Notice something about USC’s defense in the first two games of 2022? The Trojans are not giving up the home-run pass over the top. This defense has a lot of weaknesses, but allowing the deep ball isn’t one of them.
Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee was rated a four-star recruit by ESPN and was handed a four-star grade by 247Sports. He finished third in 2017 in the Elite 11 Finals behind future first-round picks Justin Field (Chicago Bears) and Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars).
In 2020 as a Stanford freshman, McKee played in one game for the Cardinal.
The 6-foot-6, 228-pound signal-caller is one of the more intriguing prospects in the nation. He beat cancer at 16 years old. After his freshman season at Stanford, he completed his two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Brazil Curitiba South region. After completing his Mormon mission McKee has set himself up for greatness on the field. His leadership and talent have given him a decent chance to be an early-round pick in the 2023 or 2024 NFL draft.
Last season, McKee completed 206 of 315 passes for 2,327 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. McKee didn’t get much help in David Shaw’s offense as the Cardinal finished 3-9 in 2021.
McKee made some impressive back-shoulder throws against USC, but nothing on passes beyond the 20-25-yard range. He didn’t hit the 40- or 50-yard passes which instantly change field position and can provide the Trees with quick-strike points. USC’s secondary was able to shut off this line of attack, and it mattered.
Congrats to our 2022 Team Captains!
🌲 » @LevaniDamuni
🌲 » @OriginalMcGill3
🌲 » @McKeeTmckee
🌲 » @rickymiezan
🌲 » @drakenugent9
🌲 » @mikewilllyy #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/aLGrLtwLRw— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) August 22, 2022
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