Justin Fields on growth of CJ Stroud, new-look Ohio State defense

Former Buckeye stars were plentiful for Ohio State‘s spring game Saturday afternoon, including former star quarterback Justin Fields who was on the sideline with his former team and coaches for the offseason showcase, not wasting any moments hyping up current quarterback CJ Stroud. The two were in the same quarterback room back in 2020.

“It’s just amazing to see, you know, just kind of knowing him since his freshman year and kind of seeing where he’s at and see how much he’s grown, what kind of person he’s becoming what kind of player he’s also becoming,” Fields said during the second quarter about Stroud. “It’s just awesome to see.”

Fields addressed the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from Oklahoma State, noting that having a different look two seasons in a row in practice will only help Stroud in his evolution when it comes to reading defenses and overall knowledge of defensive schemes and plays.

The former Georgia transfer was drafted in the first round of last year’s NFL Draft after leading the Buckeyes to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances.

“Just for him seeing a different looking practice will get him more comfortable when playing the actual defense from another opponent,” Fields said. “So just kind of him seeing, the way that he runs his defense. Talking to Jim Knowles and kind of getting his perspective on some different coverages that he may run, some different pressures [on Stroud].

“So getting his mindset and him being able to pick his brain will eventually make CJ smarter and kind of know what those defenses are trying to do with the offense.”

Stroud threw for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns compared to only six interceptions during his redshirt freshman season. Stroud – who finished the season with a total QBR of 91.6 – led the Buckeyes to an 11-2 campaign and will look to recreate that magic in a potential consecutive Heisman finalist season.