UCLA 2020 Recruiting Class Analysis: Quarterback Parker McQuarrie

UCLA Vs CAL Pregame. Photo Credit: Ryan Dyrud | The LAFB Network
UCLA Vs CAL Pregame. Photo Credit: Ryan Dyrud | The LAFB Network

Profile

Name: Parker McQuarrie

Position: Quarterback

Class: 2020

Hometown: Weare, New Hampshire

High School: St Paul’s School

Height: 6’7”

Weight: 220 lbs

Strengths And Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Parker McQuarrie has great height to be able to see over offensive lineman
  • Quick, easy delivery and throws a very catchable ball
  • Shows progression reading ability
  • Ability to throw with touch and anticipation
  • Generally good accuracy
  • Throws with confidence and velocity in the middle of the field at the short to intermediate levels
  • Enough mobility to have some success with half-rolls and second reaction plays

Weaknesses

  • At times lifts back foot too early on follow-through, which limits velocity
  • Deep balls tend to lose energy on the back end (see above). Not a poor arm but could use some strengthening.
  • Foundations are there but mechanics could use some work in terms of upper and lower half being in sync. This can be challenging with especially tall quarterbacks; generally more moving parts.
  • A clunky athlete with limited mobility; projects mainly as a pocket passer.
  • A tough and willing passer but at times loses composure in a clean pocket.
  • At times is late with throws and/or misses open receivers.
  • 2017 production at John Stark before transferring to St Paul’s far exceeded his next two years, although reasons for this aren’t clear and may not be his fault (system change, different competition level, etc).

How He Fits In At UCLA

It’s not entirely clear at this point. UCLA currently has six quarterbacks on the roster. Dorian Thompson-Robinson entering his junior year is the incumbent, and Colson Yankoff was just brought in as a transfer.

McQuarrie is a pro-style passer, which again raises the question as to what kind of offense Chip Kelly plans on running. It appears that despite running a pure spread-option at Oregon, Kelly has shifted towards including more pro-style concepts in his offense since his days in the NFL.

Another thing that’s been clear is that Chip Kelly has a very particular idea as to what kind of culture he wants. I’m not sure exactly what that culture is, but he wants players that fit it and buy-in, which is far from everybody, as evidenced by the sheer number of players UCLA has lost to the transfer portal since Kelly’s arrival. And for whatever reasons, McQuarrie’s comments have made it clear that he felt at home at UCLA with Chip Kelly, despite being courted by other schools such as Boston College, Miami, and Michigan.

He spoke glowingly of Chip Kelly and the connection he felt with Chip being from New Hampshire as well. And he was very excited about the fact that UCLA under Chip is now running a more pro-style offense that Parker McQuarrie feels fits his own abilities. So for those reasons, McQuarrie certainly seems to be a fit for the program, even if he doesn’t see any playing time this year.