Ryan Day weighs on the growing chemistry between CJ Stroud, Cade Stover

Cade Stover has become CJ Stroud‘s favorite tight end target through the first third of the season. It might come as a surprise to most, as Stover never played much at the position throughout his Ohio State career, but injuries within the Buckeyes receiving corps have hot-shotted Stover into one of their most reliable pass catchers this season.

Stover, a redshirt junior, has been teammates with Stroud for the past three seasons, so the development of their chemistry isn’t something that developed overnight.

“I think it is very important,” head coach Ryan Day said about Stover and Stroud’s chemistry. “Cade is a big target, strong hands, and I think over time you have to build confidence on both sides of the receiving end, of the throwing end, and I think that’s happened. Now, it’s happening in real time in games. So that’s important as we move forward, because that’s something that can be a huge weapon for us as we head into conference play.”

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

Stover currently ranks third on the Buckeyes roster in receiving, sitting at eight receptions for 137 yards through three weeks this season. Stover’s three-game stretch has already surpassed his production from the entire 2021 season, where he ended the year with five catches for 76 yards.

Interestingly enough, Stover started his career as a defensive lineman before being moved to linebacker until he finally found his home at tight end. Even as late as last season he heard his number called on on defense, starting the final two games of the season at linebacker against rival Michigan and then Utah in the Rose Bowl.

Being able to play multiple positions has helped Stover stay relevant within the ever-changing Buckeyes roster. Now as the TE1 for Ohio State, the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder has the potential to be one of Stroud’s go-to’s down the stretch this season, even after the receiving corps is back at full strength.