Mastering the Mental Game: How Ohio State's Will Howard Leverages Film Study to Elevate His Quarterbacking

In the fast-paced world of college football, where distractions abound, Ohio State's quarterback Will Howard stands out as a true student of the game. While his peers may succumb to the temptations of modern technology, Howard's passion lies in the meticulous study of game film, a practice that has become a cornerstone of his preparation and a key to his success on the field.

Unlocking the Chess Match of Football

For Will Howard, the allure of football extends far beyond the physical aspects of the game. The Buckeyes' quarterback sees the sport as a cerebral pursuit, a chess match where strategy and mental acuity are just as crucial as physical prowess. "I love the chess game that it is," Howard says, reflecting on the intricate web of decision-making and pre-snap reads that define the quarterback position.

Embracing the Role of a "Lifelong Learner"

Howard's dedication to his craft is evident in his approach to film study. While his peers may be tempted to indulge in various digital distractions during class, Howard seizes the opportunity to immerse himself in game footage, constantly seeking to expand his knowledge and sharpen his decision-making skills. "He's a lifelong learner," says Chip Kelly, Ohio State's offensive coordinator. "He comes in here every day really hungry about, 'How do I get a little bit better every day?'"This insatiable thirst for knowledge has been forged through experience. Howard's early years at Kansas State exposed him to the consequences of being underprepared, a lesson he has taken to heart. "That's a terrible feeling to have when you're not prepared or not recognizing what they're doing," he reflects. "And I think I've been there enough times to where I'm like, 'Man, I'm never going to let that happen again.'"

Leveraging Film Study to Gain a Competitive Edge

Howard's commitment to film study has become a powerful weapon in his arsenal. By meticulously analyzing opposing defenses, he is able to anticipate their strategies and make informed decisions on the field. "When you come out and you're like, 'Alright, I know what they're going to do.' Or, 'They're rotating to the field here, it's probably going to be some sort of field pressure.' Then that comes and you're like, 'Alright.' It just is a reassuring feeling of like, 'Man, all that work that I put in, all the preparation I put in pays off.'"This level of preparation extends beyond just film study. Howard's role as the "run-game coordinator" for Ohio State's offense requires him to have a deep understanding of the team's various run schemes, from zone reads to speed options and RPOs. By mastering these complex concepts, he is able to make split-second decisions that keep the offense on schedule and prevent costly turnovers.

Embracing the Complexity of Modern Offenses

The modern college football landscape is characterized by a proliferation of complex offensive schemes, and Howard has embraced the challenge. "That's the point of an RPO sometimes is that you shouldn't know whether it's a designed run or whether we have a pass off of it," he explains. "It should look like just a pass if it's an RPO and I pull it and throw it. It's just being able to keep the rhythm of it and making the right decisions."Under the tutelage of Chip Kelly, Howard has continued to refine his ability to diagnose defenses and make the right decisions in these high-stakes situations. Kelly's emphasis on pre-snap motions and window dressing has helped Howard gain a deeper understanding of how to manipulate opposing defenses and create advantageous situations for the Buckeyes' offense.

Embracing the Opportunity to Lead a Title-Caliber Team

As Howard enters the final chapter of his college football career, he is acutely aware of the significance of the moment. "I'm going to appreciate every moment I have out on that field playing in front of these fans," he says. "It's a blessing. And I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and not let any moment pass me by, because it's a pretty cool opportunity I have and that we have as a team this year."With his unwavering dedication to film study and his deep understanding of the game, Will Howard is poised to lead Ohio State's offense to new heights. As the Buckeyes stand on the cusp of Big Ten play, Howard's mental prowess and relentless pursuit of improvement will be a crucial asset in their quest for a championship.