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Ryan Day addresses how CJ Stroud has grown as a leader

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•07/27/22•

BarkleyTruax

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C.J. Stroud wasn't in Ohio State's recruiting plans until late in his senior season. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud has grown tremendously on and off the field in the year since taken over as the Buckeye’s starting quarterback. Stroud shined in his role under center in year one, and is taking those same leadership skills learned on the gridiron and applying them off the field as well.

“CJ has always had very good leadership skills. He’s always had a voice,” Day said of his star quarterback. “Once you go on the field and you show credibility that you can do it, you walk a little differently, and guys look at you through a different lens. I think that’s been the case.

“I think, when you’re young and you go into a season and you haven’t played, you’re just trying to figure out a way to complete that first pass, get that first win, and you’re so focused on your job and maybe the offense.”

Now that Stroud has proved his worth on the field and then some, it’s only inevitable for Stroud to become the source of his defense’s headaches every day in practice. For that, Day says, is what separates Stroud from the rest.

“This off-season he’s done a great job of taking a bunch of guys on defense over to his house. He’s cooked for them,” Day said. “He’s really approached it like a coach, and that’s what leaders do, and that’s what really good quarterbacks do. For a third year player to take that kind of approach has been great to see.”

With just one season as Ohio State’s starter under his belt heading into his redshirt sophomore season, Stroud is one of the favorites – along with reigning award-winner Bryce Young – for the 2023 Heisman Memorial Trophy thanks to his incredible 2021 campaign that earned him finalist status for last year’s trophy as well.

Stroud’s teammates are rallying around him ahead of what is expected to be a huge season for Stroud, and the entire Buckeye program for that matter. With many expecting this to be Stroud’s last season under center in Columbus – its national championship or bust for Stroud and company heading into the 2022 college football season.