Ohio State's Howard: I don't 'have to be a hero' with strong supporting cast
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard is excited about his supporting cast heading into the 2024 season.
"I don't feel like I have to be a hero here," the Kansas State transfer told reporters Tuesday, according to Adam King of 10TV. "And I feel like I have the guys around me to where I just need to facilitate and just get them the ball and make good decisions. ...
"I don't have to go out there and do anything superhuman. I just have to be myself and trust the guys around me."
TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes' leading rusher in 2023, is returning for his senior season. The former five-star recruit averaged just under 6 yards per carry last campaign, racking up 1,155 yards total yards and 11 touchdowns on 175 touches.
Ohio State is looking for a big season from wideout Emeka Egbuka. The 21-year-old shined as a sophomore, totaling 1,151 yards and 10 scores in 2022. However, Egbuka battled an ankle injury that slowed him down in 2023, posting only 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns.
The Buckeyes also made a splash this offseason by hiring Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator. He took the job under head coach Ryan Day after being the head boss at UCLA for the last six years. During Kelly's tenure as Bruins head coach, UCLA had three top-20 FBS scoring offenses.
Howard, 22, spent the last four seasons at Kansas State. He went 8-4 in 12 starts for the Wildcats last campaign, throwing for 2,643 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
"Yes, I do," Howard said when asked if he's improved as a passer since arriving at Ohio State, per Tom Orr of BuckeyeHuddle.com. He added, "I'm getting a different, deeper level of coaching than I ever have before. I have a deeper understanding of the offense and what the defense is doing. ...
"Everything's just been faster. And obviously, my experience helps with that a little bit. ... I feel like I've just gotten stronger. And that's helped me a lot too. So, I think I'm throwing the ball with a lot more confidence, throwing the ball a lot better, and a lot of that has to do with the coaching I've gotten."
The Buckeyes begin their season against Akron on Aug. 31.