Hunter

Dekkers

The Saints’ quarterback competition has shrunk to three. Dekkers was never really a contender for the starting role but his removal could result in one of the remaining three taking more second-team reps.

Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener will continue to get opportunities to compete for the starting role. The Saints currently employ a quarterback rotation with the first-team offense, and they will “continue to do that, leading up to the Chargers game and then [they will] adjust from there.” Rattler has had a decent camp thus far but Shough could end up the starter by default if Rattler fails to separate.

Dekkers spent three seasons with the Cyclones of Iowa State before stepping away from football following an indictment surrounding charges related to sports gambling. He then played his final collegiate season at Iowa Western before being invited to Saints camp. Dekkers spent his redshirt season backing up Brock Purdy at Iowa State. He’ll likely battle for a practice squad spot behind Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.

With star RB Breece Hall in the backfield last year ISU chose to build their offensive approach around the run game and didn’t take too many chances downfield. However when First Team All-Big 12 wideout Xavier Hutchinson was questioned about the direction of this year’s offense he said “Seventy-yard bombs, running those routes this summer has been extremely fun. We can go get it.” Last year only five B12 programs completed a 70-yard pass, so ISU is clearly looking to join that explosive club this season. The Cyclones open on September 3 against FCS opponent Southeast Missouri before taking on in-state rival @Iowa in Week 2.

Purdy (6'1/220) took some hard hits during Saturday’s game, and was ultimately taken back to the locker room in the third quarter to undergo tests for a possible concussion. The senior quarterback completed 16-of-20 passes for 118 yards, and he was also responsible for a late-second quarter fumble that Oklahoma returned for a touchdown. Hunter Dekkers has replaced Purdy at quarterback.

Purdy (6'1/220) had a difficult afternoon, completing 13-of-27 passes for 137 yards and three interceptions. While there were reports of the junior quarterback having his right leg massaged at various points, Iowa’s stellar defense deserves much of the credit. After his third pick Purdy was pulled, with freshman Hunter Dekkers being handed the reins.

Purdy (6'1/220) was pulled from the game after throwing his third interception, with freshman Hunter Dekkers filling the void. Following the game, Campbell said that he made the decision in order for Purdy to collect himself mentally. He did not return but, following the game, Campbell dispelled any notion of there being a quarterback competition on the horizon. “Brock is going to be our guy,” Campbell said. Next up for the Cyclones is a September 18 game at UNLV.

“Dekkers is a sneaky good athlete and powerful left-handed passer,” write ESPN’s Tom Luginbill and Tom VanHaaren. The analyst duo has been impressed with the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder’s poise and polish. Dekkers initially pledged to Iowa State near the end of June. In the newly revamped ESPN300, the Hawarden, Iowa, native slots in as the No. 191 overall prospect in the 2020 class.