UConn Player Profile: Tyler Phommachanh, Quarterback
Number: #12 | Year: rFr | Height: 5102 | Weight: 182 | Hometown: Stratford, CT | High School: Avon Old Farms School
ONE LINER
An extremely athletic quarterback who keeps plays alive with his feet; can throw with accuracy on the run and demonstrates tremendous leadership.
EVALUATION
Things seem to move fast for Phommachanh, who owns an ultra-quick release, makes swift decisions and is elusive in the open field when he tucks and runs. The dual-threat slinger does a nice job connecting with his targets when rolling out and doesn’t hesitate to take advantage of open grass when presented the opportunity. However, his playing style will always leave him susceptible to taking big hits. Phommachanh has been limited during the spring, as he recovers from a torn ACL. He has drawn great praise for his leadership and tends to be a player that teammates gravitate towards. Phommachanh flashed potential in limited action a year ago and will certainly be in the mix as a contender for the starting gig in 2022.
QUOTABLE
“Tyler really hasn’t been able to do much other than just kind a little bit of light throwing. I watched his film from last year, I was impressed with him. I met him at Clemson, was terribly impressed with him. As I’ve been around him more and more, I love his personality. I think he has charisma, I think he’s got leadership ability and I’m excited to see him get on the field and compete hard this summer.” – UConn football head coach Jim L. Mora on Tyler Phommachanh
BACKGROUND
Phommachanh (pronounced PUMA-chan). Started three games (first Connecticut native to start at quarterback for the Huskies since Tim Boyle in 2015) in 2021 before a season-ending ACL injury; completed 35-of-72 passes (48.6%) for 321 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, ran for 92 yards and two touchdowns on 24 attempts. Played for head coach Pierce Brennan at Avon Old Farms School; threw for 1,144 passing yards and 15 touchdowns on 67 completions; ran for 208 yards on 60 carries and three touchdowns. Son of Sam and Jasmine Phommachanh; has older brother, Taisun, who is the backup to D.J. Uiagalelei at Clemson. A business-undecided major.
Tyler (left) and Taisun Phommachanh share a moment postgame. pic.twitter.com/EnI7PIBIun
— UCTV Sports (@UCTVSports) November 13, 2021
LATEST NEWS
04/01/22 – The Stratford native started three games last season before a season-ending knee injury, which has kept Phommachanh limited early on during the spring. He has been the ultimate team player, participating in any way possible, whether lining up on scout team or encouraging others. Phommachanh was more active during this particular practice and was able to increase his quarterback reps, connecting on several well-thrown balls. (Source: UConn Illustrated)
09/11/21 – For the first time in history, Clemson and UConn will meet on the football field this weekend in Death Valley. One of the more intriguing storylines heading into this game is the fact that backup quarterback Taisun Phommachanh's younger brother Tyler is the quarterback of the Huskies. However, his season was cut short after tearing his ACL in a loss to Vanderbilt. While there is absolutely some disappointment in Tyler not being able to take the field, the younger brother said it hasn't stopped the trash talk. “I would have loved it,” Tyler Phommachanh said Tuesday. “I spoke to him actually on Monday, going back and forth, talking a little smack to him.” (Source: All Clemson on SI)
