C.J. Stroud made a strong first impression on Laremy Tunsil.
The Pro Bowl offensive tackle praised the rookie quarterback while hosting his annual youth football camp. Tunsil told KPRC’s Aaron Wilson that Stroud instantly made his presence felt in Houston’s locker room.
“Man, you should have seen how he came in the building,” Tunsil said. “He came in the building already a leader. He voices himself in the huddles. He’s one of those guys that’s like, ‘Yo, I’m going to lead, and y’all just follow me. That’s what we’re doing.'”
#Texans Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil @KingTunsil78 upbeat about ‘unbelievable energy’ of DeMeco Ryans, rookie C.J. Stroud ‘already a leader,’ adds Tytus Howard @tyhoward71 and him are underrated ‘keep sleeping, we’re one of the best tackle tandems’ @KPRC2 @KPRC2RandyMc pic.twitter.com/CvIbHNU7Wl
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 17, 2023
Tunsil added that it’s “not surprising at all” to see the No. 2 pick quickly emerge as a leader this summer.
The Texans won the AFC South during Tunsil’s first season in Houston, but they have since gone 11-38-1. Stroud and first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans can commence a new era.
Houston has not declared a quarterback to start the season. However, Stroud could take the job from Davis Mills out of camp if Ryans and Co. share Tunsil’s assessment of the former Ohio State star.