Scarlet Sunrise: Ryan Day describes strengths of QBs Kyle McCord, Devin Brown

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Ryan Day describes strengths of QBs Kyle McCord, Devin Brown

The Ohio State quarterback battle is still ongoing. Neither junior Kyle McCord nor redshirt freshman Devin Brown did enough in spring ball to separate themselves from the other in a two-way race for QB1. The former five-star prospects competed throughout March and April, but only McCord participated in the spring game because Brown was sidelined with a fracture to his pinkie finger on his throwing hand, which required surgery the week leading up to the intrasquad exhibition.

So, rather than McCord and Brown splitting first-team reps throughout the spring game, McCord took them all and turned in an up-and-down outing, where he went 18-of-34 for 184 yards with a touchdown and a few near interceptions. That said, he was often under pressure.

Ryan Day will ultimately decide the team’s starter. ESPN’s Heather Dinich asked Day about McCord and Brown recently. Here’s what the fifth-year Buckeyes head coach said, via ESPN.

“Kyle’s very accurate, very intelligent, understands how defenses are trying to attack them in terms of defensive structure. He understands the offense. This is his third year in the offense. He’s done a good job of really changing his body in the offseason. I think he’s moving around very well. He’s got good strength, strong arm, accurate. And he’s competitive and very intelligent.”

Day continued: “Devin has some similar traits, hasn’t had as much time in the offense but has learned quickly. I’ve been very impressed with the amount of information he’s been able to process in a short period of time. Very good athlete, can move and change direction very well. Got some strength to him, strong arm. And, again, very competitive.”

McCord already has a start under his belt, as he filled in for an injured C.J. Stroud when McCord was a true freshman Week 4 against Akron in 2021. He backed up Stroud each of the last two seasons, frequently coming in for mop-up duty. Brown, meanwhile, has yet to throw a college pass.

Brown said after the spring game that he was set to return to action in approximately four weeks. He’ll have a complete fall camp, during which the Ohio State quarterback battle will resume.

Spring Superlatives: Picking best from Buckeyes offense in spring ball

Carnell Tate stood out the most among a highly-touted trio of Ohio State early enrollee wide receivers this spring. Tate turned heads in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center with spectacular catches, and then he took on a leading role in arguably the best play from the spring game: Tate pulled in a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle McCord, capping off his impressive spring. Tate shed his black stripe back in March, and he’s already earning recognition from Lettermen Row.

We’re crowning Tate the best freshman of spring ball, but that’s just one our spring superlatives we’re handing out.

Biggest mover? Biggest surprise? MVP? We have picks for each of those categories, and more.

Check it out here.

Rewind: Five thoughts about recruiting during Ohio State spring camp

While Ohio State was putting in the on-field work during spring ball, the Buckeyes coaching staff was also grinding on the recruiting trail.

The program is up to 12 commits this cycle, and the Buckeyes’ 2024 recruiting class is currently second nationally, behind only Georgia, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

The last two months, Ohio State received commitments from its second five-star wideout of the cycle, the No. 4 quarterback in the class, per On3, and a pair of running backs, among others.

Lettermen Row has five thoughts about the Buckeyes’ spring success, plus where they go now.

Check it out here.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 132 days

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 216 days

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The post Scarlet Sunrise: Ryan Day describes strengths of QBs Kyle McCord, Devin Brown appeared first on On3.