New Colorado Buffaloes running back Dallan Hayden met with the media on Friday and was asked about playing with quarterback Shedeur Sanders. While answering the question, he compared Sanders to former Ohio State Buckeyes QB and current NFL superstar C.J. Stroud.
Hayden spent his freshmen season playing with Stroud at Ohio State. That year, Hayden ran the ball 111 times for 553 yards and four touchdowns while catching four passes for 23 yards. With that much playing time, he got to see what an incredible talent Stroud was up close.
While Hayden is still getting to know Sanders ahead of their first season together, he sees parallels in how the two QBs handle their business:
“Him (Sanders) and C.J. (Stroud) emulate each other,” Hayden said. “Both are businees-oriented when it comes to the game. Both (are) very smart quarterbacks and both great teammates. They encourage you.”
During his final season at Ohio State in 2022, Stroud passed for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns, propelling him into being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign with the Houston Texans, earning AP Offensive Player of the Year honors while reaching the playoffs.
Sanders has been projected to be a top-five pick in next year’s draft, and if he can have a season like Stroud did in 2022, he could become the Buffs’ first-ever No. 1 pick.
“To be honest, him and C.J. [Stroud] emulate each other.”
Former Ohio State RB Dallan Hayden compares Shedeur to C.J. Stroud. pic.twitter.com/PuzonWbjEF
— Nikki Edwards (@nikkiedwardsss) August 2, 2024
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