Ronnie Hickman and Cameron Brown know a thing or two about the quarterbacks that will compete to replace C.J. Stroud under center this offseason.
During Wednesday interview sessions at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, both former Buckeye defensive backs were asked about the upcoming quarterback competition in Columbus. Each had high praise for Kyle McCord and Devin Brown.
Hickman’s seen more of McCord, but that’s because the Philadelphia native has an extra year of experience on Devin Brown, having entered the Buckeye program in 2021. Brown was just a true freshman this past season. Given the extra opportunities, McCord seems to have left a strong impression on Hickman.
“Don't sleep on Kyle, man. That guy can sling it,” Hickman said. "I've spent a lot of time with Kyle just because sophomore year coming up. When I wasn't with the ones, I was kind of getting looks at him. But don't sleep on Kyle at all, man. That guy can put the ball where it needs to be. And he still has some great weapons. You guys know Marvin Harrison, (Emeka Egbuka), (Jayden Ballard), all those guys coming back. So I'm super excited for that offense.”
Hickman started every game for the Buckeye defense in 2022, so he didn’t take many reps against third-string quarterback Devin Brown in practice last season. Still, Hickman said he’s shown his talent when given a chance.
“I did (play against Brown) a little bit, not too much with him being a little bit younger. I took most of the reps with the ones,” Hickman said. “But Devin has a tremendous arm as well. He can put that ball pretty far out there. It's going to be a great battle between those guys. I'm sure Coach Day will make the right decision.”
Cameron Brown said both passers would be wise to internalize as much of Stroud’s teaching as possible. Beyond his on-field accolades, the two-time Heisman Trophy finalist was a proven leader for the Buckeyes, a quality McCord and Devin Brown must strive to emulate in pursuit of the starting job.
“I feel like they learned a lot from C.J. C.J. is a great leader on the whole team, offense and defense,” Cameron Brown said. “If our defense having a bad day, even though he's doing a good against us, he's gonna get on us to make sure that we figured it out. Because at the end of the day, we're all a team. The offense is the same way. I feel like those learned from C.J., and I feel like they're gonna take the next step and be more vocal as leaders.”
But Cameron Brown is confident that whichever player earns the QB1 tag will enjoy great success in the Ohio State offense in the coming season.
“It's gonna be a great competition between two great quarterbacks,” Cameron Brown said. “I have no doubt in my mind that one of them two is gonna be (one of) the top quarterbacks in the country.”
