Interview: 2022 Georgia QB Tyler Hughes Has All the D-I Tools
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The Georgia high school gridirons have been as prolific as any in recent years turning out top collegiate talent in the pocket. If a quarterback can get it done against Peach State defenses, especially at the 7A level, that kid has something going on worth of taking notice. At Marietta High School, Class of 2022 gunslinger Tyler Hughes has showcased all the skills of a Division I starting quarterback during the 2020 season.
In stats posted through nine games running Marietta’s Spread offense, Hughes has slung the ball around for 2,349 yards with 24 scores while rushing for 483 yards with eight trips into the end zone. As the Blue Devils’ rising star progresses on the field, a wealth of college programs is tacking him from the sidelines. Those following along includes Akron, Coastal Carolina, Middle Tennessee State, Eastern Carolina, Valdosta, Troy, and Kentucky.
In an RNG first-look interview, Hughes made at stop at the RNG Lab breaking down his junior season with an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Tyler, you are having a big junior year taking on Georgia 7A defenses. Taking a look at your season overall, what are you most proud of with all the efforts you put forth?
I am proud of my development as a passer. That is what I am most proud of. In previous years I was more of a running quarterback, but I focused on throwing almost every day during the offseason. That has helped my game out a lot.
You are slinging the pigskin around the yard at a great rate with the team averaging 283 yards per game. What has been clicking making you guys so successful in the passing attack?
Coach Morgan, he runs a nice passing offense. We like to take everything that is given. When people get greedy, we throw it behind them. If they are in a Cover 4, off 10 yards, we will throw something five yards in the soft spot.
What style of offense have you been running?
We run a Spread 90 percent of the time. We are more of a passing offense. Our run game is predominately through me. We throw the ball most of the time. We are a pass attacking offense with a lot of downfield throws.
Which routes are you connecting on with your receivers this season?
I hit a lot of digs, a lot of RPOs (run-pass option), and posts too. Digs and posts is what we hit the most.
What coverages have you been seeing from the opposition this season?
This year I have seen a lot of Cover 2, a lot of man, and Cover 0. Cover 2, Cover 1, and Cover 0 is what I am seeing 90 percent of the time.
As a passing QB, how do you felt your talents improved?
My ball placement and my consistency of throws. When moving around the pocket I am looking up field. In previous years, if I didn’t see something I would run. Now I am extending the play.
You can get after it with your legs seemingly moving the chains at will. What makes you such a deadly runner as a quarterback?
Growing up I ran track, from 8 to 12-years-old. That has helped my running abilities. I went to the Junior Olympics three out of those four years in the 400.
Are you still running track?
No, but I still do track condition drills with my coach every Sunday.
The team just popped Walton for a 36-24 win to close out the regular season. How is the team looking heading into the playoffs?
I feel like we have a lot momentum and confidence. We have come together playing better team ball on both sides of the ball. We have executed well in practice and we had a nice clean day today. Practice today, it went smoothly. I am extremely confident.
You guys get East Coweta (9-1) in the first round. What kind of game are you expecting from their defense?
I am expecting them to blitz a lot. They run the same coverages as Walton, we’ll have a lot of underneath options. They are a tough team that loves to blitz. I am aware of the blitzes coming.
Tyler, wishing for you and the teams’ success in the playoffs. I appreciate your time today. Thank you.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Hughes family; Tyler Hughes