Skull Session: 2K Games Names C.J. Stroud the Cover Athlete for NFL 2K Playmakers, TBDBITL Names Its 2024 Drum Majors and Larry Johnson Shares a Wholesome Moment With Mike Hall

By Chase Brown on April 29, 2024 at 5:00 am
C.J. Stroud
Nathan Ray Seebeck / USA TODAY Sports
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Welcome to the Skull Session.

This look for Marvelous Marv is toooooooo clean.

Have a good Monday.

 THERE’S ALWAYS NEXT YEAR. Last week, Andy Anders wrote that Ohio State’s 2024 draft class was “mundane” compared to the program’s standards. 

He was spot on.

Four Buckeyes, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Mike Hall, Cade Stover and Tommy Eichenberg, heard their names called across seven rounds from Thursday to Saturday, marking Ohio State’s smallest draft class in 11 years. Xavier Johnson (Bills), Steele Chambers (Lions), Matt Jones (Dolphins) and Josh Proctor (Jaguars) also signed contracts as UDFAs.

I hope Andy will also be spot on in his prediction that Ohio State’s 2025 class will be one of the greatest draft classes, if not the greatest draft class, of all time.

By all accounts, it will be.

Here is a look at where some national media outlets have Ohio State’s top draft-eligible players listed in way-too-early prospect rankings:

Pro Football Focus

  • No. 19 - Emeka Egbuka
  • No. 20 - Jack Sawyer
  • No. 23 - JT Tuimoloau
  • No. 24 - Quinshon Judkins
  • No. 27 - Denzel Burke
  • No. 42 - Tyleik Williams

Sporting News

  • No. 15 - Denzel Burke
  • No. 22 - Emeka Egbuka
  • No. 23 - Tyleik Williams
  • No. 25 - Jack Sawyer
  • No. 29 - Quinshon Judkins
  • No. 34 - JT Tuimoloau
  • No. 35 - TreVeyon Henderson
  • No. 36 - Josh Simmons

The Draft Network

  • No. 17 - Emeka Egbuka
  • No. 24 - Tyleik Williams
  • No. 25 - Quinshon Judkins
  • No. 31 - TreVeyon Henderson
  • No. 34 - JT Tuimoloau
  • No. 47 - Denzel Burke

In addition to the names mentioned in the list, Donovan Jackson, Ty Hamilton, Cody Simon, Jordan Hancock and Lathan Ransom are all expected to represent Ohio State in next year’s draft. It’s also fair to toss names like Will Howard/Devin Brown, Seth McLaughlin, Josh Fryar, Gee Scott Jr., C.J. Hicks, Sonny Styles and Davison Igbinosun in there.

All in all, Ohio State’s 2025 draft class will be one to remember.

Let’s hope the 2024 season that proceeds it will be, too.

 THERE’S NO 2K CURSE, RIGHT? Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud will be the cover athlete for the new NFL 2K Playmakers mobile game, which is now available on iOS and Android devices.‘

From 2K, the NFL and NFLPA:

The National Football League, NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and 2K, today launched NFL 2K Playmakers, a new non-simulation tactical card battler mobile game for iOS and Android devices* developed by Cat Daddy Games. Users who download NFL 2K Playmakers and create a game account before May 7, 2024, will earn a special launch bundle, including a Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud Player Card.

“NFL 2K Playmakers expands our mobile footprint and brings a whole new way for NFL fans to play and engage,” said Ed Kiang, vice president of video gaming at the NFL. “We’re excited to see this partnership with 2K - a company with a proven track record at the intersection of sports and gaming - come to life on mobile devices.”

…

Developed by Cat Daddy Games, a 2K studio, NFL 2K Playmakers is now available for download free of charge on Apple and Android devices. App includes optional in-game purchases. For more information on NFL 2K Playmakers and 2K, visit the game’s website or the Android or Apple store pages. 

Here is a trailer for the game:

I know it’s not Madden, but I still think this speaks volumes of the impact Stroud made during his rookie season with the Houston Texans – and the popularity he gained as a result.

Across 15 appearances in 2023-24, Stroud completed 319 of 499 passes (63.9%) for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions, leading the Texans to a 10-7 record, an AFC South title and an NFL Wild Card Round win over the Cleveland Browns. He also earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and represented the AFC at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games.

Since the season ended, Stroud has appeared on several television and web shows, including ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” Fanatics’ “FanChats,” Old Spice’s “Cold as Balls,” Bleacher Report’s “Gridiron Draft Night” and more.

