Ryan Day shares what Kyle McCord has focused on improving this spring

Ohio State returning starter CJ Stroud has the top quarterback job locked down but there’s still some competition going on between returning backup Kyle McCord and five-star freshman Devin Brown.

In relief for Stroud last season, McCord posted 416 yards and two scores with two interceptions on 25 of 38 passing. He also rushed nine times in the five games he appeared in for a loss of 16 yards. McCord has the experience edge but Brown is the former No. 1 recruit in the nation.

To hold on to the backup role and to put his name clearly at the top of the board for when it comes time for Stroud to move on, McCord is working on improving certain aspects of his game this offseason. Head coach Ryan Day shared what the Philadelphia native is working on specifically after spring practice last week.

“Having a whole year under his belt, he’s that much better. He wants to be at Ohio State. He’s going to be ready that first game if he needs to go in. You’re truly only one snap away and he understands that, and he knows what he needs to work on,” Day said. “Second year in the offense, having just a better feel for it. The anticipation of routes, throwing the ball on time, pocket movement, and just overall decision making.”

Ryan Day pleased to have a solid backup situation

Following a spring practice last week, head coach Ryan Day addressed McCord’s performance so far this offseason.

“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.”

A big talking point entering the 2021 season was the lack of on-field experience following the departure of Justin Fields. That narrative has shifted now with the reps Kyle McCord was able to get as Ohio State’s backup quarterback last season. McCord is a former five-star recruit ranked No. 22 in the country by the On3 Consensus in 2021.

“We haven’t had that, we haven’t had a starter who had any experience going into last year,” Day said. “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.

“I think Kyle’s had a good offseason so if he can continue to grow as the spring goes on, that’s huge for us.”

On3’s James Fletcher contributed to this report.