QB1 Will Howard (National Champion)

[Woody1968]

Man I hope so because he really should. Unreal that Sanders would go before Will when you think of the two.

2 for 1 with Leon Sandcastle

 

[NFBuck]

Going to be tough finding another kid like Will. We need this from our QB. Have we ever had this before? I don’t think so.

Maybe JT but even he wasn’t this outwardly pumped up

Best on field leader I've ever seen in a Buckeye uniform. He was the right guy at the right time.

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

His maturity was the difference

 

[Captain Buckeye]

Best on field leader I've ever seen in a Buckeye uniform. He was the right guy at the right time.

His maturity was the difference

Couldn’t agree more. His leadership was something I don’t think I’ve ever seen from any buckeye during my time watching to be honest.

 

[Steve19]

Put me in there too. When they announced him, I was very unimpressed. I was wrong about him. Clearly, the right stuff!

 

[RB07OSU]

I've been wrong plenty of times but even coming in I thought Howard was a marked upgrade at QB, especially in a senior-laden team. I trusted his experience and definitely liked that he could move the chains with his legs.

What I didn't know is how great of a leader and game manager he is. I don't think there is any chance we win the Natty without swapping Howard for McCord. So the report card definitely reads that he exceeded expectations even for the hopeful fans like me.

In terms of his pro career, I just hope he lands on the right team no matter how high he gets drafted because I have no doubt he can be a very good pro QB in the right system. That's true of most QBs, but I just want him to have every chance to succeed...he has earned it. I will have nothing but fond memories every time I think of Will, we were very fortunate to have him and I just wish we could have him for one more year.

 

[sparcboxbuck]

Couldn’t agree more. His leadership was something I don’t think I’ve ever seen from any buckeye during my time watching to be honest.

JTB may be next in line. Upperclassman Troy was pretty good too. But yeah, we’re going to miss his combined skills as a leader, ball player and motivator.

 

[BuckeyeBiz]

Late to the party but want to say Will was a key difference this year. We didn’t have this last year. Last year we had no threat of a QB run. Will’s legs helped bleed out the game on the road in state college. Will ran for a key 1st down on 4th and 2 against Texas. He picked up huge yards when it mattered in the Natty. He threw an ice cold stunner to ice the game in the natty. He started 13-13 in the natty. None of us could do that against air in that setting on those throws. He was a leader. He brought heart and fire. He took accountability and kept grinding all season especially after the Game. He was generally solid with decision making and he kept himself healthy (little luck involved there).

Buckeye Legend

 

[RugbyBuck]

And how awesome to come in with one year to play, completely embrace being a Buckeye, develop as a QB, and lead this team. That it worked out says a lot about him, the team, and the coaches. Recruiting bulletin board material, both at the HS and transfer portal levels.

 

[DaiMonMoore]

Just insane that his transfer portal ranking (at least according to 247 - didn't check other sites) was LOWER than UGA transfer Brock Vandergriff who signed with UK. Don't know how many know (I do because I live in Kentucky), but VanderCRAP was a complete loser this year. He got benched at times for the old Rutgers QB Winsatt who wasn't very good either. Needless to say, VanderCRUD is on his way out and if he's smart he'll head to the MAC or Sun Belt, a conference more befitting his talent level. Or maybe the ACC

 

[sparcboxbuck]

His and the rest of the team’s experiences this year has me believing in the Just World Hypothesis again.

 

[DZ83CK]

He's got a great blend of intelligence, athleticism, a clear culture warrior / leader, and a really good arm to boot.

I think he's going to shoot up the boards when he tests and interviews in the next few months personally.

But he could be someone who lands in a great team situation and surprises everyone early in his career (like Bo Nix).

I'd say he is like a rich man's Craig Krenzel (who was a 5th round pick), so I'm guessing probably 4th round but I can see a team taking him in the 3rd depending on need. I really like Will, but don't think he is going to be anywhere close to the 1st round.

 

[DaiMonMoore]

What do people think about the idea that Howard suffered a minor head injury during that run in the 1st half against scUM and hence his poor performance in 2nd half. Speaking against that idea is that his best drive was after that in the end of the 1st half.

 

[Buckeye1]

Just insane that his transfer portal ranking (at least according to 247 - didn't check other sites) was LOWER than UGA transfer Brock Vandergriff who signed with UK. Don't know how many know (I do because I live in Kentucky), but VanderCRAP was a complete loser this year. He got benched at times for the old Rutgers QB Winsatt who wasn't very good either. Needless to say, VanderCRUD is on his way out and if he's smart he'll head to the MAC or Sun Belt, a conference more befitting his talent level. Or maybe the ACC

The answer may be that of the culture at The Woody. The players' faith helped them see "we" and not "me". That kind of love for the team is rare, especially with all the five-stars that we have. Jeremiah could have the "give me the ball" attitude, but he didn't because of the humility from leaders like Treveyon and Emeka.

 

[Thump]

What do people think about the idea that Howard suffered a minor head injury during that run in the 1st half against scUM and hence his poor performance in 2nd half. Speaking against that idea is that his best drive was after that in the end of the 1st half.

That is what I have been saying all along.

I think his shoulder and head were "injured", hence the drop-off in the 2nd half.