TCU Football Countdown: 40 Days

James McFarland likes to hit people - hard. And with football season getting closer, he's ready to get in the TCU backfield and hit some teammates. When asked at Big 12 Media Days if there was a quarterback or running back he was most looking forward to hitting this season he answered "yeah I can answer that: two a days are coming - so Trevone Boykin and Aaron Green". But don't worry, he was laughing as he said it. Fortunately for Tre and AG, we are just 40 days a way from James getting in the backfield of an opponent and hitting some Gophers instead.

McFarland has had a solid career at TCU leading in to his senior season, and will take a big leadership role on an experienced and deep defensive line. Recruited by the Frogs out of Louisiana, James starred as a linebacker for West Monroe High School. Rated as a three star prospect, he chose the Frogs over OU, Mississippi State, Arkansas and others, and Gary Patterson moved him to the defensive line soon after. Having played in all 51 games that he has been on campus for, James racked up the stats but didn't register a start until last season - when he logged six. A crucial part of the depth on what has been a good to very good line the past three years, he will be expected to be an impact player his senior season. McFarland burst on to the scene at the Peach Bowl, where he was named defensive MVP based on his two TFLs, one sack, one PBU, and a diving interception in the Ole Miss end zone for a Frog touchdown and a 28-0 halftime lead. The bowl game was the culmination of an excellent junior season that saw McFarland lead the team with seven sacks and tie for second in tackles for loss with 12. He also forced three fumbles, all on the road, and had a three sack performance against SMU.

James is listed as the left defensive end starter (along with junior Josh Caraway - whom he spoke very highly of at Media Days) heading in to fall camp. Whether he is a full time starter or a key cog in the rotation, you can count on this young man to put the team first and give his all on the field.

40 Days until TCU kicks off against the Golden Gophers, and James finally gets to hit someone in a different color uniform.