Here’s why TCU QB Josh Hoover expects another big year after his record-setting debut
Coming off of a record-setting year in his first season as a full starter, TCU quarterback Josh Hoover is still hungry to find ways to improve his game.
Hoover set a program record for passing yards in a season with 3,949 yards and 27 touchdowns while leading the Horned Frogs to a 9-4 record.
It was an impressive debut and now Hoover hopes to build off the strong finish to the season as TCU continues to progress through spring football. With eight practices completed, Hoover, a junior, is pleased with the progress the Horned Frogs have made.
“I really like our squad, we’re really deep at a lot of positions,” Hoover said. “Some of those positions being defensive line and outside receiver. At running back, I feel really good about those guys and where they’re at.”
It’s the first spring in Hoover’s career that he’ll be the unquestioned starter and receive the boatload of first team reps. Hoover missed last spring with an injury and was behind Chandler Morris two seasons ago.
Now Hoover is the centerpiece of TCU’s offense and he has a much higher comfort level with this being the third season for offensive coordinator Kendal Briles.
“I feel like I know what’s going on and what they want out of every single play,” Hoover said. “I think going forward for me it’s just focusing on decision-making and I feel like the last couple of days I’ve taken strides getting more comfortable in spring ball and just being out here again.”
Ball security remains the biggest area for improvement as Hoover threw 11 interceptions last season and had multiple fumbles. That’s where improving his decision-making comes into play as many of those turnovers were a result of Hoover not being willing to take the easy play in front of him.
So far in spring camp Hoover has been more intentional when and where he takes his downfield shots, like on Monday when he completed a 25-yard strike to Eric McAlister during 7-on-7.
During 11-on-11 Hoover has been more willing to scramble and pick up yards on the ground, something he didn’t do enough of last season.
“I’m not a 4.4 guy by any means, but I feel like I can take off and make plays with my feet,” Hoover said. “Just being more comfortable in the offense and believing in myself, I think I’ve shown that a little this spring of being able to take off and pick up first downs. That’ll be huge for our offense, me being able to run a little bit.”
The Horned Frogs won’t ask Hoover to carry the ball as much as Max Duggan did in 2022, but Hoover being more mobile will add another layer to the offense.
While Hoover works to refine his game, he’s also working on building chemistry with his new group of receivers. The Horned Frogs return McAlister, but will be depending on transfer receivers like Jordan Dwyer (Idaho) and Joseph Manjack (Houson) to step up and fill the void left by Savion Williams, Jack Bech and JP Richardson.
Hoover has been impressed with how the receivers have performed.
“Jordan Dwyer, he’s legit,” Hoover said. “I’ve thrown to a lot of talented receivers over the years and he’s up there with all of them. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do this season, I expect a lot from him. Manjack is a really talented guy. He’s a big, physical receiver and we’re getting on the same page. I see him kind of taking Jack’s position of being that steady, reliable guy.”
Hoover already appears to have a strong connection with Dwyer and his ability to stretch the field meshes well with Hoover’s play style.
“He’s amazing, you guys see him out here throwing dots everyday,” Dwyer said. “He’s a great guy, a coach on the field as well. He’s done a lot of great things and broke the passing record, so playing with a guy like that is a blessing.”
There’s more work to be done as the Horned Frogs approach the final stretch of camp, but all signs point to TCU having enough talent to have another productive offense after finishing No. 25 in scoring offense last season.
Anything less would be a disappointment in Hoover’s eyes.
“I’m expecting our offense to take big strides this year,” Hoover said.
