TCU Football 2014: Receivers Preview

Beating this over everyone’s heads, it’s no secret TCU had problems on offense in 2012 and 2013. Basically since the departure of Justin Fuente after the 2010 season. But a new offensive identity and a better o-line are already showing signs of improvement. So while those are trending upwards, it’s hard to say that those will be the biggest weaknesses looming for 2014. The biggest concern is now at receiver.

Inside Men:

TCU’s inside receivers should excel this season. Even with the loss of the enigmatic Brandon Carter--the inevitable shift ofTrevone Boykin to receiver, in addition to the plethora of talent on the inside, will keep TCU dangerous. Boykin will likely have a sort of Daje Johnson role, in that he’ll be a hybrid tailback and slot receiver. While Joeckel is the logical guess for starter, Boykin still might get some time in at Quarterback. Even though Cumbie and Meach are strict about having one guy. Whether or not you like Boykin taking snaps, in small pockets, it’s a very entertaining concept that Boykin will serve as a triple-threat on offense.

David Porter is the most dynamic receiver on the team. He's great. I'm not worried about him.

The Bash Brothers-- Ty Slanina and Cameron Echols-Luper --will be sophomores and are primed for a breakout season. The offensive line, lack of good throws, and an offensive scheme that  in 2013 inhibited their true potential.

The Tight Ends:

Depending on his health, Griffin Gilbert will likely be the only tight end to put any offensive numbers. Gilbert, who’s listed on the depth chart as an inside receiver anyway, is the closest thing TCU has to a Fantasy tight end (ala Martellus Bennett,Jimmy Graham, etc). Senior Cliff Murphy, will be the premier blocking tight end, but likely won’t be catching many passes even with the new system in tact.

The contrarian pick now, one that will be apparent starting in the Minnesota game--a team with a gritty defense--will be the big question mark at outside receiver. Ladarius Brown, one of Gary’s most high-profile recruits is gone for violating team rules. Cam White has retired from football for health reasons. Yada, yada, yada...

The Outsiders:

While the passing game was a circus at times last year, Josh Doctson brought a maturity on offense like no other player did. Doctson, in a lot of way of ways was the leader of the TCU offense last year. It was as if the spirit and maturity of Josh Boyce had travelled, and overtaken Docton’s body like the Monstars taking over the Charles Barkley in Space Jam. Despite his maturity and leading most receiving categories in 2013, Doctson will still need to improve his skillset for TCU to cause legitimate damage on the outside.

Doctson also needs a counterpart. The biggest head-scratcher is the lack of fellow transfer Jajuan Story. Story, formerly of Florida has the physical callus and puts up workout numbers that makes your jaw-drop. Those, in addition to his size, should make Story a commodity. Instead, he’s a ghost.

The answer you have a hard time answering is that he doesn’t deserve to be. Along the lines of a player like Tyler Matthews, when things went from bad to worse last season--some wondered Why Not Story? Just as they thought Why Not Mathews?. Despite the sprawled hype, Story wasn’t a part of last year’s offense for a reason. But that was then. Now, with a new offense, if Story is ready to be TCU’s breakout star at receiver, then he’ll start. If he fits into the new system, we’ll see plenty of him. Because if a player with that physical prowess isn’t starting, there must be a damn good reason for it. But for now, I’ll give Story the benefit of playing in the horrendous offensive scheme of 2013. He’ll just need to show he can play smarter.

First off, no player in TCU history has had a cooler signing than Jordan Moore. At an Atlanta Hawks game, Moore had two choices; Auburn or TCU. He picked the latter in style. (Someday I’ll find the picture I took). Moore, who was recruited at as defensive back, has seen time there, linebacker, and fullback since 2012. While he’s always been effective, outside receiver could be his shining moment. Moore’s also a brilliant track star, and one of the Big 12’s best athletes.

While the receiving corps is the glaring offensive weakness right now, but with the most it may in fact have the highest ceiling.