“An opportunity to become elite.” Former football players from Ohio State rave about Julian Sayin

The quarterback position is often considered the most important position on a football team, and recruiting top-tier talent at this position is critical for any program’s success. When it comes to Julian Sayin, the highly-touted quarterback prospect from California, former players and experts alike have been vocal about his potential to elevate any program he joins. While Sayin’s recruitment process is still unfolding, his performances at the high school level have already begun to create waves, especially with former players from powerhouse programs like Ohio State expressing their excitement about his future.

Sayin’s name has become synonymous with future success in college football, and even those who have experienced the grind of playing at a prestigious institution like Ohio State see something special in the young quarterback. Ohio State, which has had its fair share of elite quarterbacks such as Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins in recent memory, knows what it takes to identify top-tier talent at the position. The enthusiasm of former Ohio State players regarding Sayin is a clear indicator of the remarkable trajectory this young prospect could have in the coming years.

Who is Julian Sayin?

Julian Sayin, a product of Carlsbad, California, has quickly established himself as one of the most highly-rated quarterback prospects of his class. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing around 205 pounds, Sayin possesses the ideal frame for a modern quarterback. He has shown his ability to perform under pressure, consistently making precise throws and leading his high school team to several victories.

What sets Sayin apart from many of his peers in the quarterback pool is his exceptional poise, decision-making, and mechanics. Sayin’s arm strength is impressive, and he shows an innate ability to throw with velocity and accuracy on deep passes. His footwork is sharp, his pocket awareness is mature for his age, and his ability to scan the field and make quick decisions speaks volumes about his football IQ.

One of the more impressive aspects of Sayin’s skill set is his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. In the games that have been broadcast or highlighted, his composure has stood out, especially when tasked with leading a comeback or managing a two-minute drill. His deep ball accuracy, in particular, has garnered attention, as Sayin can stretch defenses vertically, making him a dual-threat when it comes to both intermediate and deep throws.

Why Former Ohio State Players Are Raving About Julian Sayin

Ohio State football has a rich history of producing elite quarterbacks, and former players from the program have had their fair share of success in the NFL. From Hall of Famer Joe Burrow to more recent stars like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State knows what it takes to mold a championship-caliber quarterback. These former players have a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level, so their opinions carry significant weight.

The raving reviews about Julian Sayin from these former Ohio State football players come from several key attributes that align closely with the program’s values: poise, leadership, and talent. Let’s dive deeper into why Sayin has received such high praise from these players.

1. High Football IQ and Leadership Skills

Former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who was taken 15th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team, had nothing but praise for Sayin’s football IQ and leadership. According to Haskins, one of the most important qualities in any quarterback is the ability to lead and remain calm under pressure. “What separates the elite quarterbacks from the rest is their leadership ability, and Julian has it,” Haskins noted. “He shows the poise to handle any situation. Whether it’s a high-pressure moment in a big game or leading his team in practice, Julian has the presence you want in a quarterback.”

This type of composure under pressure is a key characteristic that Ohio State football has emphasized with its quarterbacks. Whether it was Fields’ ability to take over games or Haskins’ coolness in the pocket, those attributes are inextricably tied to the program’s success, and former players see that same potential in Sayin.

Moreover, Justin Fields, who is currently the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears, echoed similar sentiments when talking about Sayin. “Julian has an understanding of the game that belies his age,” Fields said. “When you watch him play, you can tell he’s always thinking one or two steps ahead. He reads defenses well, and that’s something that’ll make him successful at the next level.”

This type of high football IQ is what makes quarterbacks like Fields and Haskins so dangerous in the college ranks and beyond, and it’s clear that former Ohio State players believe Sayin has the same mental makeup.

2. Strong Arm and Accuracy

Ohio State quarterbacks have long been known for their ability to throw the football downfield with velocity and precision, and Sayin has already displayed the same qualities. His arm strength is one of the first things that former Ohio State players like Terrelle Pryor, who played quarterback for the Buckeyes before transitioning to wide receiver in the NFL, admire about Sayin. “Julian’s arm strength is one of the best I’ve seen at his age,” Pryor said. “He can make all the throws, from short screens to deep bombs, and he does it with ease. He has a natural ability to get the ball to his receivers.”

What sets Sayin apart from other quarterbacks, according to Pryor, is his accuracy, particularly on deep balls. “It’s rare to see a quarterback that can throw the ball that far with that much accuracy. Julian can make throws that stretch defenses vertically, and that makes him a dangerous weapon.”

This type of downfield accuracy is crucial in the college game, especially in today’s pass-heavy systems. Ohio State has been known for its explosive offenses, and the ability to threaten defenses vertically is central to the success of its quarterbacks. Former players know how important this skill is, and Sayin has already demonstrated the kind of deep ball accuracy that could help him thrive at the college level.

3. Mobility and Poise in the Pocket

While Sayin is not known for being a dual-threat quarterback in the mold of Fields or Braxton Miller, his mobility and poise in the pocket have impressed former Ohio State quarterbacks. Cardale Jones, who was part of Ohio State’s 2014 national championship team, pointed out how Sayin’s pocket awareness allows him to evade pressure and make accurate throws on the move. “It’s not just about being able to move around the pocket; it’s about staying poised and not panicking when things break down. Julian’s got that,” Jones said. “I see a lot of potential in him to play at the highest level because of his ability to stay calm and deliver even when the pocket isn’t perfect.”

Sayin’s poise is another key attribute that sets him apart from other young quarterbacks. Ohio State quarterbacks, especially in big moments, have been known for their ability to manage games and make decisions with confidence. This is one area where former Ohio State players see Sayin excelling as he makes the transition to college football.

The Ohio State Influence on Sayin’s Recruitment

Given Ohio State’s history of producing top-tier quarterbacks, the program’s influence on Sayin’s recruitment cannot be understated. While the Buckeyes are not the only program vying for Sayin’s services, it’s clear that the opportunity to join a winning culture like Ohio State’s could be a driving factor in his decision. Former players from the program understand what it means to play in a high-pressure environment and the immense benefits that come from playing for a program with a legacy of producing NFL quarterbacks.

For example, Kirk Herbstreit, who was an Ohio State quarterback in the early 1990s before becoming a renowned college football analyst, discussed how playing for Ohio State can be a game-changer for any quarterback. “Ohio State has the resources, coaching, and history to develop quarterbacks into elite players,” Herbstreit said. “If Julian decides to go to Ohio State, he’ll have every opportunity to maximize his potential, just like Justin [Fields] and Dwayne [Haskins] did. The system there prepares you for the NFL, and the competition is second to none.”

The environment at Ohio State, which is filled with passionate fans, high expectations, and top-tier facilities, could provide Sayin with the ideal platform to elevate his game to the next level.

The Road Ahead for Julian Sayin

As Sayin continues to develop and refine his skills, the anticipation around his recruitment only grows. Former Ohio State players are not alone in their admiration for Sayin’s potential — he has garnered attention from many of the top programs across the country. What is clear, however, is that Sayin possesses the traits that make him an elite prospect: a high football IQ, strong arm, mobility, and leadership abilities. These are the same traits that have made Ohio State quarterbacks successful at both the collegiate and professional levels.

The question remains: will Julian Sayin follow in the footsteps of past Ohio State quarterbacks and take his game to the next level? According to former players, the opportunity to join a program with such a rich legacy could provide Sayin with everything he needs to become elite.

As we move closer to the day when Sayin announces his college commitment, one thing is clear: wherever he lands, he’s a player to watch. His future in college football is incredibly bright, and with the right development, Julian Sayin has all the tools to become an elite quarterback — an opportunity many former Ohio State players believe is within his grasp.