Top-rated JUCO QB makes it official with TCU Football

TCU saw two quarterbacks transfer out of the program after this past season, with Michael Collins matriculating to Rice University and Justin Rogers hoping to revive his career out west at UNLV. That leaves just one healthy QB who has taken game snaps on the roster — rising sophomore Max Duggan — along with Matthew Baldwin (who spent last season recovering from injury), walk-ons Michael Downing, Grant Beucler, and Jake Neufeld, and true freshman Eli Williams — who is recovering from injury himself.

That’s a problem.

To solve it, Gary Patterson, Sonny Cumbie, and the rest of the offensive staff went the juco route, plucking dual-threat quarterback Stephon Brown out well-respected Independence CC, gaining a commitment from one of the top prospects in the country Monday and signing him Wednesday as part of National Signing Day.

A native of North Carolina, Brown was a three star prospect out of high school who initially committed to Appalachian State over several other FCS offers after throwing for more than 10,000 yards in high school. He chose to instead enroll at Indy, where he accounted for over 2000 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2019. At 6’5” with 4.5 speed, he is a threat with both his arm and his legs, showing a deft touch on the long ball and the ability to make plays with his legs. Though TCU was his only Power Five offer, Temple, Southern Miss, Idaho, and Akron. He has experience at the collegiate level for a high-level juco program and will be a valuable voice in the QB room as well as pushing his teammates in spring ball. While many (rightfully) assume that it’s Max Duggan’s job to lose, having talented players competing is never a bad thing.

Brown was familiar with TCU’s program because he played with another Horned Frog signee, linebacker Jamoi Hodge, who signed in December. The two are excited to reunite in Fort Worth.

With Brown’s signing, the Frogs’ have the 28th-rated recruiting class in the country and the third-highest ranked group in the Big 12.