2021 Houston Preseason Position Previews: Quarterback

Dana Holgorsen came to Houston to win games and liven up the offense. So far, it hasn’t bene what fans expected, but he’s done well to bring talent in that will help him achieve that goal. Some of the players he inherited remain, and a few of them have thrived under his watch. Quarterback continues to be a point of discussion for fans, whether they like the play or not from the position. Holgorsen enters a critical year in 2021, and quarterback play will be the focal point to achieving success.

Clayton Tune

Clayton Tune wasn’t Dana’s guy, but they’ve worked well together for the most part. This hasn’t been one of the most explosive offenses that Holgorsen’s produced, but there have been some exciting plays both in the air and on the ground. It’s tough for tune, because the most games he’s played in a season is eight. While that’s still plenty of time to know what he can do, it’s less than ideal for a guy who’s started for the offense for 2.5 years. Last year got off to a rough start. Two turnovers set the Coogs behind against Tulane early, but Tune and the offense regrouped and found a way to move the ball down the field with ease. With pressure building, however, he won’t be afforded the same luxury in 2021.

At this point, I feel it necessary to say that Tune’s job is in no way, shape, or form in jeopardy. He’d have to get hurt or absolutely bomb the beginning of the season before he gets replaced. It’s better for Houston to have experience running the show, but there are some intriguing options behind him that could step in if needed.

Soffian Massoud and Maddox Kopp

Massoud was a three-star recruit from Cy Lakes High School, but played at Bronx Cardinal Hayes before his senior year. He threw for 3,106 yards and totaled 42 touchdowns his senior year on his way to becoming a Texas Top 100 prospect. He’s a kid with a live arm that could be extremely fun to watch in Dana’s system, and the battle between Kopp and him will be entertaining to watch play out in the future.

Kopp is a 6’5”, 210 pound three star recruit from the 2021 class. He threw for over 6,000 yards and 59 touchdowns for St. Thomas, and gives Dana a big quarterback who can make nearly any throw. His three brothers are also college athletes, meaning he was destined to be a college player. Kopp has the advantage in terms of the physical tools you can’t teach, and fans were excited to see him sign with the Coogs.

Outlook

Clayton Tune will be the quarterback for the Coogs in 2021, with Massoud and Kopp waiting for their turn in 2022. The two are talented enough to push Tune a little right now, but neither are going to seriously compete for his job. Tune needs to be better in order to bring this offense where fans want it to go, but he has the tools to make that happen. If the Houston offense is going to be explosive, it’s because Tune takes them there. And if he gets more time to throw. More on that later in this series.