QBs leave the state with shot at UCLA, USC
Before committing to Ohio State, C.J. Stroud was one of the most sought-after quarterback recruits out of California. However, Stroud is one of the many who decided to leave his home state rather than staying home and playing at UCLA or USC.
Evidently, Stroud made the right decision — the Buckeyes quarterback’s season brought him to New York as a Heisman finalist. Returning home to play at in the famous Rose Bowl, Stroud explained the real reason why California quarterbacks leave the state.
“You go to USC & UCLA games, and quite honestly, it’s just kind of boring,” stated Stroud, per Joe Reedy. “Without all the people. They kind of just are there on vacation. You go to the other schools out of state & their fans are kind of like fanatics.”
It doesn’t take much to backup Stroud’s argument. In recent seasons, the difference between games featuring USC and UCLA have been stark contrasts to the atmosphere of games featuring Ohio State. Additionally, the lack of success each program has found makes it impossible to keep the best quarterbacks in California.
Aside from Stroud, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young also left his home state for uncharted waters. As one of the nation’s top prospects, Stroud had his pick of the litter. Instead of choosing to stay in California, he took a leap of faith — traveling across the country to Tuscaloosa.
Football wise, the move was a no brainer. However, leaving Los Angeles for Alabama isn’t a move many people with options would normally make. Still, there wasn’t much hesitation on the part of Young — and it gained him a Heisman Trophy.
With Lincoln Riley taking over USC and Chip Kelly building UCLA back up, perhaps the future will see quarterbacks staying home in California.
More on CJ Stroud, Ohio State
In his first season as the unquestioned starter of the Buckeyes, C.J. Stroud made all of California want him to come home. However, Ohio made their quarterback feel right at home.
After a slow start to the season, Stroud picked up his play in a big way. In the end, the Heisman finalists accumulated 3,862 yards passing and 38 touchdowns. His accuracy, play-making ability and football savvy were on display all season long.
While Ohio State didn’t end the season in the College Football Playoff, the Rose Bowl is nothing to scoff at. Back in his home state of California, C.J. Stroud will look to put on a show for the Golden State.