Coach Sonny Dykes ‘thinks’ all three TCU quarterbacks will play at Colorado
.jpg "Chandler Morris (top) could get the start against Colorado on Sept. 2.")
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes had a notable update on the Horned Frogs’ current quarterback battle Monday.
With the opener at Colorado on Sept. 2 less than two weeks away, Dykes hinted how he’ll use Chandler Morris, Max Duggan and Sam Jackson to start the year.
“The one thing that we have a pretty good idea on is all of them are going to play. We’ll get to the first game and I think all three will play at some point,” Dykes said.
How exactly could that work? That seemed to be the initial question on social media as fans and other pundits weighed it on what it could mean for the quality of the quarterback room.
The simplest way would be TCU builds a big a lead that would allow all three to have extended time on the field. TCU is favored by double digits, but a road game in high altitude could be a challenge.
Another scenario is TCU uses some of the packages its been designing in training camp centered around Jackson. At different times the staff has used him at running back or even the slot. He’s going to get opportunities to get the ball in space.
Jackson has normally been in this formation with Duggan. Duggan has rushed for 1,433 yards in three seasons and has a running style that could complement Jackson’s speed.
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It could be a short-yardage package or one used in the redzone. The Horned Frogs could also start a lengthy drive in it. All the options are on the table with Jackson either running or throwing, which creates a potential dilemma for the defense.
If Morris is named the starter then he’ll have his own opportunities to lead the offense in a more straight forward way. One area where TCU could have an advantage at Colorado is with their receivers against an inexperienced secondary.
Led by Quentin Johnston, the Horned Frogs return their top four receivers and Morris could be viewed as the best option behind center to maximize that advantage.
How much could fans see all three in the first game? It’ll come down to success. If a Duggan-Jackson focused formation is productive, why go away from it? If TCU is successful attacking the Colorado secondary, why go away from it?
More clarity will be gained as the staff gets closer to ironing out the depth chart, which could happen this week.
“We’ll sit down (Tuesday) and put a mock depth chart together,” Dykes said. “We’ll probably be deciding on Thursday who will actually play the first couple of snaps.”
