The Ohio State quarterback competition is one of the most-watched stories in college football this season. It’s a three-man race between fourth-year junior Joe Burrow, redshirt sophomore Dwayne Haskins, and redshirt freshman Tate Martell.
A year ago, none of those three quarterbacks were challenging J.T. Barrett to be the starter. Instead, they were challenging each other to be Barrett’s backup. Entering spring camp this year, Haskins is probably the betting favorite, assuming you can even bet on such things.
With the starting quarterback job completely open this spring, is a different approach necessary?
“I haven’t really thought about that before, but there definitely is a little more edge to you because you’re competing for something you’ve wanted to do your whole life,” Haskins said. “Last spring I was competing to be the back-up and this spring I’m working to be the starter.”
It’s impossible to talk about the quarterback competition without also mentioning what happens after a decision is made. There is the possibility, however, that Urban Meyer won’t be able to make a decision this spring.
“I have no idea. We’ll see what happens,” Haskins said. “I’m working every day to be the guy, so if he names a leader after spring ball I’ll be excited, but if not, I’ll keep working.”
Currently, all three quarterbacks are splitting the repetitions equally so that each player can get a fair shake. Each player is getting the same look with the same opportunity to lead the Ohio State football program.
For Haskins, there is no more added pressure than what he is already putting on himself.
“Well I hold myself to a high standard,” he said. “In my opinion that’s what I think, and I think If I lose the job it’s because of me. So I’m just gonna keep working hard, keep pushing myself, pushing my teammates and studying film, studying my playbook and just proving every day that I’m the guy.”
Haskins knows that the coaches are looking for more than just the strongest arm. They want leadership, toughness, smarts, competitive nature, and great decision makers. If they have those five things in a quarterback, they’ll work with the arm they are given.
How does Haskins view himself as a leader?
“I feel I’m a pretty great leader,” he said. “I think I do a great job at involving all of my teammates and I’m pretty close with everybody, including the offensive line, tight ends, running backs, and wide receivers. I feel like being a leader you have to have a relationship with your teammates and if you disconnect with them they’re not going to want to follow you.”
For some, competing for a job that isn’t necessarily yours can be difficult. At quarterback, it might be tough for some to display everything necessary to win the job simply because it’s not actually their job yet. So much is asked of a quarterback in football, which is why Haskins isn’t waiting to be told that the job is his.
“I’m thinking that I’m the guy and until I’m told otherwise I’m not gonna stop doing it. That’s my mindset,” he said.
How long has he had this mindset?
“I wanted to be the guy since I came here, but things happen not always the way you plan,” he said. “But ever since that Michigan game, ever since the offseason, every day I’m like even though I’m not told officially I’m the starter, I’m gonna go out there and act like I am.”
And until the rest of us are told differently, perhaps we should believe him.