Ohio State football: Three reasons why C.J. Stroud can win the Heisman

With the Ohio State football team needing a new quarterback, the next one has a chance to fill Justin Fields’ shoes on the national stage.

Justin Fields departs meaning he must be replaced and the Buckeyes have a good group of Quarterbacks battling for that nod. C.J. Stroud and Kyle McCord both shined in the spring game while Jack Miller impressed as well, but it’s the Californian who is my favorite to take the position and run with it. Today we present three reasons why C.J. Stroud can win the Heisman trophy in his first season under center.

1. C.J. Stroud’s Skillset

Stroud’s playstyle fits that of Justin Fields as he’s a crisp passer with a big arm who’s also comfortable in the pocket but posses the tools that allow him to make plays with his legs as well. Stroud looked good in terms of reads and decision-making while showcasing solid control of the offense in the spring game.

I’m excited to see what Stroud, a top 50 recruit in last year’s cycle can do in this system and if his off-season work will carry into the 2021 opener and beyond. Stroud’s lone rushing attempt last season was a 48-yard touchdown.. the kid can do it all.

2. Ryan Day is a QB whisperer

Since Day arrived in Columbus in 2017, Quarterbacks have thrived in his system even with varying skill sets. J.T. Barrett had arguably his best season as a passer during his Senior season in 17′ while Dwayne Haskins led the nation in passing yards (4,831) and passing touchdowns (50) over the course of his only season as a starter the following year.

Justin Fields, an elite talent transcended during his time as a Buckeye, accounting for over 6,200 yards and 78-touchdowns in only 22 games.

Stroud is a former highly touted recruit in his own right and based on what you read above has all the tools in the box required to be a superstar. Ryan Day has thrived with first years starters and once Stroud earns full trust from his play-caller a good portion of the playbook will be at his disposal.

3. Ohio State football has nation’s top WR group

It’ not really much of a debate as to who possesses the nation’s top wide receiver group, as it residents in Columbus, Ohio. It was a tad bit of a shock to see Chris Olave back in town for one more season but he should flourish as one of the top pass catchers in college football, posting 50 receptions, 729-yards, and 7-touchdowns in only 7 games of work. Olave is a polished route runner and will allow the young Stroud to build confidence on breaking routes early and often if he gets rattled.

On the other side will be Garrett Wilson who had just 6 fewer yards on 7 fewer receptions is an elite vertical weapon who possesses great explosiveness while being physical when the balls in the air. Ohio State’s two veteran pass catchers are a big-time help for a young quarterback but the depth is what should allow him to really shine.

Ohio State has landed the #1 WR recruit in each of the past two classes in Julian Fleming and Emeka Egbuka. Fleming played sparingly but posses A+ after the catch ability and following a slide up the depth chart should find some involvement on bubble screens and short routes in the slot.

Jaxson Smith-Njiba displayed his athleticism on his lone TD grab last fall while Marvin Harrison Jr. is joining the fold. This rotation isn’t complete without mentioning TE Jeremey Ruckert, who at 6’5, 250 has some impressive hands and has a knack for catching touchdowns, 9 in fact on his 28 career receptions.

All of this gives Stroud a great shot to be the Ohio State football program’s next Heisman winner.