Andy Dalton, Trevon Boykin and even the 2017 version of Kenny Hill have been proven playmakers at quarterback for Texas Christian. All three have passed for over 2,500 yards and had over 20 TDs in a given season over the last decade. In addition to the passing stats, all three have also had over 500 rushing yards and five or more rushing TDs in a given season over the last decade as well.
Last season, Shawn Robinson played in only seven games until a left shoulder injury led to a season-ending injury. TCU went with QB Michael Collins who played in the remaining eight games, posting just over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns with three rushing TDs.
Entering the 2019 season, Kansas State graduate transfer QB Alex Delton will be the starter going into week one with freshman QB Max Duggan also playing the first quarter as well. It seems as though HC Gary Patterson is having a difficult time choosing between the two QBs.
Duggan has been impressive all offseason and starting a freshman QB could be risky for a TCU team that now has a defense to compete at a high level. What makes Duggan stand out so much that Patterson wants him to play alongside Delton in Week 1? It’s time to take an in-depth look at Duggan’s game to find out.
PROFILE
Freshman
6’2″ 190lbs
High School: Lewis Central High School
Hometown: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Rating: 4-star
BACKGROUND
In front of TCU co-offensive coordinator, Sonny Cumbie, Duggan put on a clinic against Harlan High School. Harlan had previously won 35 of 36 meetings with Lewis Central from 1980 to 2013 according to an article by Kevin White of the World-Herald.
Harlan head coach Curt Bladt, who was selected for NHSACA National Hall of Fame induction, had won 412 of 474 games in his coaching career to that point. After he faced Duggan on this October evening in 2018, Bladt had this to say about Duggan and other QBs he had faced in his 41 years of coaching:
“Not that good,” Bladt shot back. “Ever. Nobody’s even in his league.
“He’s just tough. Resilient. Doesn’t ever give up on a play. He had three huge plays where we thought we had his butt tattooed to the wall, and all of a sudden he’s got probably 180 yards passing.”
Quote privided by Kevin White of the World-Herald
Duggan produced six touchdowns against Harlan, four on the ground and two through the air to win 49-14.
247Sports had Duggan ranked as the fifth-best, dual-threat QB in the 2019 recruit class. He held 24 offers that included Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Oregon. He finally committed to TCU and enrolled on January 8th, 2019.
TCU co-offensive coordinator, Cumbie, recruited not only Duggan but also 4-star, dual-threat QB Justin Rogers whom Duggan has surpassed in the QB competition. Cumbie also recruited 4-star dual-threat QB Shawn Robinson, who committed to TCU in 2015. Robinson has since transferred to Missouri.
Duggan passed for more than 2,100 yards and added 24 passing TDs in his high school career. Not only is he an accomplished passer, but he is an incredible playmaker as a rusher. He produced 1,500 yards on the ground while adding 27 rushing TDs during his time at Lewis Central.
SCOUTING REPORT
Standing at 6’2″ and 190lbs, Dugan possesses below-average size for the position but can facilitate 20 more pounds to his frame. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with near-elite athleticism for the QB position.
His testing numbers out of high school were excellent, and he held the best SPARQ score of all QBs in the 2019 recruiting class. His 4.58 forty and 4.10 short shuttle manifest in his rushing ability on the field.
Duggan possesses rare straight-line speed which he uses to evade contact upon initial pressure and get through the second level quickly. He’s a threat to take it to the house every time he carries the ball. His initial explosive acceleration and ability to create outside the pocket allow him to rarely get baited into dangerous throws.
Duggan’s internal clock will need to speed up, so he doesn’t hold the ball in his carriage longer than necessary. He does, however, navigate the pocket very well with the use of solid footwork and lateral quickness to evade pocket target rushers. His release is quick as he intelligently expedites throws when pressure looms, throwing on time and accurate at all levels.
He remains poised and calm under duress. Even when defenders make contact, Duggan presents outstanding competitive toughness, not allowing solo tackles to bring him down quickly. His ability to escape pressure and throw on the run with above-average accuracy makes him a real weapon, off-structure.
Duggan keeps his eyes up and downfield at all times. His high school film doesn’t necessarily detail his progression reads, but it does show his ability to lead his receivers to the catch point with very good anticipation. The ball meets the receiver’s gloves on time, allowing the receiver to continue forward momentum to gain yards after the catch.
Even the toughest throws look easy for Duggan. His arm strength is above-average on deep throws. There’s no arc on his outside throws; they stay low to the ground with excellent velocity. Downfield throws over 20 yards are accurate and delivered from a solid, balanced platform.
DEVY OUTLOOK
TCU is in good hands with Duggan as their future signal-caller as early as this year. His frame will need additional weight to hold up over the long term of his football career. His pocket awareness ego needs to be better disciplined as the hits he took in high school could be much more devastating at the collegiate level.
Overall, Duggan possesses the intelligence, competitiveness, athleticism, arm strength, accuracy, and poise that is an incredible foundation to build on as a freshman. His upside as a signal-caller is tremendous, and he has all the ability to be a top tier college QB and excellent NFL prospect. His continuous and consistent development will be vital for the level of QB he can be at the next level.
