LS LSU’s TJ Finley: From Promise to Future Potential
Introduction:
TJ Finley’s journey in college football has been a captivating one, marked by moments of promise, struggles, and resilience. As a quarterback, the Louisiana State University (LSU) product has been on a path that many college football fans are watching closely, eager to see how his career will unfold. Known for his impressive size, strong arm, and athleticism, Finley has all the physical tools necessary to be an impact player in the world of college football. But his journey has been anything but linear, and the twists and turns of his path speak to the challenges many athletes face when trying to establish themselves at the collegiate level.
This article will explore the story of TJ Finley, highlighting his early career, challenges, and future potential in the world of college football. We will delve into his time at LSU, the reasons for his transfer to Auburn, his growth as a player, and what might lie ahead for Finley as he works toward securing a significant role in the college football landscape.
Early Promise at LSU:
TJ Finley’s football career started with immense promise, thanks to his physical attributes. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing over 240 pounds, Finley immediately caught the eye of recruiters and analysts alike. His ability to throw the ball with precision, coupled with his impressive size, made him an intriguing prospect when he committed to LSU. Finley arrived on LSU’s campus as a part of their 2020 recruiting class, joining the Tigers with high expectations.
Finley’s first real opportunity to play came in his true freshman season in 2020. LSU was going through a rebuilding phase after winning the national championship in 2019, and the Tigers were dealing with a few key injuries at quarterback. Finley got his chance to start in several games that year, showcasing his talent and potential.
In his debut performance against South Carolina in October 2020, Finley stepped in for an injured Myles Brennan and delivered an impressive performance, passing for 265 yards and leading the Tigers to a victory. This showing sparked excitement among LSU fans and coaches, who saw Finley as a possible future cornerstone of the program. His physicality and ability to make strong throws down the field were evident, and there were high hopes for his development moving forward.
Challenges at LSU:
Despite his early success, Finley’s time at LSU was filled with challenges. The quarterback competition at LSU during the 2020 and 2021 seasons was fierce, and the program’s expectations were high. LSU brought in Max Johnson, another talented quarterback, which created a crowded quarterback room. The competition became increasingly intense, and Finley found himself struggling to secure the starting job as a sophomore in 2021.
Finley’s struggles were not unusual, given the level of talent competing for the starting position at LSU. While Finley showed flashes of brilliance, he also displayed inconsistency in key moments, which ultimately led to him losing out on the starting job. After battling for the top spot during the 2021 season, Finley was not able to overcome the strong play of Max Johnson, who eventually emerged as the team’s starting quarterback.
In addition to the competition, LSU’s offense under head coach Ed Orgeron was not always the most stable or effective, which did not always help the quarterbacks in the system. The inconsistency in offensive schemes, along with Finley’s own struggles with decision-making and timing, made it difficult for him to seize the job permanently.
The Transfer to Auburn:
After spending two seasons at LSU, Finley made the decision to transfer to Auburn University in 2022. The move to Auburn offered a fresh start for Finley, as he sought a new opportunity to showcase his talents and develop further as a quarterback. The transfer made sense in many ways, as Auburn was in a period of transition with a new coaching staff under Bryan Harsin and a need for a quarterback who could step in and contribute immediately.
At Auburn, Finley was reunited with his former LSU quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo, who had taken the offensive coordinator job at Auburn. The familiarity with Bobo’s system was an advantage for Finley, as it allowed him to quickly acclimate to his new environment. Auburn was looking to rebound after a challenging season, and Finley had the potential to be part of the solution. However, as was the case at LSU, competition for the starting quarterback spot at Auburn was fierce.
Struggles and Growth at Auburn:
Finley’s time at Auburn has been a bit of a mixed bag. In 2022, he was in a fierce battle for the starting quarterback role with Zach Calzada, a transfer from Texas A&M. Calzada ultimately won the job, but Finley still saw some playing time in various games. Though he showed some flashes of his potential, the team’s offensive struggles, coupled with Finley’s own inconsistencies, made it difficult for him to make the leap into the starting role.
That said, Finley’s time at Auburn has been valuable in terms of his growth as a player. The competition he’s faced has allowed him to refine his skills and work on areas that he struggled with during his earlier years at LSU, such as his decision-making and pocket awareness. Under the guidance of Bobo and Auburn’s offensive staff, Finley has had the opportunity to continue to learn and grow as a quarterback, all while benefiting from the pressure and competition that playing at a high level brings.
In the 2023 season, Finley was able to take on a more significant role with the Tigers. Though Auburn still faced challenges as a team, Finley’s development has been a key storyline, as he’s had the opportunity to show his improvement in some critical games. In particular, his leadership skills and ability to manage the game have been notable, and his physical attributes remain an advantage that can help him succeed at the highest level of college football.
What’s Next for TJ Finley?
Looking ahead to Finley’s future, several key factors will determine his trajectory. First, his ability to seize the starting quarterback role at Auburn will be crucial. With competition still a constant in the Auburn quarterback room, Finley’s experience and leadership will be important assets as he continues to battle for the job.
Beyond just securing a starting spot, Finley will need to further develop his skills in key areas, including decision-making, consistency, and leadership. If he can cut down on mistakes, build chemistry with his receivers, and showcase his arm strength and athleticism in critical situations, he has the potential to thrive at Auburn. Additionally, with his size and mobility, Finley could develop into a dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays both through the air and on the ground.
Finley’s future also hinges on the development of Auburn’s offense as a whole. The Tigers are working on rebuilding their program and ensuring that their offensive line and receiving corps are in top form. If the team can provide Finley with a solid foundation to work with, it could elevate his play to new heights and lead to a breakout year in 2024.
Furthermore, beyond college football, Finley’s future is also worth noting. While he still has some work to do at the collegiate level, his physical tools have not gone unnoticed by NFL scouts. If Finley can put together a strong season at Auburn, he could open the door to a professional career. With the right development and continued improvement, he could catch the attention of NFL teams looking for quarterbacks with both size and athleticism.
Conclusion:
TJ Finley’s career has been a testament to the ups and downs of being a college athlete in a highly competitive environment. From his early promise at LSU to his transfer to Auburn, Finley’s journey has been one of growth, perseverance, and adjustment. While he has faced challenges, his raw talent and physical abilities remain undeniable.
As Finley continues to develop at Auburn, college football fans will be watching closely to see how his story unfolds. With another year to prove himself, Finley’s future is filled with potential. Whether he ultimately becomes a standout quarterback for Auburn or transitions to a professional career, his journey through the highs and lows of college football will continue to captivate those who follow the sport. The story of TJ Finley is far from over, and his best may still be ahead.