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CJ Stroud discusses his high level of anticipation: ‘God blessed me’
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Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud has never been shy when talking about his skills as a passer. It’s one of the key factors to the team’s success over the past 2 seasons.
For Ohio State to remain the top program in the conference, Stroud will have to be on-point with his receivers throughout the regular season. One of the biggest assets to Stroud’s game has been his ability to throw with anticipation toward his receivers, often hitting them in stride with ease.
While some consider the trait a strength mastered over time, Stroud said the gift has always come natural to his overall game.
“I don’t know,” Stroud told reporters via On3 Sports. “I think God blessed me with that anticipation kind of skill. Since kind of a young age, I’ve always been gifted in that aspect to just feel out defenses, know when my guy is going to be open and where and just throw it to a spot where only he can get it. And where he’s going to be, not where he’s at, at the moment.”
Last season as the Buckeyes’ starter, Stroud completed 71.9% of his passes for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns against six interceptions. Ohio State would finish 11-2 on the season, capped off by a win over Utah in the Rose Bowl.
Stroud’s anticipation has continued to improve entering Week 3 of the new season. In 2 games, the junior has completed 69% of his throws for 574 yards and 6 touchdowns. He has yet to throw an interception and has built a rapport with receivers such as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka following the loss of preseason All-American Jaxson Smith-Njigba.
The Buckeyes will face Toldeo on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. E.T.
Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Tradition who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.