A transfer from Notre Dame, Phil Jurkovec has developed nicely into a potential NFL prospect with quality tools that the NFL finds attractive. He has a decent arm and the tools up top with his release, but his lower body mechanics have attributed heavily to his collapse this season in the eyes of the media. Until he works on fixing his footwork, he will be very limited as a professional prospect.
HT: 6041
WT: 226
Year: Super Redshirt Junior
High School: Pine-Richland (Pittsburgh, PA)
Rating: 4-star (0.9593)
Phil Jurkovec scouting notes
Pros:
- Throws well off his back foot, maintains accuracy for the most part.
- Shows the ability to throw with touch. Throws a good, catchable ball.
- Release is tight but restrained. Very quick out of his hands. Releases at a very good point.
- Has the ability to throw with excellent anticipation.
- Positions well in the pocket generally.
- Offers some improvability ability.
- Pre-snap reads are usually good.
Cons:
- Arm strength is suitable, but not great.
- Box accurate quarterback. Inconsistent overall with his accuracy, especially on out-concepts. Has a tendency to throw off of his back foot, which limits his arm. When he steps into his throws, he’s solid.
- Tends to underthrow receivers relatively often, especially on deeper throws. Flashes the ability to cash in on big throws. Flashes the ability to throw good out-breaking routes, but is wildly inconsistent.
- Doesn’t maneuver through the pocket like you would hope to see. Flashes the ability to work up in the pocket, but is oftentimes afraid of stepping up and bails out with some pressure and space to work up within.
- Footwork isn’t particularly ideal. Doesn’t step into the throw often with a quick drop, preferring to throw off of his back foot.
- Has decent mobility outside of the pocket, won’t outrun many defenders but can keep plays alive. Will try to extend the play sometimes the wrong way. Needs to learn to throw the ball away. Operates well under pressure outside of the pocket.
- Limited downfield run ability. He can burn defenses with space, but not a particularly adept runner.
- Doesn’t see the field as well as you would like. Tries to force throws oftentimes. Will sometimes stare down receivers, a bad habit that he needs to work through.
- Suffered a separated shoulder in his seventh start, but played through three games with the issue. Missed several games in 2021 with an injury. Returned with four games to go against Virginia Tech.
