Landon Duckworth

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-4, 215 lbs. Taller than 80% and heavier than 84% of 2026 Quarterback prospects in the SEC Scouts database (128 with a listed size).

Play Style

He fits a spread, RPO-heavy offense. He's most dangerous when the defense has to account for him on read-option and QB-run plays, and he uses that pressure to set up play-action shots downfield. On film he gets rid of the ball fast on quick game and RPO throws, and he's at his best when a play breaks down. He escapes the edge, keeps his eyes downfield, and can either throw deep on the run or turn it into a long run. His explosive plays come from the deep ball and scrambling. His inconsistent throws come on timing routes in the middle of the field, where his feet and the receiver's break don't always line up. His style is close to the incumbent LaNorris Sellers: a big, athletic passer who creates explosive plays both ways.

Strengths

• Big-play arm that holds up under pressure: as a junior he threw for 3,439 yards and 39 TDs, and he had 5 TD passes in the 69-6 state title win. His best game was 535 yards and 5 TDs on 77% passing against Mobile Christian. Scouts say he throws with good velocity and places the deep ball well.
• Real run threat: he ran for 648 yards and 12 TDs as a junior, then 626 yards and 11 TDs on only 78 carries (8.0 per carry) as a senior. He can run zone-read and QB-designed runs, not just scramble, which puts a defense a player short against the run.
• Quick release and ability to move in the pocket. He can escape pressure, keep the play alive, and still throw downfield instead of taking off right away.
• Proven in big games: 4A Back of the Year and state title game MVP as a junior, another state title (52-0) as a senior, and an Elite 11 finalist and All-American Bowl selection. He handled the national QB circuit well.
• Competitive makeup from multiple sports. Coaches gave him South Carolina's spring Spirit Award as an early enrollee, which says a lot about his work habits and how he fits in the locker room.

Areas to Improve

• Accuracy on intermediate throws and consistency: his senior year was 63.1% (137 of 217) with 9 INTs. Both the 247 and SI evaluations point to intermediate accuracy and uneven timing, and his footwork drifts when he's forced off his spot.
• Decision-making and processing: most of his high school offense came from simple reads against 4A defenses where he was the best athlete on the field. He needs to learn to work progressions, read post-snap rotation, and throw with anticipation into tight windows against SEC defenses.
• Staying healthy as a runner: at 215 pounds he has to learn when to slide or get out of bounds. He should also keep adding strength before he's used heavily as a designed runner.
• His senior numbers dropped (2,243 yards and 21 TD versus 3,439 and 39 as a junior), and his national ranking fell from #51 to #154. His passing development needs to catch up with his athleticism.

College Projection

He enrolled early in January 2026 and backs up LaNorris Sellers, who is a redshirt junior. Before the season, the expectation was that he'd play early instead of redshirting (On3 predicted an early debut). I couldn't confirm whether he has actually taken snaps in 2026. Year 1: package and change-of-pace QB work, plus late-game snaps, possibly used within the 4-game redshirt limit. Year 2 (2027): likely the favorite to start if Sellers leaves for the NFL, though Cutter Woods and Lucian Anderson are also on the roster. Realistically he becomes a multi-year SEC starter by 2027-28, provided his intermediate accuracy improves.

NFL Outlook

He has Day 2-3 NFL potential with a higher ceiling. Few quarterbacks combine 6-4, 215+ size, sprinter speed, and this kind of arm. The NFL keeps drafting athletic QBs early when they show they can process and throw accurately from the pocket, and that is his deciding question. If his completion rate and turnover-worthy plays improve against SEC defenses, the tools could push him higher. If he stays mainly an athlete who is inconsistent from the pocket, he projects as a later pick taken for development.

Best Fit

A spread or RPO offense that uses designed QB runs, zone-read, and vertical play-action. The best situation lets him learn behind an established starter for a year and has a QB coach who can tighten his footwork. South Carolina fits that well. The Gamecocks already run an offense built around an athletic, big-armed QB in Sellers, and Duckworth gets a year to develop before he likely takes over.