Houston Texans Rookie C.J. Stroud Competes for Starting Quarterback Spot Against Davis Mills
Houston Texans’ rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud remains unfazed by the fact that the Carolina Panthers immediately designated Bryce Young, the first overall pick in this year’s draft, as their starting quarterback on the first day of training camp. Unlike Young, Stroud finds himself in a competition for the starting quarterback position with Davis Mills on the Texans.
Speaking about the situation, Stroud commented, I’m happy for him, but his situation is his situation, and my situation is mine. So, I know that I’ve got to work on my end and do whatever I’ve got to do to make this team better. It’s not about the starter (or) who’s not the starter, it’s about getting better for Week 1 against Baltimore.
Stroud and Mills are currently battling it out for the starting role, with both quarterbacks splitting first-team snaps during the initial days of training camp. The Texans drafted Stroud after Mills struggled as the team’s starter for the past two years, which led to the trade of Deshaun Watson to Cleveland before last season. Mills achieved a lackluster 5-22-1 record in 28 games, including 26 starts, during his tenure with the struggling Texans.
Selected as the third quarterback in the first round by the Texans, following in the footsteps of Watson and David Carr, Stroud is poised to make an impact as the team’s starting quarterback. However, new coach DeMeco Ryans insists that it is an open competition between Stroud and Mills. While Ryans refrains from divulging specific details on what Stroud needs to do to secure the job, he commends the rookie’s dedication and work ethic.
What you see about C.J. is the work and preparation that he does when he’s not here, Ryans said. He’s a true football junkie. He loves football, always watching football, always asking for extra cut-ups from our coaches. I’m so impressed with the mental part of him and just how much he loves the game of football. When a guy has that much love for the game of football, he’s (only) going to continue to get better.
Stroud, who had an impressive two-year stint as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, throwing for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions, is well aware of the stakes in training camp. He acknowledges the support and guidance he has received from both Mills and fellow quarterback Case Keenum as he transitions from college to the pros.
I’ve learned everything from Davis, Stroud affirmed. Davis and Case are great vets. And just because we may be competing against each other, doesn’t mean that we’re not going to learn from each other. I’ve had a really great time being in the room with those guys.
During his preparations for the upcoming NFL season, Stroud emphasizes setting small goals to attain bigger achievements. I have goals written down, he explained. I did it in college and I’ll do it now. But I have a lot of things that I put down, like really small goals. I think the more you can accomplish small goals in your life, the big ones can come kind of natural. And they come as you get the small ones checked off.
As the competition intensifies, the Texans await the emergence of their starting quarterback. Stroud’s impressive college record and dedication to the game of football certainly bode well for his chances. However, both he and Mills will continue to battle it out in training camp, with the ultimate decision resting in the hands of coach DeMeco Ryans.
