Analysis: How TCU’s new quarterback performed in spring camp
Quarterback play was among the biggest storylines for TCU football during spring training camp.
The Horned Frogs saw two-year starter Josh Hoover depart the program to join national champion Indiana, leaving a void that needed to be filled.
TCU worked quickly in December to land Harvard transfer Jaden Craig to be Hoover’s replacement. He checked many of the boxes head coach Sonny Dykes was looking for, including being mobile and experienced. But there’s always a question of how a player will adjust moving up from the FCS to the Power Four level.
It wasn’t a flawless camp for Craig, but he seemed pleased with the progress he made in the 15 practices against TCU’s veteran defense.
“I had to adjust to the speed here, learn a new playbook, getting familiar with my teammates and start to build relationships. It’s all been going really well,” Craig said Tuesday. “[The defense], they throw a lot at you. Tons of different looks, coverages. It’s definitely something I can learn from day in and day out.
“It’s a big challenge, so I’m thankful that they are as good as they are because it’ll get me that much more ready for the season.”
Overall, Craig showed more good than bad in camp, but there are still questions that remain as the Horned Frogs turn the page to summer workouts.
Here’s what we learned about Craig during camp and how he stacks up compared to Hoover:
Physicality
Craig checks the boxes from a physical standpoint. He is listed at 6-foot-3, which might be a tad generous, but he is taller than Hoover, who was also listed generously at 6-2. Craig’s listed weight of 230 pounds seems to be accurate. He has a much thicker builder than the 200-pound Hoover, and it’s easy to tell that he’s embraced having more nutritional resources at TCU compared to Harvard.
In terms of speed, Craig didn’t get a chance to showcase his mobility often, but when he did, it was clear to see why the staff believes the Horned Frogs will have a much more mobile quarterback this season. He’s not as nimble as former quarterback Hauss Hejny, but Craig’s straight-line speed on the rare scrambles did stand out.
He was also extremely comfortable on the move with plenty of success when TCU rolled him out of the pocket, giving him the option to attack downfield or go at a defender in space with his legs.
TCU will have a bigger and more mobile quarterback in the fall.
Arm talent
Craig compares favorably to Hoover in terms of raw power with his arm. Craig’s may even be slightly stronger based on the glimpses in the spring. He didn’t have an issue making any throw, including deep vertical passes and out-breaking routes to the sidelines.
Two throws come to mind from the spring, with the first one being a 25-plus-yard completion on a play action rolling to his left. Despite a defender chasing him down and being on the move, Craig had no issue getting the ball downfield to his receiver.
Another pass was a slot fade that traveled at least 35 yards to Major Everhart. The pass was incomplete due to a brilliant play by safety Jacob Fields, but the power and placement by Craig were perfect. He has the physical capabilities to make just about any throw on the field.
Accuracy
Craig will need to focus on consistency with his accuracy. It’s the one area where Hoover still clearly holds an edge, and it’s the most important category for a quarterback. Hoover had a tendency to miss layups in the past, but Craig was streakier in camp than we’ve seen from Hoover.
Many of Craig’s worst misses came while trying to complete passes to the sideline, where he had one notable incompletion that flew into the stands during one scrimmage. The power and velocity were often there on the throws, but the ball would have a tendency to lift on throws when Craig wasn’t comfortable.
Craig had good moments attacking the middle of the field in the intermediate passing game, but there were stilll times where his accuracy waned during 7-on-7 and other drills.
At this stage, Hoover is the more accurate passer.
Scrimmage recaps
TCU had multiple game-like scrimmages at Amon G. Carter Stadium throughout the spring, and Craig was up and down in those settings.
Last Friday’s scrimmage was his toughest day of camp. Craig was picked off twice, including one by linebacker Michael Short on a play action pass. There was some miscommunication on the route, but it was bad ball placement by Craig and an easy interception.
Craig also missed a potential touchdown to a wide-open Terry Shelton off a play action pass because he didn’t see him. Then, when the offense was trying to practice a two-minute drill, Craig was picked off by Jamel Johnson on the first play. It was a rough outing in the final scrimmage of the spring.
Craig was much better in the scrimmage April 11, including having a drive where he converted at least three third downs and ended the series with a touchdown from Joe Pitchford. Craig had a nice completion to Dozie Ezukanman on a crosser route that led to a field goal attempt.
The scrimmage on April 3 was tough all around for the offense. Pre-snap penalties on the offensive line made things tough, and it didn’t help that Craig was picked off by Johnson. Craig did bounce back and complete a long pass to Shelton near the end of practice.
It should be noted that TCU’s first unit played without starting receiver Jordan Dwyer and multiple linemen in the spring. The performances in the scrimmages weren’t great, but it makes sense for Craig to have his struggles against a defense that was healthier and in year three of its system under coordinator Andy Avalos.
QB battle?
Some may wonder why TCU isn’t having an open quarterback competition with Craig and redshirt freshman Adam Schobel, but Craig will be the starter when the regular season begins barring something unforeseen.
Schobel had his moments, especially during the scrimmages, but he’s still very raw compared to Craig and the staff wants to be patient with his development. He’ll have the inside track to start in 2027 with Craig only having one year of eligibility.
Fans shouldn’t sleep on true freshman Jack Daulton, who performed better than expected in camp. He’ll likely redshirt, setting up a potential battle with Schobel next spring.
