TCU Football Countdown: 34 Days

Mike Freeze sounds like a name straight out of the Marvel handbook, and Frog fans hope the true freshman/early enrollee has some super powers of his own 35 days from now. The young linebacker out of Graham High School in Texas impressed in spring ball - which is especially significant when you take in to account that he lost his senior season of football to injury. With the opportunity to heal and get in the playbook early,Freeze vaulted to the top of the depth chart after spring football and will look to fill the void from the graduation of Paul Dawson and Marcus Mallet.

At 6'3" and 220 pounds, Freeze has the measurables to be successful in the 4-2-5. He also has the speed - running a 4.5 40 yard dash. A multi sport star in high school, Mike was an all-state baseball player and competed in the state track meet as a sprinter. Freeze was a three star prospect and chose the Frogs over Texas Tech, making his commitment to TCU at the end of his junior year. As we get ready to open fall camp next week, Freeze is listed alongside Sammy Douglas as the starting linebackers, with fellow early-enrollee Alec Dunham also in the mix. And if he continues to do things like this...

... my guess is he will stay in the lineup for a long time.

The Frogs also have a pair of wide receivers that sport 34: juniors Daniel Walsh and Preston Miller. Walsh has seen a little action out of Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego; appearing in six games last season and recording his first collegiate reception against Texas Tech. He also saw the field during the Peach Bowl victory, and while he has not had much luck cracking the regular rotation at the loaded wide receiver position, he is clearly valued by his teammates - having been voted the Offensive Scout Team MVP in 2013.

Miller had a very successful and decorated high school career at Highland Park High, but at only 5'9" didn't get a lot of attention recruiting wise. Choosing a preferred walk-on offer at TCU over a similar offer by SMU and a scholarship opportunity at Rice, Miller moved to wide receiver full time after working primarily at running back in high school. He holds the HP record for single game rushing yards with 249, the career rushing record with 3,154, and the all time all-purpose yards standard at 5,224. A good all around athlete, Preston lettered in baseball and track and field in high school along with football, and qualified twice for regionals as a long jumper and 4x200 relay member. After taking a redshirt year upon his arrival to campus, Miller saw game action against Southeastern Louisiana in 2013 and Iowa State in 2014. While earning more time on the field at a stacked position might be an uphill climb for Miller, he has some ability as a slot receiver and potentially kick returner - where he shined to the tune of 31 yards per kickoff and 15 per punt return at Highland Park. With two seasons of eligibility left, there's still time for him to find his role.

Each of these three young men have the same goal - to help bring their team to a championship come January. And each is willing to put in the work to do so - whether it's starring on the field or working in the shadows on the scout team. 34 days from now, we will have a better idea what their role can be in 2015!