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Chris Chugunov embraces role, opportunity as Ohio State’s third-string QB
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It’s not very common for quarterbacks to transfer from one crowded quarterback room to another. Most times, the reason behind leaving a program is to get a better opportunity for playing time.
But for Chris Chugunov, leaving West Virginia and transferring to Ohio State was about the opportunities on and off the field. Even as a third-string quarterback, he’s happy with his decision to land in Columbus.
Chugunov is behind Justin Fields and Matthew Baldwin on the depth chart. Those two are battling for the starting job while Chugunov appears to be locked into that third spot. But it’s not something the former Mountaineer really thinks much about. In an interview with Eleven Warriors, he expressed just how much he enjoys the opportunity to be a member of such an elite program while pursuing his master’s degree.
“Just being here and playing at this level, you have to compete every day, but that’s not something I think about often,” Chugunov said. “Honestly, when they call my name and say, ‘Hey, Chugs, hop in, take some reps,’ I’m just like, ‘All right, let’s just play ball.’ That’s pretty much the only thing that really goes through my mind.”
Chugunov left West Virginia after two seasons. He battled with Dwayne Haskins and Tate Martell at the position at Ohio State last year and now has been passed by Fields and Baldwin. In his collegiate career, he’s completed 45 passes for 551 yards and three touchdowns, all before coming to Columbus.
Still, Chugunov believes he made the right decision.
“I came here for a lot of reasons, both on the field and off the field,” Chugunov said. “The relationship I had with Coach Day, the opportunities that Ohio State provides for off the field, Real Life Wednesdays, the internships, obviously the master’s program I’m in. And I just like throwing the football.”
Getting the opportunity to play with some of the most talented and athletic players in the country has been a great experience for Chugunov, and when his number has been called, he’s done whatever has been asked. Even if it means limited playing time.
Though Chugunov may not see much playing time again this fall, it’s been the experience and the opportunity on and off the field that made Ohio State the perfect fit. That’s not something you hear too often from a third-string quarterback.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB