2013 TCU Football Preview: The Defensive Backs

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Verrett has been named to 2013 watch lists for five national awards: Chuck Bednarik Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.

Verrett topped the Big 12 last season in interceptions (six) and passes defended (22). The 22 passes defended tied for the NCAA lead. He was the only player nationally to rank in the top 10 in both categories, tying for second in passes defended and sixth in interceptions.

Verrett was ranked by CollegeFootballNews.com as the nation's top cornerback. He was also named the San Antonio Express-News Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. His six picks were the most by a Horned Frog since Jason Goss had eight in 2002. Verrett's 16 pass breakups represented the highest total at TCU since Goss had 24 in 2002.

A native of Fairfield, Calif., Verrett tied for fourth on TCU with 63 tackles, including five for loss. The 63 stops marked the most by a cornerback in Gary Patterson's 12 seasons as TCU's head coach.

White started 12 games in 2012. His 15 career starts rank third among current Horned Frogs, trailing only Verrett (23) and quarterback Casey Pachall (17).

A Round Rock, Texas, native, White had eight pass breakups and an interception while totaling 37 tackles last season.

Keivon Gamble (5-10, 180, Sr.) and Travoskey Garrett (6-1, 190, So.) entered fall camp in second-team positions.

Gamble appeared in 12 games last season with a start against Oklahoma State. His seven special teams tackles tied for the TCU lead.

Garrett battled injuries his first two seasons with the Horned Frogs and has not seen game action.

Cyd Calvin (6-1, 175, Fr.) and Ranthony Texada (5-10, 160, Fr.) are true freshmen who will push for immediate playing time. They were teammates at Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas.

BY THE NUMBERS:

1 - Former TCU cornerbacks (Greg McCoy, Minnesota Vikings) active in the NFL

8 - All-conference selections at cornerback produced by Clay Jennings in his five seasons as cornerbacks coach for the Horned Frogs

22 - Passes defended (six interceptions, 16 pass breakups) by Jason Verrett last season, tying for first nationally

39 - Combined starts at cornerback for Jason Verrett (23), Kevin White (15) and Keivon Gamble (1)

121 - Career tackles by Jason Verrett, 26 more than the next-closest Horned Frog (safety Elisha Olabode)