Scouting Report: 2017 Quarterbacks
Dylan McCaffrey (image via CHSAAnow)
Since quarterback is such a key position, each year I like to go in-depth with the quarterback position and rank the prospects that Michigan is pursing. At times Michigan has offered so few prospects by this point in the year that I have to throw in a few with Michigan interest, but the Wolverines have offered ten signal-callers at this point, so that’s plenty good to start. Below is a ranked list of those ten quarterbacks. I ranked them based on their fit with Michigan’s offensive system, so if I were looking at this list as an Ohio State fan, a Washington State fan, or an Oregon fan, I might rank them differently.
1. Dylan McCaffrey – QB – Littleton (CO) Valor Christian: McCaffrey is a 6’5″, 200 lb. prospect who is uncommitted. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #2 pro-style quarterback, and #45 overall. As a junior in 2015, he completed 207/320 passes (64.7%) for 2,800 yards, 27 TDs, and 4 INTs; he also ran 128 times for 592 yards (4.6 yards/carry) and 13 TDs. He is the son of former Stanford and NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey, as well as the brother of current Stanford running back – and Heisman finalist – Christian McCaffrey. In watching his junior year film, it became pretty clear why Michigan has him at or near the top of their board: he looks a great deal like Jake Rudock. McCaffrey is, of course, a couple inches taller than Rudock, but a lot of their mannerisms are very similar. McCaffrey is very balanced and unhurried in the pocket, and he does a nice job of standing tall and climbing in the pocket while waiting for the play to develop. He plays in a pro-style offense with dropbacks from under center, some shotgun passes, and an occasional designed run. He does good work with his ball handling and sees the field well. His anticipation is not on the same level as Bailey Hockman’s, but he makes good reads. McCaffrey is not a truly dynamic runner, but he is fast enough to escape and surprise some people with his speed. He has a nice over-the-top delivery, and with his height, that should prevent too many balls being batted down. NOTE: I scheduled this post for 6:30 a.m. on February 16th, and McCaffrey committed to Michigan on the evening of February 15th.
Hit the jump for the other nine quarterback targets.