Ohio State football: Kyle McCord could be QB of the future
By Ryan Stano
The Ohio State football program has been anchored by strong quarterback play the last two years. Incoming freshman Kyle McCord could be the answer at keeping that position strong.
Ryan Day has done an excellent job of recruiting while at Ohio State. He has transformed the offense into a powerful entity that can beat defenses in a multitude of ways. A big reason for that is the strong depth he has built at the quarterback position.
Day now has Kyle McCord, a five-star prospect out of Philly, coming to Columbus next season. McCord just won day 2 of the Elite 11 competition, which has elite quarterback prospects from all around the country take part in various drills. McCord beat everyone else.
McCord is the second straight quarterback recruit for the Buckeyes to accomplish that feat, as C.J. Stroud also did that a year ago. Stroud is who the main competition is for the starting job next year. Jack Miller will also try to fight his way in, but in my opinion, it’s a two-horse race.
As a pro-style quarterback, McCord can make all of the throws. He has an extremely strong arm and has great touch on the ball. His accuracy is very good as well and he can move a little better than people think he can. His strong arm gives him the edge over Stroud right now.
If McCord does get chosen as the quarterback next fall, he would be the first true freshman quarterback to start at Ohio State since Braxton Miller. Watching his tape, he just looks different. The ball comes out of his hand with more zip and purpose.
Stroud is also very good. He brings more athleticism to the table for the Buckeyes. Day could run an offense similar to what he has right now with Justin Fields. If McCord were to start, the offense would likely resemble more of what it did in 2018 when Dwayne Haskins was the starter.
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Based on what I saw from McCord’s tape and the fact that he won day two at the Elite 11, he is my early pick as the starter for next season. A lot can change between now and then, but McCord looks like he’s got it all.