Interview: 2020 QB Tucker Bridwell Quietly Ripping Apart 4A Texas Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a lot of scuttlebutt out of Pampa, Texas, and most are seemingly breezing past it, but the clamoring in the area is for good reason. Class of 2020 quarterback Tucker Bridwell has quietly, on his own, gone about picking apart 4A Lone Star State defenses with great results. The gunslinger has put up fantastic numbers and has pushed his Harvesters squad into the playoffs.
The junior campaign for Bridwell was a statement season throwing for 3,232 yards with 25 touchdowns while rushing for 173 yards with a trip into the end zone. The Harvesters ended the year 4-7 knowing an offseason of hard work was ahead if greatness was desired. Those hours of work fine-tuning and developing their craft has gone towards an 8-2 year in 2019 with a playoff opening game against Gainesville coming on Friday. Their 6-1, 180-pound, gunslinger has hit 195 passes for 2,946 yards with 27 scores and has rushed for another 163 yards with two more touchdowns to guide the way.
Bridwell’s style in the Air Raid offense is somewhat reminiscent of former Florida Gators quarterback Danny Wuerffel. Bridwell can sling the ball downfield and with touch, and he can run the short game moving the chains taking what the defense is giving. Those efforts have been rewarded with scholarships by McMurray (TX) and Texas Baptist with teams like SMU, Southern Nazarene, Midwestern, and West Texas showing interest.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I got some time with Bridwell ahead of the Harvesters showdown against Gainesville and for an update on his season.
Interview
Tucker, the Harvesters’ offense has been prolific this season against 4A Texas competition. How have you led the team to such a high-achieving status?
“I try to be a leader and I try to get my team to come along with me. We try to make everything perfect in practice – our routes, throws, blocking – everything.”
What style of offense are you directing this season?
“A no-huddle Air Raid offense.”
How does the offense fit your skillset?
“I’m not the biggest, but I can throw it into any window. I know every play in the offense, I know my checks, and I know what the defense is doing.”
Back in the spring and summer months, what did you do to prepare for the 2019 grind?
“We had 7v7 and Panhandle every Monday. Every day I would throw with my dad, throw into nets, and work on my footwork. I got bigger, faster, and stronger. My technique improved, I developed a faster release, got up and out with my delivery and got my hip into it so I am not throwing so much with my arm.”
Some of this you have already touched on, but after a 10-game schedule how else are you seeing that hard work payoff in the form of improvements?
“My accuracy would be the biggest thing. Plus, we were 4-7 last season. We have pushed through for some tough wins this season to go 8-2.”
Of the games this season, which has been your top performance?
“The Hereford game, our first district game. I threw for 435 yards against them. I was 14 of 18 with five passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.”
Certainly, a qualifying top game. You have the deep ball down, and with touch, is there another aspect to your game that might get overlooked?
“My quick outs and screens. I am getting the ball to the receivers fast.”
The team was on a six-game winning streak before meeting up with Dumas (38-15). Even though that was a tough setback, how did the loss help make the team better in time for the playoffs?
“I think it was a wakeup call. We got big-headed and thought we were better than what we are. That loss made us focus for the playoffs.”
After taking down Canyon, the Harvesters play Gainesville (8-2) on Friday. What kind of game are you expecting from the Leopards’ defense?
“They are a fast and physical defense, but we can attack their weak spots and do what we do.”
Tucker, I appreciate your time today and wish success for you and the team in the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: Charles Shults; No. 18 Tucker Bridwell