Depth Chart
1.) Andy Dalton (6-3, 220 Sr)
Dalton is the "straw that stirs the drink" on an impressive TCU offense that in 2009 finished 8th in total-offense and averaged a remarkable 38 points per game. The reigning MWC Offensive Player of the Year is as fleet of foot(4.4 ypc in 2009) as he is accurate(60.2 career completion percentage), which is vital to running the spread offense that TCU employs. But most importantly he is a winner, with one more "W" Dalton will have written his name in the record books as the winningest QB in TCU history, supplanting the legendary Slingin' Sammy Baugh (29, 1934-36).
2a.) Casey Pachall (6-5, 208 RS Fr)
Pachall came to TCU in 2009 as a highly touted recruit who garnered offers from impressive football institutions such as Florida, Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Michigan. Pachall redshirted his first season on campus and worked primarily with the scout team. He will be competing with Yogi Gallegos for the role of Dalton's backup and presumably will see snaps in 2010 in mop-up duty.
2b.) Yogi Gallegos (6-1, 208 So)
Although Gallegos has yet to throw a collegiate pass he is still very much considered in the running for the #2 spot. What Gallegos lacks in physical presence he makes up for with his impressive speed (4.5 40-yd dash). Look for Gallegos to get the first shot under center if needed in a game situation.
3a.) Matt Brown (6-1, 185 Fr)
Dual-threat QB Matt Brown was originally slated to be an Arizona Wildcat, but thanks to a domino effect created by Lane Kiffin's departure from Tennessee(La Tech HC Derek Dooley to UT, UA OC Sonny Dykes to La Tech) the highly regarded Brown essentially fell into Coach Gary Patterson's lap. Brown was also the subject of an ESPN the Magazine feature on the recruiting process of HS QB's by Bruce Feldman.
3b.) Sam Carter (6-0, 205 Fr)
Carter is another dual-threat quarterback from the class of 2010. Carter is regarded as a supremely gifted athlete so many are under the assumption that he could be in-line for a position change but for now he will try his hand at QB. Carter also had offers from Miami (Fla), Oklahoma St., Louisville, and Baylor.
Summary
Quarterback might be the "Achilles' heel" of the 2010 TCU Horned Frogs, as a 4th year starter Dalton will be the most important piece of the puzzle on offense but if he goes down then all bets are off. While there is considerable talent behind Dalton not one player has thrown a collegiate pass, and although Dalton has proven to be quite durable TCU fans know all to well that a proven backup is a must in this offense due to the big hits that can be sustained while running the option.