5 Reasons C.J. Stroud is a Good Addition to Any Team

First Round Mock’s Victoria Jonach reveals the truth about one of this year’s most talked about draft prospects, quarterback (QB) C.J. Stroud.

With less than a week until the 2023 Draft, everyone is looking into how college athletes perform on the field.

Although, it is important not to forget about the outside interests and personalities of all prospects.

C.J. Stroud stands out as more than just another statistic among draft prospects. The Ohio State QB is familiar with contributing significantly on the field, as well as off. 

There are five reasons any team would benefit from choosing Stroud.

1. Stroud is familiar with hardships

Many athletes go through hardships, whether as children, or adults. Stroud is all too familiar with struggles, having been almost homeless alongside his mother and three siblings. After his father’s arrest and sentence to 38 years in prison, his family was almost evicted from their condo. Stroud’s mother, Kimberly was able to acquire an upstairs apartment through her job as a storage facility manager. Stroud, as well as his mother, sister, and two brothers shared this space.

Although this may seem like a difficult situation for many, Stroud didn’t seem to pay his living situation too much mind. His high school guidance counselor, Kelli Cardenas, remembers his lighthearted nature and his ability to joke and make statements like “I’m broke” to her and his peers.

2. He shares his fortune with his family

Not only has the Buckeye partnered with, he is also proving himself as an influencer of fashion, by partnering with Express and DSW. Since the NCAA changed their ruling in July of 2021, college athletes all around the country have been taking advantage of their ability to profit off of their name, image, and likeness. 

With his earnings, Stroud is making sure those closest to him benefit, not just him. Although they lived in close quarters growing up, Stroud used his endorsement earnings to buy his mother and sister a four-bedroom home in California.

3. And….his other family

Not only is the QB looking after himself and his biological family, he also supported his football family by scoring each of his teammates $500 Express gift cards. As stated, the 21-year-old works with Express, promoting their clothes while they sell custom “Stroud” apparel. A video surfaced of Stroud announcing the news to his teammates on Twitter.

4. Even with no compensation, Stroud is happy to help.

At this stage in an athlete’s career, it is not uncommon to focus solely on opportunities that improve their physical skills or increase their economic status. However, Stroud understands that being in a position such as his requires the ability to serve as a role model. That is why in June of last year he partnered with Hope to Dream. This organization provides shelters, beds, comforters, sheets, and other sleeping necessities to those less fortunate in the Central Ohio area.

“Never in a million years did I think I’d be a quarterback at Ohio State,” said Stroud. “It means a lot to me [and] touches home. Growing up, I didn’t have a lot. My mom did her best to provide for me and my siblings…I didn’t have a bed growing up sometimes as well.”

5. He is a humble guy

Quarterbacks have a reputation for being seen as the “leaders” of teams. However, all too often, fans see rising talents with obnoxious attitudes and beliefs that they are secure because of their talent.

In an interview with Phil Harrison of the Buckeyes Wire, he discusses why Stroud should be chosen as the No. 1 quarterback in this year’s draft. He says, “Stroud always deflects praise to his teammates. He’s very, very grounded in his faith and is just a really good human being. So if you worry about off the field issues or a guy being a cancer in a locker room, with C.J. Stroud, you’re going to have no problem with that at all.”

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated in what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.