Chip Kelly reveals surprising speed from Ohio State QB Will Howard during offseason

Chip Kelly revealed the speed of Will Howard from the offseason and the new Ohio State quarterback is quite fast.

“Will Howard reached 22 miles per hour in a sprint during the offseason, according to Chip Kelly,” Lettermen Row’s Spencer Holbrook wrote. “He’s 6-foot-4, nearly 240 pounds.”

Coming into Ohio State from Kansas State, Howard was known for his dual threat abilities. But now it appears he could be faster than ever.

On Thursday, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day pulled back the curtain on his transfer quarterback’s improvement this offseason.

“There was more zip on the ball and I thought there was more accuracy today,” Day said. “Again, [it’s] Day 1. What are you going to do with Day 1? But, I thought the ball came out with more pace. I thought he had more discernment. And, I thought there were some accurate throws out there.”

Even without the offseason improvement, Howard is an exceptional talent. Howard touted a 14-11 record in 25 career starts at Kansas State. His best season came last year when he notched 2,643 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing a career-high 61.3% of his passes.

He boasts 5,786 passing yards, 48 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in his career. In his first season with the Buckeyes, Howard hopes to add to his totals. To do so, Howard not only improved his arm power over the offseason but his body, as well.

Rushing wise, Howard never reached 400 yards on the ground, but has a career total of 921 and 19 rushing touchdowns. He set a career high with nine last season.

In regards to Howard’s speed and size, Day was pretty impressed regarding his QB’s physical traits.

“We have the opportunity to use DEXA scans here to get an idea of their body fat and their makeup and their lean mass, and he got challenged,” Day said. “It’s one thing to put on weight and take off weight. But when you’re talking about body fat and lean mass, and those type of things — you’ll just see [Howard]. He looks different, he’s moving different. He worked hard on that.

“He changed his diet, changed his workout plan and dedicated himself to the offseason. I think you’re seeing that right now. Now he’s got to sustain that throughout the season. … he’s moving well for his size.”

Grant Grubbs contributed to this report