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LOOK: CJ Stroud uses jersey to pay tribute to Dwayne Haskins

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•04/11/22•

SamraSource

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Fred Vuich/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Ohio State star quarterback C.J. Stroud used Dwayne Haskins as inspiration as he took over the reigns over the Buckeyes. Last season, Stroud spoke about how seeing the success of quarterbacks like Haskins and Justin Fields in Columbus gave him the confidence to follow his dreams and don the Buckeyes uniform.

After the devastating news of Haskins’ passing away over the weekend, Stroud is still picking up the pieces of his heart. At Ohio State’s practice on Monday, the Buckeyes quarterback honored one of his inspirations in a special way, donning his No. 7 practice jersey — a number Stroud and Haskins share — and writing a message inside the number.

Stroud wrote “LLDH7” and “RIH SIMBA” inside the number, paying his respects to Haskins. Additionally, the Ohio State star quarterback quote-tweeted the tribute, writing, “Your legacy will live on big bro.” It certainly won’t be the lone tribute Ohio State or Stroud makes to the former Buckeyes star quarterback, but it’s a beautiful one at that.

As C.J. Stroud continues his phenomenal play on the field, he’ll be carrying on the legacy of Dwayne Haskins. With every touchdown, accolade and feat he adds to his resume, the story of how Haskins was the man who kick-started an offensive revolution at Ohio State looms larger.

Stroud already had the world to play for, but now he has an added emotional motivation that Buckeye Nation can relate to.

Ryan Day on what Dwayne Haskins meant to his family

Ryan Day was emotional during a press conference on Monday as Ohio State remembered former star quarterback Dwayne Haskins. On Saturday, tragedy befell the football world when Haskins was struck by a car and passed away, breaking the hearts of family, coaches, teammates and opponents alike.

While Haskins meant a great deal to the Ohio State program, what he meant to Day’s family supersedes his on-field contributions for the coach. During his press conference, Day included a tidbit regarding what Haskins meant to his family, including a story about Day’s son RJ.

“He was like a big brother to RJ,” stated Day. “I remember he took RJ to a high school football game. They spent a lot of time together. He meant a lot to my family, he meant a lot to this program, and he’s going to be sorely missed.”

It’s not exactly common-place for the team’s star quarterback to hangout with a coach’s son, but Haskins made time to make a difference in the young man’s life. Obviously, that meant the world to RJ and his father, who has nothing but praise for his former signal caller.

An old quote by Maya Angelou reads, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Dwayne Haskins brought out jubilance, pride and happiness for Ryan Day, his family and the entirety of Buckeyes nation. The quarterback was much more than a football player, and the subsequent stories coming to light continue to prove the impressive legacy he leaves.