6’2” – 205 lbs.
Attended City College of San Francisco in 2015, then transferred to Washington St., redshirting in 2016. Spent the first two seasons behind Luke Falk and Gardner Minshew, then took over the starting role this past season. Put together a monster line of 5,579 yards and 48 touchdowns on 71.6% passing, being intercepted sixteen times while operating Mike Leach’s famous Air Raid offense, which has produced some of the most prolific passing attacks in college football history. The Air Raid is a pass-heavy, shotgun-based offense which typically features four receivers, with the quarterback getting the ball out quickly behind an offensive line with wide splits. The offense features a lot of high-low concepts, with reads on one side of the field. Overall size is on the small side for a pro quarterback, with height which is just adequate and a thin build.
Gets the ball out quickly. Otherwise, mostly a mess from a mechanical standpoint. Stands flat-footed in the pocket, with a narrow base; doesn’t consistently or even usually step into throws or transfer weight to generate velocity from his lower body, even when working from a clean pocket. When throwing on the move, tends not to reset his feet. Velocity largely comes from his arm and by generating torque with his upper body. Struggles to replicate his arm angle and lacks follow-through on his throws. Lack of sound fundamentals can cause him to spray the ball all over the field; high completion percentage is more attributable to his offense’s high amount of screens and rhythm-based throws within ten yards. Clearly does have some arm talent though, as he throws a tight spiral with adequate velocity despite the aforementioned shortcomings; can take advantage of holes in zones at the intermediate level, and shows good touch to drop the ball in the bucket downfield. Also needs some work on his decision-making, as he can be a bit of a gunslinger who attempts throws into tight coverage, misses linebackers, or hangs receivers out to dry.
A pretty good athlete who’s able to escape from pressure and extend the play or take advantage of open lanes in order to pick up first downs. However, would like to see him utilize the pocket better; tends to flee prematurely and given his small frame, would be well-served by minimizing his rushing attempts to better protect his body.
The latest in a long line of ultra-productive college quarterbacks from Mike Leach’s offense, he may benefit from Gardner Minshew’s success last season but despite his quick release, touch, and at least adequate arm talent, has a long way to go as a quarterback and looks like more of a mid-to-late-round flier and long-term project.
DRAFTEXAMINER 