Ryan Day defends CJ Stroud against idea of complacency

With CJ Stroud establishing himself as one of college football’s top quarterbacks last season, Ohio State’s quarterback discussion looks much different than a year ago. The Buckeyes face a unique situation with just three quarterbacks on the roster entering spring practice, but head coach Ryan Day is not concerned.

Following a spring practice on Tuesday, head coach Ryan Day shot down the idea that complacency could set in for CJ Stroud after a big year in 2021 and growing hype around his talent.

“I think when you dive into CJ, you realize he’s highly motivated,” said Day. “Just the way he came out and played in that Rose Bowl, you can see that he comes out with the mindset that he has something to prove every day. He does. That’s just the way he’s wired. I think that’s what gives him the opportunity to be great.

“Is he great yet? No, he’s not. But he’s on his way there. And I think it’s that approach of, ‘ I have to prove myself every single day.’ I think that’s just the way he was brought up, the way things have happened in his life and I expect him to be that way through this spring and into the preseason, and then into next year. There’s still a lot to prove.”

With no concern about complacency from CJ Stroud, Ohio State looks to make a quick return to the College Football Playoffs.

Ryan Day on backup quarterbacks

Following the transfer portal departures of Quinn Ewers and Jack Miller, the backup quarterback discussion has changed for Ohio State.

“I was impressed with how Kyle came in today, I thought he had a good 7-on-7,” said Day. “He had a good approach and kind of picked up from where he left off in the Rose Bowl practice which was great. And then Devin, first day out here, again I thought he handled it pretty good as well. For first day, there’s a lot going on that first day. You’re doing everything for the first time. So the more reps that we can get these guys, the better they’re going to be.”

A key point entering the 2021 season was the lack of on-field experience. That narrative has shifted now with the reps Kyle McCord was able to get as Ohio State’s backup quarterback last season.

“We haven’t had that, we haven’t had a starter who had any experience going into last year,” Day said while laughing. “To have somebody who’s actually been on the field and played in games and has a whole year under his belt, that’s a big deal. You can’t substitute experience. And just being through it for a whole year should pay dividends and that should be something that we can use to our advantage.”