C.J. Stroud wanted to make sure at least one former teammate from Ohio State joined the Houston Texans in 2024.
He might have the best of the bunch with the addition of rookie tight end Cade Stover.
Since the start of training camp, Stover has been one of the top playmakers for both Stroud and Davis Mills as a secondary option in the passing game. He was one of two targets who hauled in passes from Stroud during Houston’s 20-12 preseason win on Friday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The other, Tank Dell, went 34 yards for a score.
How fitting for Stroud to connect with his top red-zone target from college in his first game and his favorite weapon last season in his return to the field.
“Cade has probably been one of our most consistent players on the team since he’s been here,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Sunday. “Sometimes, I was telling the guys today, I forget that he is a rookie because he’s been so consistent. He is exactly the guy we thought we were getting. Tough, gritty, hard-nosed and dependable.”
DeMeco Ryans says Cade Stover “has been one of our most consistent players” and says the he forgets he’s a rookie. pic.twitter.com/8SpCsseybW
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) August 12, 2024
With Teagan Quitoriano out with a leg injury, Stover has exclusively seen reps with the second team. Brevin Jordan didn’t play in Friday’s game, so it was the first chance to see the former Buckeye brothers reunite since their time in Columbus.
Drafted 123rd overall, Stover is likely a long-term project for the franchise’s passing game. Jordan, a former fifth-round pick, could cash in elsewhere next offseason if he breaks out during a contract year.
The Texans also brought back Dalton Schultz on a three-year, $36 million extension after serving as Stroud’s security blanket last season. He could be getting started on a Pro Bowl-caliber year after hauling in 59 passes for over 600 yards and five touchdowns.
But Stover is impressing the right people. He should be a lock to make the roster and eventually carve out meaningful reps.
Preseason rocks because of plays like this (or because I desperately miss football).
Rookie Beanie Bishop comes on the blitz while rookie Cade Stover works open for his QB and beats rookie Payton Wilson. pic.twitter.com/9JqBgQuR1x
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) August 10, 2024
“It’s exciting to see a young player come in and be as consistent as he is day in and day out,” Ryans said.
The Texans play against the New York Giants on Saturday at noon. CT.
