DeMeco Ryans shares what stands out about CJ Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has not had many reps yet in fall camp as it has only just begun but he is already doing some things to stand out to head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Ryans told the media recently what has stuck out to him so far about the No. 2 pick in this this year’s NFL Draft.

“The thing that has impressed me the most is his dedication to being as best as he could possibly be,” Ryans said. “He puts the work — and not only when he’s here, of course — everybody does that. That’s given. But what you see about CJ, the work that and the preparation that he does when he’s not here. He’s a true football junkie. He loves football, always watching football, always asking for extra cut-ups from our coaches. I’m just impressed with the mental part of him and just how much he loves the game of football.”

Stroud enters his time with Houston after a great career at Ohio State, where he was twice the winner of the Graham–George Offensive Player of the Year award and Griese–Brees Quarterback of the Year award.

He was 21-4 as a starter with the Buckeyes, and the Texans hope he can bring that winning touch to Houston. The team has won 21 games the past four seasons.

“When your guy has that much love for the game of football, he has no chance but to continue to get better and improve,” Ryans said. “That’s what I’ve seen with him from OTAs till now. Each day, he’s done what we’ve asked and he’s gotten better each and every day. He’s just continuing to keep his head down and just grind. He’s not worried about what reps he gets, who’s he out there with. He’s just worried about maximizing his rep and that’s what I asked for from everyone.”

Stroud is competing to win the starting quarterback role for Week 1. No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young has already won the starting role with the Carolina Panthers.

It’s a different situation in Houston with Davis Mills coming back after starting 26 games over the past two seasons. While there weren’t a lot of wins over those two years, Mills did show flashes of being an interesting piece.

But Stroud said he is just trying to work hard and do what he can.

“Just try to work harder and harder every day. Just trying to beat that person in myself,” Stroud said. “Trying to beat that negative person and just trying to be the best person that I can be on and off the field.”