TCU football notebook: Quarterbacks shake off slow start for strong finish
TCU football was on the verge of another disappointing practice Tuesday after Sonny Dykes called out the team’s effort and execution Friday.
The offense got off to another slow start with dropped screen passes, inaccurate downfield throws and even a near-interception by presumed starter Jaden Craig.
But coaches often say it’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish. And TCU’s quarterbacks ended practice on a high note, as Craig and backup Adam Schobel had a number of impressive completions to end session No. 8 of spring camp.
Let’s start with Craig. The Harvard graduate transfer almost threw the interception during 7-on-7 drills and also was stripped on a sack by linebacker Max Carroll.
But as practice continued, Craig showed why TCU is so high on his potential, as he completed back-to-back throws to sophomore Dozie Ezukanma and redshirt freshman Terry Shelton on in-breaking routes for at least 15 yards. Craig’s ball placement and velocity allowed him to fit the passes into the tight windows, with the two young receivers making solid catches in between defenders.
Craig’s best throw came on a designed play action as he faked a handoff, surveyed the field and then hit Ezukanma on a crossing route for at least 20 yards. It was a strong close for the projected starter, but Schobel also had good moments in the final periods of practice.
The redshirt freshman threw two touchdowns during team drills, to redshirt freshman Dane Jones and sophomore Joe Pitchford. On the first score, Schobel hit Jones in stride after he found an opening in zone coverage. The initial completion was roughly 10 yards, and Jones outraced the defense to the end zone. Jones has quietly put together a solid camp mostly working with the second unit.
The second to Pitchford came during a zero blitz. Schobel was able to quickly get the ball out to the running back in space in the flat, and Pitchford ripped off a chunk play.
Schobel’s best throw was to junior college tight end Kari Ashley, who was running a vertical route up the sideline. Schobel was able to fit the pass in between the flat defender and the safety over the top for a gain of over 20 yards.
True freshman quarterback Jack Daulton also had an impressive completion, throwing a strike to fellow true freshman Ace Theus on a seam route. The former Duncanville star showed nice body control as he twisted to catch the pass that was slightly behind him.
It was a nice response by the quarterbacks after a shaky performance during Friday’s scrimmage.
Lineman Ryan Hughes returns
TCU received good news with the return of Ryan Hughes to practice Tuesday. Hughes was the starting left tackle last season and started in the first five games before suffering a season-ending injury against Colorado on Oct. 4.
Hughes wasn’t fully dressed out, but has begun going through individual drills after he spent the first seven practices in a red jersey rehabbing. Hughes is projected to start again at tackle alongside Ben Taylor-Whitfield.
TCU will return to practice Thursday.
