Texans' Laremy Tunsil says C.J. Stroud is 'already a leader'

CJ Stroud is yet to play an NFL game, but he’s already a leader. Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil recently revealed his perspective on the rookie quarterback.

“Man, you should have seen how he came in the building,” Tunsil said. “He came in the building already a leader. He voices himself in the huddles. He’s one of those guys that’s like, ‘Yo, I’m going to lead, and y’all just follow me.’ That’s what we’re doing, It’s not surprising at all.”

Stroud has the accolades to back up his confidence. The two-time Heisman Trophy finalist set 16 Ohio State passing and total offense records, and an additional three Big Ten records during his three years with the Buckeyes.

Additionally, Stroud led the nation in pass efficiency rating in 2022 (177.7) and was second in 2021 (186.6). That efficiency led to high-scoring affairs. Stroud ranked second nationally in TD passes in 2022 (41) and third in 2021 (44).

Per Click2Houston, Stroud feels good about his standing with the Texans.

“I feel like I’ve done well,” Stroud said during an autograph signing and appearance at the newly-opened Dick’s House of Sport in Katy. “(Organized team activities and minicamp) was something I wanted to just put my best in and just be a great leader as well as a great player, soak in the playbook, soak in coaching and be as best I can. I think that was a good start, a good routine to get into training camp and do better there.”

Stroud doesn’t have an easy task in front of him. The Texans went 3-13-1 last season, placing last in the AFC South. The three-win season is the worst since 2013. Davis Mills was the starting quarterback for the majority of Houston’s 2022 campaign.

In 15 games, Mills threw for 3,118 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Although Stroud was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, he must earn the starting spot.

“I think that’s up to him and how he plays and the coaches, how they see him,” CEO Cal McNair said. “He’ll earn his spot, wherever that is. And he’ll feel like he’s earned it, and the team will feel like he’s earned wherever he winds up.”

Houston diehards won’t have to wait much longer to see who earns the top spot behind the center. The Texans will kick off the 2023 season against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10.