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Ohio State freshman QB Kyle McCord talks approach to three-man battle for starting job
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Perhaps the most interesting quarterback battle in college football taking place in fall camp is in Columbus. After Justin Fields left for the NFL Draft, the Buckeyes were left with big shoes to fill at the game’s most important position.
Fortunately, Ryan Day has three pretty good options to replace the two-time B1G Offensive Player of the Year.
Three quarterbacks — C.J. Stroud, Kyle McCord and Jack Miller III — are currently battling for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart. Eventually, newly reclassified QB Quinn Ewers will be joining the conversation, as well. All were either 4- or 5-star recruits.
None have thrown a college pass.
Tuesday, as Ohio State gets fall camp underway, McCord met with the media and was asked about the ongoing competition. His focus is on being the best quarterback he can be right now.
“I’m just trying to get better every single day and focus on myself” McCord said. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m just trying to put the best version of myself out there on the field and not get too caught up in the competition.
“We push each other, but I wouldn’t say I wake up every day and think, ‘I gotta win this job.’ I wouldn’t say there’s pressure on me like that. I would say that if I continue to develop and continue to stay at the pace I’m at, I’ll be in a good position.”
Kyle McCord talks about how he’s handling the quarterback competition at Ohio State and trying to stay focused on his development rather than constantly focusing on the competition. pic.twitter.com/8QmDAYz8FQ
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) August 3, 2021
McCord was a member of Ohio State’s highly-touted and second-ranked recruiting class in 2021. He’s a former 5-star prospect who ranked as the No. 6 quarterback of the cycle and the No. 28 overall talent.
After spring ball, it was assumed that Stroud was the leader for the starting job, but Day said “it’s even to me,” during B1G Media Days in July. A starter won’t be named until later.
It’s been a fascinating battle to keep an eye on so far and it will only intensify as the season creeps closer.
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