Stroud’s appearance on “Gridiron Draft Night” occurred over the weekend. A co-host to Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons, Stroud stole the show and provided viewers with several great moments such as this:

I mean, how could you not love this dude?

 OLD BUT NEW. What would the Skull Session be without some #content from The Best Damn Band in the Land?

Over the weekend, the Ohio State marching band selected Clayton Callender and Joshua Ford as its two drum majors for the 2024 college football season.

From an Ohio State press release:

Clayton Callender, a junior from Dover, Ohio, will be back for his second year as the band’s head drum major in the fall. Callender is an accounting major who served as TBDBITL’s head drum major for the 2023 season.

"I am very grateful. Now that I know this will be my final year, I am going to cherish every ramp, halftime show, and trip we take this year," Callender said. "I would never have been here without the support of my whole family. They're my support system, and they keep me motivated."

Also returning in 2024 will be assistant drum major Joshua Ford. A rising third-year majoring in aviation from nearby Gahanna, Ford held the same role in 2023.

"I am really thankful that I get to do this all again. Last year was a really big milestone that I accomplished, and getting the opportunity to do it again this year is very exciting. I'm looking forward to being in band with all of my friends again and am ready for a great season," said Ford.

During tryouts, Callendar, Ford and other candidates performed the traditional pregame ramp entrance, including a high strut from the north side of the field, the backbend and the goal-post toss. They also completed an individual twirling routine set to “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Viva Las Vegas” from the 2023 “Elvis” halftime show, which TBDBITL performed during Ohio State’s Week 12 matchup with Minnesota last season.

The band’s staff and former drum majors rated each candidate’s routines, and Callendar and Ford’s performances ranked above the rest. When the tryouts ended, Ohio State marching band director Christopher Hoch said he was proud of Callendar and Ford’s efforts.

“All four candidates improved dramatically from last season and competed hard. It shows that a bright future is ahead for our program,” Hoch said. “I am very happy for Clayton and Josh to earn their respective spots this year. They are great individuals, and I’m excited to have them back for this season.”

According to Ohio State’s press release, Callendar and Ford are the first two students to secure their spots in the 2024 marching band. All other students will try out for their spots when the fall semester begins in mid-August.

To Callendar and Ford, cheers.

To the students who will try out in August, good luck.

 THIS AND THAT. Another Skull Session, another This and That™.

You know the drill.

This moment involving Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson and former Ohio State defensive tackle Mike Hall soon after the Cleveland Browns selected Hall with the No. 54 overall pick in the NFL draft was wholesome. You can tell how proud Johnson is of Hall as he records the moment his former player had a dream come true.

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate tossed the ceremonial first pitch at the Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays game at Guaranteed Rate Field on Saturday. Tate’s participation in the event came three weeks after he signed an NIL deal with the MLB franchise and became a “CHISOX Athlete.”

Ohio State wrestling coach Tom Ryan was involved in a car accident last week and suffered multiple bone fractures in his left leg, including his femur, patella and tibia. Upon arrival at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Ryan underwent a 10-hour surgery to repair the fractures in his femur and begin addressing his knee.

As Ryan recovers from the accident and procedure, his daughter, Mack, will post updates on Ryan’s condition on a website called CaringBridge. The Ohio State wrestling X account featured one of Mack’s updates on their page on Saturday:

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a quick update on Dad's progress in the hospital. Today, he's doing pretty well - his spirits are high, and he's finding joy in watching the 20 and under nationals. It's been so good to hear him crack a few jokes, a sign that he's on the mend.

Both the Orthopedic and plastic surgeons stopped by today to check on him. The bones and tissue flap are showing positive signs of progress, exactly as we hoped.

There were concerns about a possible right bicep tear and left rotator cuff tear, but upon reevaluation, it appears to be healing, which is a huge relief. We're remaining optimistic and trusting in the process.

In the coming days, Dad will begin some rehabilitation on his left leg. Your continued prayers for his recovery mean the world to us, especially as he embarks on this next phase of healing.

We're incredibly grateful for the ongoing support and prayers from each and every one of you. Thank you for being there for Dad and our family during this challenging time. Your kindness and encouragement make all the difference.

Thanks again,

Mack & The Ryan Family

That’s all, folks!

 SONG OF THE DAY. “I Should Have Known It” - Chris Stapleton.

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