Super Bowl LVII Radio Row: CJ Stroud
Sports Seriously sits down with CJ Stroud at Super Bowl LVII Radio Row.
USA TODAY
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud has been one of the top players in college football. But, if you ask him, though, there’s no debate about who was the top collegiate player.
“You can put on my film. I think I’ve been the best player in college football two years in a row. I think I’ve consistently done that,” Stroud said at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Stroud, who declared for the 2023 NFL draft after his junior season, capped off a decorated career with the Buckeyes. Stroud was a two-time Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Quarterback of the Year in two seasons as a starter. He was also a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. He finished his college career 21-4 as an Ohio State starter.
The Ohio State product passed for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with the Buckeyes. His performance in college has helped him vault up the draft board. He is considered one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft class and a consensus first-round pick.
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“I don’t think I’ve touched my potential yet. I think I have a lot more to get better at,” Stroud said. “I’m excited to see what I do in the NFL.”
Stroud revealed that he wore No. 7 at Ohio State because he was inspired by former NFL quarterback Michael Vick.
“Not only to be athletic and his athleticism, but as a Black quarterback who can stay in the pocket and throw the ball,” Stroud said of Vick.
He also compared his playing style to current QBs Deshaun Watson and Joe Burrow.
When asked about his skillset, Stroud referred to himself as a “playmaker” and “ball-placement specialist”.
“I think I’m a playmaker. I think I’m very creative and I think I’m smart when it comes to protections and things like that. Because I saw a lot of issues before they were even there. That’s something I pride myself on. One thing about me, I think I’m a ball placement specialist. That’s one thing, I like to be very accurate,” Stroud said. “I don’t want my receivers to have to do anything but catch the ball. I think I’ve shown that time and time on film.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.
