Scarlet Sunrise: C.J. Stroud named Week 1 starter for Houston Texans
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C.J. Stroud named Week 1 starter for Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud completed two passes in his Sunday night preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints. But one of them went for six and seemingly solidified him as the Houston Texans Week 1 starter.
The former Buckeyes star quarterback connected with Texans wideout Nico Collins for a three-yard score during what turned out to be a 17-13 Texans victory.
After the game, first-year Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans announced that Stroud will be the Texans’ starter for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10.
“Was definitely a blessing, something that I think I worked for and definitely earned, but at the same time, nothing else really changes,” Stroud said, via the Houston Texans team site. “Still going to work like the way I’m working even more now.
“So I’m blessed enough to be able to be a starter so young in this league, which isn’t the easiest thing to do. But I know my coaches have trust and faith in me, so we’ll go out there and try to do my best.”
Stroud and incumbent starter Davis Mills were alternating first-team reps at the start of training camp. That didn’t last long, however. Soon enough, Stroud was leading the first team in camp and in the Texans’ three preseason games.
Stroud was taken No. 2 overall by Houston in this year’s draft. He was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist and the highest-drafted quarterback in Ohio State history. Now, he’s an NFL starter as a rookie.
Striving to improve after the catch, Marvin Harrison Jr. believes it’s a ‘mindset thing’
Ohio State superstar Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best wide receiver in college football this season. He was arguably the best wide receiver in college football last season, too.
It’s hard to find holes, or even just weaknesses, in his game. After all, he’s already projected to be the highest-drafted wideout since Calvin Johnson Jr. went No. 2 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft.
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But Harrison is always working on his craft. This offseason, that’s included a pursuit of improvement after the catch. Harrison was tied for 55th in the Big Ten in 2022 with 4.2 yards after the catch/reception, according to Pro Football Focus.
For more on Harrison and the “mindset” to make the first defender miss, go here.
Ohio State safety target Faheem Delane back in Buckeye State
2025 four-star Olney (Md.) Good Counsel safety Faheem Delane has been an Ohio State target for a while. He returned to Ohio to play St. Edward Sunday afternoon.
St. Edward features Buckeyes offensive line commits Deontae and Devontae Armstrong. But Good Counsel’s Delane offers intrigue as well.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound safety is the No. 4 safety in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. His unofficial top three consists of Ohio State, LSU and Alabama.
To learn more about Delane and the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts at the safety position, go here.
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