With Justin Fields still deciding on whether he will play if there is a spring season for the Buckeyes, and Gunnar Hoak a graduate transfer, there needs to be some clarity for the quarterback depth beyond this year. There are some interesting names, headlined by C.J. Stroud. While Stroud may have the inside track after Fields and Hoak, there will be a competition.
Of course, when you look at the Buckeyes depth chart and roster the first name that jumps out behind Fields and Hoak is Stroud. Stroud was the second-ranked pro-style quarterback coming out of high school. He was well known for his ability to protect the ball and his high completion percentage, and most think he is the future of the quarterback position after Fields.
The next name that stands out is Jack Miller. Miller was the fourteenth ranked pro-style quarterback coming out of high school. He holds most passing records for the state of Arizona, and his high school QBR was over 110. Miller will give Stroud a run for his money, and whoever loses out on the starting gig could easily look for a starting job elsewhere if he wanted.
Oh, the transfer portal — the gift that keeps on giving.
Also, don’t sleep on incoming freshman Kyle McCord. He has risen up the prep rankings and now has a five-star ranking according to several recruiting services. He shined at the Elite 11 Camp earlier this year and has shown poise, and an ability to fit balls into tight windows.
ESPN breaks down incoming five-star Ohio State quarterback commit Kyle McCord https://t.co/5rvjwieT2M
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) July 29, 2020
And more or less, your next quarterback in Columbus will come from that group of names.
While Stroud, Miller, and McCord will have the limelight, the rest of the crew including Jagger LaRoe, Danny Vanatsky, and J.P. Andrade will duke it out in the depth chart should casualty or transfers strike.
A spring season would allow some of them to see game action and let Ryan Day start the process for 2021. It may not be ideal, but it could help the Buckeyes push for the playoffs next season.
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