Why coming to TCU was a no brainer for Vanderbilt QB transfer Ken Seals
After dealing with the worst-case scenario when it came to quarterback depth last season, TCU’s football coaches knew they couldn’t go into another season with just two scholarship quarterbacks.
The Horned Frogs took their time to find a quarterback and eventually landed on Vanderbilt transfer Ken Seals, who grew up in nearby Azle. After starting nearly two dozen games in the SEC, the opportunity to be closer to his family was something Seals couldn’t pass up.
“I grew up in the area, I’ve always been a TCU fan my whole life,” Seals said. “I have a pictures of me from middle school wearing TCU shirts and hoodies, I had a TCU lanyard in high school. So it’s always been my hometown school, so when the opportunity came and Coach (Kendal) Briles reached out to me in the portal, I was like ‘Man, that’d be pretty cool to end up back home.’”
Seals said his parents were absolutely pumped to have him back close to home. Along the appeal of being close to family, Seals said Briles’ system was attractive to him and was a scheme he ran back in high school at Weatherford.
“It fit with the coaches and the offense and what they were looking to bring in,” Seals said. “Everything kind of fell into line and at the end of the day it was a no brainer for me.”
Landing quarterbacks out of the portal can be a challenge because they are so coveted and what made TCU’s task more difficult was the Horned Frogs wanted to find a quarterback that had experience starting, but one that also wouldn’t disturb the balance of the quarterback room.
The Horned Frogs have their starter in Josh Hoover and Aledo freshman Hauss Hejny seems to be the future. Bringing in the wrong type of quarterback could’ve sent the wrong message.
But with Seals, TCU has a quarterback that can mentor and push the younger quarterbacks while being to start a game if there’s an injury to Hoover. Seals has already shown how valuable he can be with Hoover being ruled out of spring practice as he recovers from surgery to his back.
If Seals wasn’t on the roster it would’ve just been Hejny and walk-ons getting reps this spring which could’ve potentially stunted the growth of both the offense and defense. The clear roles in the quarterback have allowed the trio to become close in a quick amount of time.
“The quarterback room is great, I’m not going to lie we have a really good time in there,” Seals said. “Between us it’s really supportive and competitive. We lift together at the same racks in the weight room, we’re always pushing each other like when we’re spotting each other, we’re cheering each other on.
“I’m not saying we’re benching 300 (pounds) or anything, but sometimes we’re like hey let’s put two plates on there. So it’s good, we push each other. It’s unfortunate Hoov had his surgery, but I’m hoping he makes a quick recovery.”
Seals said Hoover has been a great teammate and has been a big help in terms of helping him learn the ropes of the offense. After throwing for 28 touchdowns in the SEC, Seals has seen it all when it comes to opposing defenses.
As for TCU’s potential this season, Seals thinks the Horned Frogs’ personnel compares favorably to what he saw in the country’s best football conference.
“In my experience (the talent here) is right up there with what I know,” Seals said. “I’ve played against some really good defenses, in one year we played three No. 1 teams in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. I’ve been there with guys that can compete and I honestly think really good things of our offense and defense.
“I was telling my dad after the first practice on Saturday, it’s like man every play I feel like I have so much time and there’s multiple guys open. I think we have a lot of good receivers and guys up front that can play. Just the second year in an offense is always better as well. I think they’re really talented and can play at a high level.”
This story was originally published March 26, 2024 at 6:55 PM.
