Creating a Goal for All 3 Ohio State Quarterbacks in Spring Practice: Buckeye Talk Podcast
As Ohio State heads into spring practice with their eyes set on another championship run, one of the key positions that will be closely watched is quarterback. The Buckeyes have a lot of talent at this position, and the competition is sure to be intense. Whether it’s a returning starter trying to defend his spot or a young player trying to make his mark, spring practice presents a crucial opportunity for the quarterbacks to prove themselves.
On this edition of Buckeye Talk, we break down the three quarterbacks in the Ohio State system and discuss the specific goals each player should aim to achieve during spring practice. With the team entering what could be a pivotal year, the performance of the quarterback position will be under the microscope. Ohio State has a storied history at the position, with several legendary quarterbacks having donned the scarlet and gray, and this spring will set the stage for who will lead the Buckeyes in the fall.
The three quarterbacks under the spotlight for Ohio State this spring are Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, and Tristan Gebbia. With the battle for the starting quarterback job still up for grabs, it’s important that each player focuses on specific areas of improvement in order to give themselves the best chance to secure the job and help Ohio State reach its full potential. Let’s take a closer look at each quarterback and break down the goals they should strive for during spring practice.
1. Kyle McCord: The Seasoned Competitor
Goal: Continue to Develop Leadership and Command of the Offense
Kyle McCord, a former 4-star recruit from the 2021 class, has spent the last few seasons learning behind C.J. Stroud, one of the top quarterbacks in recent Ohio State history. McCord’s goal heading into spring practice is to show that he is more than ready to step into the starting role and lead the Buckeyes to a national title.
While McCord has already shown glimpses of his talent, including his impressive performances in limited action during the 2022 season, spring practice presents a chance for him to demonstrate full command of the offense. He’s already established himself as a solid backup quarterback, but to become the starter, he’ll need to continue to develop as a leader both on and off the field.
One of the most important things McCord will need to focus on during spring practice is his ability to command the huddle and handle the pressure that comes with being the starting quarterback for a program like Ohio State. As a backup, he may have been able to stay in the background and not have to shoulder the weight of leading the offense, but that will all change if he’s named the starter.
McCord’s leadership skills will be tested this spring as he works with a talented but young group of receivers and a revamped offensive line. The chemistry he builds with his teammates during spring practice will be vital to his success come the fall. He’ll need to show that he can not only lead the offense but also elevate the play of those around him, something that is essential for any quarterback aiming to lead a championship-caliber team.
Another key area of improvement for McCord is his consistency in making the correct reads and executing the offense at a high level. While McCord has displayed good accuracy and decision-making in his limited playing time, he must prove that he can do this consistently over a full game. As Ohio State’s starting quarterback, there will be no room for error, and McCord must be able to make quick decisions under pressure, particularly in big moments during crucial games.
Finally, McCord should also focus on mastering the intricacies of Ryan Day’s offense. Ohio State’s offense is designed to move the ball quickly and efficiently, and McCord’s ability to understand the nuances of the scheme—particularly in terms of timing, quick passes, and reading defenses—will be crucial to his success.
Key Focus for McCord:
- Building leadership and rapport with teammates
- Maintaining consistency in decision-making
- Mastering Ohio State’s offensive scheme
- Executing under pressure
2. Devin Brown: The Young Talent
Goal: Take Command of the Offense and Demonstrate Poise
Devin Brown, a highly touted 2022 recruit, is an exciting young quarterback with a ton of potential. As a dual-threat quarterback, Brown brings a different dimension to the offense than McCord, with his ability to make plays both through the air and with his legs. His goal during spring practice should be to take command of the offense and prove that he has the poise and maturity necessary to be Ohio State’s starting quarterback.
While McCord may have the upper hand in terms of experience, Brown’s natural talent and upside cannot be ignored. Throughout his high school career, Brown showed that he is capable of making all the throws necessary to excel at the college level. His ability to read defenses, make accurate throws, and extend plays with his legs gives him a unique skill set that could help Ohio State in different ways.
For Brown, spring practice represents an opportunity to improve on his decision-making and feel more comfortable operating within the offense. While he’s an impressive athlete, there will be a learning curve as he adapts to the speed and complexity of college football. The key for Brown will be to show that he can stay poised in the pocket and read defenses quickly, rather than relying solely on his athleticism to make plays.
In addition to working on his pocket presence and decision-making, Brown must also develop chemistry with Ohio State’s wide receivers. Like McCord, Brown will be working with a group of talented but young pass catchers, and developing timing and rapport will be critical for success. He’ll need to build trust with his receivers so that they can be on the same page in key moments.
Another aspect of Brown’s game that should be a focus during spring practice is his ball security. As a dual-threat quarterback, Brown will likely be called upon to use his legs in the running game, and it’s important that he avoids costly turnovers. Brown’s ability to protect the ball will go a long way toward earning the confidence of his coaches and teammates.
Key Focus for Brown:
- Improving decision-making and staying poised under pressure
- Building chemistry with wide receivers
- Focusing on ball security
- Adapting to the speed of the game
3. Tristan Gebbia: The Veteran Presence
Goal: Serve as a Mentor and Develop into a Solid Backup
Tristan Gebbia, while not a household name in Ohio State football, brings a wealth of experience to the quarterback room. After spending several years at Oregon State, Gebbia transferred to Ohio State with the goal of competing for playing time and providing veteran leadership to the quarterback group. His primary goal during spring practice is not only to compete for the backup job but also to serve as a mentor to the younger quarterbacks, Kyle McCord and Devin Brown.
Gebbia’s experience, both as a starter and a backup, is invaluable. He’s been through the rigors of college football and understands the ups and downs that come with the position. His leadership and guidance will be key for both McCord and Brown, especially as they navigate their way through spring practice and prepare for the pressure of being Ohio State’s starting quarterback.
While Gebbia may not be in the running for the starting job, he can still have a significant impact on the success of the quarterback room. His ability to provide a steady presence, offer advice, and give constructive feedback will help both McCord and Brown develop. Gebbia will also have to continue to push himself in practice and show that he can step in and perform if needed.
Gebbia’s ability to execute the offense, provide stability, and take care of the ball will be key as he works to solidify his role as a reliable backup. A strong spring performance could earn him more trust from the coaching staff, and if McCord or Brown struggles at any point during the season, Gebbia’s experience could be a valuable asset.
Key Focus for Gebbia:
- Providing mentorship to McCord and Brown
- Developing into a reliable backup quarterback
- Continuing to improve as a player in practice
- Executing the offense efficiently when given the opportunity