ESPN rated him as the 26th best QB in the 2010 class with a 78 grade (just below a 4*).
Here's what they said about him:
Hirschman is a pocket passer with prototypical size, bulk and arm strength. In an era of the spread offense and quarterbacks rarely having to work from under center, it is refreshing to see a guy work entirely from under center and possess sound footwork and excellent ball handling skills. He has a thick, sturdy build and is capable of standing in the face of the rush and delivering strikes. Primarily works out of the three and five step passing game as well as short rolls to both sides and a heavy dose of play-action. Is often asked to turn his back to the defense, flip his hips around off play pass, plant and throw. Does an excellent job setting his feet and is a balanced guy in the pocket. Drop speed is adequate and consistent and he has proven he can plant and throw off his 5th step and also reset when necessary without over-striding or throwing off balance. Possesses an excellent intermediate range arm to make all the necessary throws to the sideline and down the middle of the field including the skinny post, hash seam and comeback along the sideline. Is very crisp off play-action throwing deeper posts and drag routes with good timing and anticipation. He shows very good command of this scheme, knows where to go with the ball and can throw to a spot with confidence his target will be in stride.
Hirschman is not going to be a dual-threat guy that creates a lot of plays with his legs, but he shows very good pocket presence, awareness and the feet to sidestep and avoid the rush to buy a second passing chance. Keeps his eyes downfield when rush or flushed and makes a lot of plays in the passing game at the last second as a result. He has a very strong, over-the-top release that at times can appear to be a bit rigid or robotic, but he consistently delivers the ball with power and good overall velocity-- particularly in the underneath and intermediate passing game. He does not play in a wide-open scheme and this offense requires him to develop timing, anticipation and rely upon progressions to be successful which will better prepare him for the collegiate level than many guys who are now playing in the spread offense. As mentioned, there are times when Hirschman's methods can be mechanical in nature and he will show some tension as a passer, but is sharp nonetheless.
Overall, Hirschman possesses both the necessary tools and measurables to be a very successful pocket passer at the next level in the right situation. We feel he needs to be protected to be at his finest and improve overall footwork, but he is a well-groomed guy that displays good command, leadership knowledge of the game.
Scout had Hirschman as a 3* prospect and its #42 QB in the 2010 class. Here was their opinion of him:
STRENGTHS
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Solid in the pocket, good in the deep passing game and excels in the short and intermediate routes. Physical presence, he looks like a linebacker. Very accurate passers, had an 11-to-1 TD/INT ratio.
Rivals had Hirschman as a 3* prospect with a 5.6 grade (middle of the 3* range) and its #48 QB.
He's a winner, having led his high school team, Los Gatos, to the CIF medium school state championship.
He drew favorable comparisons from coaches to former Los Gatos HS star QB Trent Edwards, who made it to the NFL.
He's a Rob Johnson prospect, one of the nation's elite QB coaches, and was recruited to CU largely based on his recommendation.
We've only seen Hirschman once in live action. In the 2010 Spring Game, he got opportunities to run all of two pass plays. On one he scrambled for 21 yards. On the other, he completed an 83 yard touchdown pass.
All evidence we have points to him being a prototype QB for a pro style offense and a guy who makes plays and wins in game situations.
What does your crystal ball say about Hirschman's future as a Buff?
Here's what they said about him:
Hirschman is a pocket passer with prototypical size, bulk and arm strength. In an era of the spread offense and quarterbacks rarely having to work from under center, it is refreshing to see a guy work entirely from under center and possess sound footwork and excellent ball handling skills. He has a thick, sturdy build and is capable of standing in the face of the rush and delivering strikes. Primarily works out of the three and five step passing game as well as short rolls to both sides and a heavy dose of play-action. Is often asked to turn his back to the defense, flip his hips around off play pass, plant and throw. Does an excellent job setting his feet and is a balanced guy in the pocket. Drop speed is adequate and consistent and he has proven he can plant and throw off his 5th step and also reset when necessary without over-striding or throwing off balance. Possesses an excellent intermediate range arm to make all the necessary throws to the sideline and down the middle of the field including the skinny post, hash seam and comeback along the sideline. Is very crisp off play-action throwing deeper posts and drag routes with good timing and anticipation. He shows very good command of this scheme, knows where to go with the ball and can throw to a spot with confidence his target will be in stride.
Hirschman is not going to be a dual-threat guy that creates a lot of plays with his legs, but he shows very good pocket presence, awareness and the feet to sidestep and avoid the rush to buy a second passing chance. Keeps his eyes downfield when rush or flushed and makes a lot of plays in the passing game at the last second as a result. He has a very strong, over-the-top release that at times can appear to be a bit rigid or robotic, but he consistently delivers the ball with power and good overall velocity-- particularly in the underneath and intermediate passing game. He does not play in a wide-open scheme and this offense requires him to develop timing, anticipation and rely upon progressions to be successful which will better prepare him for the collegiate level than many guys who are now playing in the spread offense. As mentioned, there are times when Hirschman's methods can be mechanical in nature and he will show some tension as a passer, but is sharp nonetheless.
Overall, Hirschman possesses both the necessary tools and measurables to be a very successful pocket passer at the next level in the right situation. We feel he needs to be protected to be at his finest and improve overall footwork, but he is a well-groomed guy that displays good command, leadership knowledge of the game.
Scout had Hirschman as a 3* prospect and its #42 QB in the 2010 class. Here was their opinion of him:
STRENGTHS
- Arm Strength
- Pocket Awareness
- Size
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
- Speed
Solid in the pocket, good in the deep passing game and excels in the short and intermediate routes. Physical presence, he looks like a linebacker. Very accurate passers, had an 11-to-1 TD/INT ratio.
Rivals had Hirschman as a 3* prospect with a 5.6 grade (middle of the 3* range) and its #48 QB.
He's a winner, having led his high school team, Los Gatos, to the CIF medium school state championship.
He drew favorable comparisons from coaches to former Los Gatos HS star QB Trent Edwards, who made it to the NFL.
He's a Rob Johnson prospect, one of the nation's elite QB coaches, and was recruited to CU largely based on his recommendation.
We've only seen Hirschman once in live action. In the 2010 Spring Game, he got opportunities to run all of two pass plays. On one he scrambled for 21 yards. On the other, he completed an 83 yard touchdown pass.
All evidence we have points to him being a prototype QB for a pro style offense and a guy who makes plays and wins in game situations.
What does your crystal ball say about Hirschman's future as a Buff?
