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TCU landed a graduate transfer quarterback on Tuesday evening when Alex Delton announced that he was going to be a Horned Frog. Never you mind that Kansas State took a moment to ponder whether they should block Delton’s transfer, the Hays, Kansas native is headed to Fort Worth.
We know about what Delton did on the field at Kansas State. In his last two seasons - as a part-time starter at quarterback - Delton completed 56.2% of his passes, and threw for just shy of 1,200 yards and five touchdowns and ran for 734 yards and 10 touchdowns.
They’re not numbers that blow your mind, but sometimes adding a guy is about more than just numbers. It’s assumed, at this point, that Delton probably won’t be the starter heading into 2019, but here are the facts about TCU’s quarterback situation right now.
Justin Rogers has drop foot. Yes, we saw an awesome video of Rogers clearing a box jump earlier this week, but that doesn’t mean he’s been miraculously healed (granted, I’d be 1,000% okay if that was the case).
Mike Collins had surgery last month. He’s most likely not going to be ready to go for the spring, at least not full bore. When healthy, assuming Rogers isn’t healthy, Collins feels like the guy to pencil in as the starter for 2019.
Max Duggan got on campus less than a week ago. He was the Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year in 2018 and rated as a 4-star quarterback (the No. 8 dual-threat QB in the country) by the 247 Sports Composite Rankings.
With just three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, the Frogs had a huge need for a fourth scholarship quarterback, and with Delton they got one. So, what does he bring to the room? For that, let’s check in with one of his former offensive linemen, Dalton Risner.
This man is one of the BEST competitors I’ve ever met... TCU is not only getting a great athlete, but a genuine leader, accountable teammate, loyal friend, and REAL human being! @TCUFootball and their Fan base should be excited! You deserve what’s coming for you @adelton005 ✊ https://t.co/cNj1Ub4FQZ
— Dalton Risner (@DaltonBigD71) January 16, 2019
That’s certainly high praise. We know that TCU is in the business of fitting athletes to their system, and we know that TCU likes a quarterback can run. Delton won Citrus Bowl MVP in 2017 when he came off the bench to rush for 158 yards and three touchdowns in Kansas State’s win over UCLA.
Even if Delton doesn’t start, his athleticism should afford TCU an opportunity to run more zone read and option plays, utilizing two strengths of the offense - Darius Anderson and Sewo Olonilua, as well as Delton’s legs.
And I’m always down to bring in a guy who qualifies as a high-character person willing to be a leader. Having senior leadership can never be underestimated. Listen to what Bob Huggins said about his current West Virginia basketball squad after TCU beat them by 31 on Tuesday night:
You want leadership at #HailWV? Well after Tuesday’s loss to #TCU it sounds like Bob Huggins wants the same thing. #Mountaineers @Heartland_CS @WBESBrandonLowe pic.twitter.com/M7odJGma1b
— Matthew Postins (@PostinsPostcard) January 16, 2019
Adding Delton to the quarterback room seems like it will give the young guys an example to follow.
So no, TCU isn’t getting a for-sure starter in their grad transfer quarterback, but they needed someone, and Delton is the guy. So, welcome to the Frog Fam, Alex!