Five reasons QB Grayson McCall could be perfect fit for the Auburn Tigers

Grayson McCall would be a perfect fit to run a Hugh Freeze offense.

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Dec 13, 2022 1:32 PM EST

In this story:

Since Grayson McCall entered the transfer portal, it makes more and more sense why he would want to bring his talent to the Plains.

In his three years as a starter, McCall threw for 7,994 passing yards to go with 77 touchdowns. All this while maintaining a 70.4 completion percentage and only throwing eight interceptions.

McCall also rushed for 1,042 yards and 16 touchdowns in his time as the Chanticleers starting quarterback.

Let's take a look at five reasons why McCall would be an absolutely perfect fit with Hugh Freeze on the Plains.

He takes what it given to him

Oct 20, 2021; Boone, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) throws a pass under pressure from Appalachian State Mountaineers defensive lineman Zareon Hayes (30) during the second half at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports — © Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

McCall has a career completion percentage of 70.4%. Largely due in part to the lack of a deep, downfield route tree. He would take what was given to him. How McCall was used at Coastal Carolina is likely how Freeze would use him if he chose the Tigers. McCall creates long-sustaining drives that put points up on the board and keeps the defense well-rested, which is just how Coach Freeze likes to do things.

He's a gritty runner

Sep 3, 2022; Conway, South Carolina, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) runs the ball against Army Black Knights defensive lineman Nathaniel Smith (44) in the first half at Brooks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports — © David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

McCall is not the fastest guy in the world, but he is quick enough to keep the defense honest. McCall ran a lot of option plays at Coastal Carolina and accumulated over 1,000 yards rushing, including over 500 in his breakout 2020 season. Perhaps we could see some of that if he chose the Tigers. McCall's ability to use his legs would work great in a Hugh Freeze system.

He has great touch and accuracy

Oct 15, 2022; Conway, South Carolina, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) passes the ball in the first quarter against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Brooks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports — © David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

The amount of touch and accuracy McCall possess is incredibly impressive. He can drop it over the linebacker's head or fit it between a safety and a corner. This is what makes him so deadly - and quite honestly what would make him so valuable to Auburn. The Tigers haven't had the greatest vertical passing attack for a few seasons because of inaccuracy from the QB position.

McCall isn't the type of guy that will sling the ball 60 yards downfield. He's going to be precise within thirty yards of the line of scrimmage. This is the type of quarterback that defenses absolutely hate playing against.

McCall uses play action perfectly

Oct 28, 2021; Conway, South Carolina, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) pror to a game against the Troy Trojans at Brooks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports — © David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

McCall and the Chanticleers used a lot of play-action. This helped him find open receivers downfield or take off if nothing was there. Coach Freeze runs a lot of play-action, so this is another thing that wouldn't be a hard adjustment for McCall. When play action is used properly, it can be deadly, and the tandem of Freeze and McCall will make this work.

He can make the downfield throws when called upon to do so

Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall (10) throws the ball during warms ups prior to an NCAA football game against Georgia State on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) — AP Photo/Stew Milne

I have been talking a lot about McCall keeping it relatively close to the line of scrimmage, but don't think for a second that he can't land a deep shot. McCall's accuracy ranges downfield as well, but Coastal Carolina didn't take advantage of it all that often. If McCall chooses Auburn, the deep balls will directly connect to the play action game.

Coach Freeze would be able to use the rushing attack to create opportunities downfield. McCall at Auburn could be as perfect of a fit as possible, thanks to the many different skills he brings to the table.