One to Watch Interview: 2019 Iowa QB Max Duggan Drawing Attention after Freshman Season on Varsity

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When upper classmen on Lewis Central High School’s football team started prepping for the 2015 season, safe to assume few thought a freshman would be leading their team when the season began. Safer to assume the initial thought was less inclined to be supportive of a run into the playoffs with said freshman taking the helm. But that is exactly what Max Duggan did for the Titans last season winning against the odds while winning over his teammates.

The Titans posted a 9-4 mark making a three-game run into the Iowa High School Playoffs before falling to Dowling. Along the way, the 6’2”, 175 pound, dual-threat quarterback passed for 1,389 yards with 12 touchdowns against just one pick. Perhaps equally impressive was his 61 percent pass completion rating. On the ground he added 359 yards with four more scores showing early signs of how dangerous he could become with a little more time and experience under his belt.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Council Bluffs area talent to get an overview on his highly successful freshman season, his offseason workout plans, and covered his potential camp circuit schedule.

Interview

Max, heading into your freshman season did you know you would be the starter for Lewis Central?

“I knew that there was another kid that I was splitting reps with but I did not know I was going to win the job.”

How did the quarterback battle play out?

“It was good. It was fun competing against him every day. It was fun knowing your spot is not in concrete and you have to earn it.”

What was the first game under the lights like for you?

“There were some nerves there. It was my first high school game and I was pumped for it.”

Did you have a good first game?

“Yeah, I think I threw for two touchdowns and we won the game.”

What were some of the things you got better at as the season went along?

“Just reading defenses. In middle school you did not have to read the defenses. I pretty much relied on athletic ability. As the season went on I got better at knowing where people are on the field through my progressions.”

What are some of the things you do well in the pocket?

“I think one of my strengths is taking care of the ball and not forcing turnovers giving the other team possessions giving up a chance for us to score. Another thing is throwing the ball away playing for another down. My accuracy is good. I can throw it where my guy can get it.”

What type of offense do you guys run?

“We ran a spread offense but sometimes I would go under center. Most of the times we would spread people out.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of your freshman season on the varsity level?

“Yes. I was third team All-District and All-City. I was named Iowa Preps Freshman of the Year and I got 4A Offensive Player of the Year from a local website.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“Our team goal is to be a successful team. I want to benefit my team in any way that I can and win as many games as possible.”

How does the team look going into the 2016 season?

“I think we will be good. We lost a lot of talented guys but we bring back a lot. I think we’ll be a good team next year.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“Mostly footwork. I’m getting better at my drops, moving my feet in the pocket, and getting out with pressure coming in and rolling out looking downfield.”

How far can you throw the ball on a 3-step drop?

“On a 3-step around 50 to 55 yards.”

What camps are you going to this offseason?

“This summer I’m trying to hit some but I’m not sure which ones yet. I was invited to a Nike Opening regional in New Jersey.”

Will you attend any college camps?

“I might attend some. I will probably attend camps at Iowa, Iowa State, Nebraska, and other local nearby camps.”

Are you playing any other sports for Lewis Central?

“I play baseball, basketball, and I run track.”

How did the basketball season go for you?

“It was really fun. At the beginning of the season I was on the freshman team and then got moved up to junior varsity. Within a month I was on varsity only.”

Did you get a lot of playing time at the varsity level?

“Towards the end of the season, when we made our run in the tournament I did.”

What kind of basketball player are you?

“I’m more of a defensive player. I go for the rebounds and play defense.”

Who are you cheering for in the NCAA Tournament?

“My bracket is done. I guess I’m cheering for North Carolina because Marcus Paige is from Iowa.”

Do you have a GPA you don’t mind sharing?

“I have a 3.67.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“History.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“Being with my friends for three to three-and-half hours a day playing football. Competing – I never get tired of it. I never get bored with football be it the games or practices.”

Max, thanks for your time today and good luck with track and the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Lewis Central High School; No. 10 Max Duggan to Mitchell Brinkman (Northern Illinois).

Photo credit: Lewis Central High School; No. 10 Max Duggan

Photo credit: Lewis Central High School; No. 10 Max Duggan