Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud will be forever linked after the quarterbacks were taken first and second, respectively, in the 2023 NFL draft. But long before they became NFL stars, the two California natives became friends when they competed in both football and basketball in middle school.

Bryce Young has only ever been complimentary of C.J. Stroud, his friend and counterpart. That did not change after a joint practice between the two QBs and their teams on Thursday in Houston.

C.J. Stroud will always be attached to Bryce Young. The Houston Texans quarterback went second in the 2023 NFL Draft after Young landed with the Carolina Panthers at No. 1 overall. Both gunslingers grew up in California, with Young playing for the Inland Empire Ducks while Stroud suited up for Pomona Valley Steelers.