A 'feisty', 'nasty', 'shapeshifter' of a QB: Julian Sayin takes over at Ohio State

Sayin was named Ohio State's starting quarterback on Monday.

Julian Sayin was named Ohio State’s starting quarterback on Monday. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State athletics)

COLUMBUS — There are more than a few dazzling throws on Julian Sayin’s highlight reel from his senior year at Carlsbad High School in southern California, but the best is arguably one from a September game against Casteel High, a visiting out-of-state opponent from Queen Creek, Ariz.

Nearly two years later, Bobby Newcombe remembers the throw vividly.

“The one in the corner of the end zone?” Newcombe, the former head coach at Casteel, asked this week.

That’s the one. Sayin starts under center, fakes a hand-off to the right, and boots out to his left. There are two defenders in his face. Downfield, there are two defenders closely trailing his intended target. At first blush, it’s a dead play.