Former Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud impresses Houston Texans early
C.J. Stroud has not been with the Houston Texans for very long. But praise for the former Ohio State quarterback is starting to trickle in from OTAs.
"C.J. is bright. His attitude and demeanor are kind of almost understated sometimes," Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz said according to the Houston Chronicle. "He walks through pretty humble, head down, soft voice.
"But when you start to interact with him, the kid just oozes confidence. Obviously, everyone is familiar with what he did at Ohio State. The kid is a baller."
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Stroud was the No. 2 overall pick by the Texans in the 2023 NFL draft behind former Alabama quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young. In two seasons as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback, Stroud was a two-time Heisman finalist, completing 69.3% of his pass attempts for 8,123 passing yards, 85 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Case Keenum compares C.J. Stroud to a 'four, five-year vet'
But fellow Texans quarterback Case Keenum doesn't see Stroud as a quarterback that was just selected in the NFL draft weeks ago.
"C.J. coming in here being, I guess he's been here three weeks, maybe, I would never know that," Keenum told reporters. "I would have thought he'd been here a year, been in the league, been a four, five-year vet."
#Texans QB Case Keenum gave high praise to both Davis Mills and C.J. during his QB camp today.
Mentioned that Mills can “sling it” & has been impressed with his leadership.
As for Stroud, he’s been here three weeks but Case would have thought he could have been a “4-5 yr vet.” pic.twitter.com/D8ncgPIRNe— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) June 3, 2023
Keenum said Stroud has been able to "call plays" in the Texans' pro-style offense weeks into learning the system after running a no-huddle offense at Ohio State, while still being "extremely accurate (with) a lot of zip on the ball and great feet."
"He's not afraid to try new things and has jumped right in and not missed a beat," Keenum continued.
Texans safety Jimmie Ward told Jim Rome on his radio show that Stroud has made "great throws" against the first-team defense with "a lot of power in his arm."
.@HoustonTexans safety Jimmie Ward on the energy CJ Stroud is bringing to OTAs. pic.twitter.com/rMzmSkgS84
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) June 6, 2023
"He's a ball-player, I'll tell you that," Ward said.
Texans running back Dameon Pierce told the Houston Chronicle that Stroud has handled the expectations placed on him as the No. 2 overall pick along with the pressures of learning the offense's playbook.
“The only thing I tell him every time I’m on the field with him is to ‘command the huddle and don’t shy away from that leadership role,' " Pierce said. "'You’ve got guys on the team who are behind you and here to lift you up.' ”
After three preseason games against the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints, Stroud and the Texans will open the 2023 NFL season on the road against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 10 at 1 p.m.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Former Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud impresses Houston Texans early
