Houston Texans' QB C.J. Stroud Leaves High School Coach Mark Verti In Awe
HOUSTON — Every fan who walked into NRG Stadium wearing Houston Texans gear left celebrating a 20-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints. It was another game where C.J. Stroud continued his impressive play, completing 13-of-27 attempts for 199 yards and two touchdowns.
But out of all the fans who cheered for Stroud Sunday afternoon, the rookie quarterback had a supporter in attendance who felt "goosebumps" each time he stepped onto the field — Stroud's high school coach, Mark Verti.
"It's crazy," Verti said. "Just his development over the years when he was in high school. His brain game hasn't changed. His accuracy hasn't changed. He just continues to get better and better. It is nothing new. But it's amplified with each level. It is really exciting."
Verti coached Stroud during his prep career at Rancho Cucamonga High School. Under Verti, Stroud became a four-star recruit. After finishing his senior year passing for 3,878 yards and 47 touchdowns, Stroud's developments under Verti led to him committing to Ohio State.
It's been four years since Stroud has taken a snap for the Rancho Cucamonga Cougars, but Verti has yet to miss a play from his former quarterback. Each time Verti watches Stroud, he notices how his execution stems from the foundation they established in California.
When he followed up his first career interception with a touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz, Verti was the coach who taught Stroud how to move forward after a bad play. He described it as "shake and go."
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud attempts a pass during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
"Your next play is your best play," Stroud said. "It is not about what happened before. It's about going 1-0 every play. He [Verti] could tell you, at times, I would get flustered and pissed because I want to be great. I get really down on myself at times because I am my biggest critic."
Verti said Stroud's ability to get everyone involved in the passing game has been the one attribute that has remained the same. Stroud connected with seven different targets against the Saints.
Wide receiver Nico Collins led the way with four catches for 80 yards. Stroud connected with Noah Brown twice for 37 yards, while Robert Woods was the recipient of his second touchdown pass.
Stroud led the Texans against the league's fourth-best defensive team. The Saints came into Houston, allowing an average of 15.2 points through the first five games.
"He has always talked about staying even-keeled," Verti said. "When bad things happen, who cares, just move on to the next play.
"He has always done a good job reaching everybody. He always tried to reach everyone and not just the guys who got the ball every time. He always reaches out to everyone. He is just a good guy."
Each fan in attendance left with a huge smile. By defeating the Saints, the Texans have entered the bye week with a 3-3 record. And the final 11 games of the season appear promising with Stroud under center.
While fans celebrated the Texans possessing a .500 record six games into the season, Verti, who sported a red Texan hat and Stroud's jersey, left proud watching his former student-athlete evolve into a franchise quarterback in Houston.
