Kyle McCord brushes off comparison to Devin Brown, explains relationship
Ohio State will have one of the more high-profile quarterback competitions this offseason, with Devin Brown and Kyle McCord duking it out. The task of replacing CJ Stroud will be a tough one but both seem suited to do so with head coach Ryan Day running the show.
Tuesday marked the first spring practice, where there was a first look at the two quarterbacks. Both have different attributes, with McCord being considered more of a pocket passer. Brown potentially has more athletic ability, being able to make plays with his feet. Whether McCord considers that a criticism or not, he’s just rolling with the punches.
“It is what it is,” McCord said of his athleticism. “I think you saw it with CJ (Stroud) — they’ll say anything. I think CJ did a good job of just letting it roll off his back. So, if that’s one thing I will take from CJ, they can say whatever. It is what it is.”
Kyle McCord, Devin Brown close during quarterback competition
For some quarterback battles, new faces are involved, specifically through the NCAA transfer portal. McCord and Brown are different since both have been in the program for at least a year. They are familiar with one another and have had the opportunity to develop a relationship.
Even through the offseason with a competition bending, McCord said he was pushing Brown to be better and visa versa. He claims both understand what’s at stake but are willing to help get the best out of one another.
“Me and Devin are really close,” McCord said. “We both know what it is. But I think that’s the beauty of it. I think all offseason, we’ve been pushing each other, which is good. He’s definitely gotten me better and I have definitely got him better.
So, I think it’s a very beneficial relationship of both sides. We both know what we’re going for but at the end of the day, it’s just a really good competition. I think it’s bringing the best out of me and the best out of him as well.”
Playing quarterback at Ohio State is more than just football games
When you are the quarterback at Ohio State, there is more to it than just playing on Saturdays. Results matter to those around the program as they expect a winning culture. Whenever late-season losses affect national championship hopes, as they have the past two seasons, reactions become hostile.
McCord will not be one to check social media, whether it’s praise or criticism. The pressure of performing of the Buckeyes whether he reads about it or not.
“It comes with the territory,” McCord said. “Any time you play at a big school like this, I think that’s one of the biggest blessings and a curse at the same time. You have to take it with a grain of salt. You have a great game, media is going to say great things about you. You have a bad game, they’re going to say that you’re not the answer, whatever it is.
“You just have to take everything with a grain of salt. It’s hard to avoid if you go on social media so I just try to stay off of it. At the end of the day, you just have to remind yourself don’t get too high, don’t get too low. Just stay steady.”