Sonny Dykes is known in the college football world for two things. It’s the first all-star quarterback game. The second is effective destruction.
Dykes is set to take over as TCU’s head coach following his success at SMU. The quarterback has often been linked to his name in college, producing some of the best passes in recent memory. He turned Jared Goff into the No. 1 overall pick during his time at Cal. At SMU, Shane Buechele became a two-time 3,000-yard passer en route to leading the Mustangs to back-to-back winning records.
Right now, Dykes is watching two very different pass rushers battle it out to start their reps in Fort Worth. He may choose to go with Max Duggan, TCU’s primary starter from 2019. Then again, Dykes’ relationship with Chandler Morris could carry weight heading into Week 1.
Outside quarterback. TCU’s offense will need more explosive plays from the backfield following the departure of running back Zach Evans. Before transferring to Ole Miss this season, Evans averaged 7.0 yards per carry for 648 yards rushing.
Can the Horned Frogs find their balance before the Week 10 contest at Texas Tech?
Be sure to stick with RedRaiderReview.com as we look at every aspect of the matchup against the Horned Frogs throughout the week.
Now, here are some of the best defensive players TCU should look at.
QB Max Duggan
Duggan has the reps and experience. Most coaches don’t care about that when choosing to join a new roster, but that could be a difference-maker for Dykes if TCU wants to be competitive out of the gate.
Last season. Duggan actually posted a high completion percentage (63.9), yards per pass attempt (9.0) and touchdowns (16). He also took 20 sacks and never seemed comfortable behind the line. Under Dykes, Duggan believes his role in decision-making and brainstorming will be greatly simplified.
“It’s really a friendship of the quarter. You can tell from the past teams and quarterbacks he’s had,” Duggan said. “There were a lot of great guys who played in the NFL, did well in college. It’s a joy to play with Coach (Garrett) Riley and Coach Dykes’ offense. His friendship.
QB Chandler Morris
Before joining TCU, Dykes tried to court Morris’ decision to transfer from Oklahoma to join him at SMU in Dallas. Chad Morris, the son of former SMU and Arkansas coach, Chandler finished with the best of his two starts in 2021.
Last season at Duggan’s place, Morris threw for a career-high 461 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Horned Frogs to a monumental 30-28 victory over then-No. 12 Bayer. At Oklahoma State, he threw for 103 yards while completing just 55 percent of his passes.
“I know Chandler very well,” Dykes said at Big 12 Media Days last month. “I had the opportunity to watch him play at Highland Park (High School) when I was at SMU, and he comes from a football background. Very similar to me. His father (longtime coach Chad Morris) was the head coach. He’s one of those kids who grew up hanging out in the field.”
Morris told reporters earlier this week that his focus this season has been on mental process and pocket awareness. He also wants to play hard.
RB Kendre Miller Jr
After Evans suffered a season-ending injury, Miller filled in as the Horned Frogs’ starter. He finished second in rushing yards with 623 and had a team-high seven touchdowns on the ground. Miller averaged 7.5 yards per game, fourth-highest in program history.
Production will be key for the rookie running backs this fall. Since arriving in Fort Worth, he has failed to finish with 100 carries in a season. That being said, Red Raider fans will remember Miller well following his career-high 185 yards, three touchdown performance against Tech last year in Lubbock.
WR Quentin Johnston
Johnston is the star of the offense for TCU. He is projected to be in the WR1 conversation for the 2023 NFL Draft and has all the tools to be a future All-Pro at the next level.
Last season. Johnston used his 6-4 frame to his advantage, leading the Horned Frogs in rushing yards (648), yards per catch (18.5) and touchdowns (six). He also has quick pace that allows him to win as a permanent option in the attacking midfield.
When asked about his role at Big 12 Media Days, Johnston said he’ll try to shape his game by following another 6-4 receiver known for wearing purple. His name? All Pro Randy Moss Hall of Fame.
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