TCU Football Countdown: 18 Days

Nick Orr, a sophomore safety out of DeSoto High School, will be counted on to help fill the voids in the secondary created by two graduations and an early entree. Having seen action in 12 games last season as a true freshman, he showed early that he has the tools to be a playmaker for Patterson and his defense. Though he only made three tackles on the year, he did pick off a pass against SMU, and while he struggled some against NTU (but who in the secondary didn't), he improved over the course of the season and has a chance to take meaningful snaps this fall. A three star recruit who was a four year high school starter, Orr chose the Frogs over Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Mizzou. He exploded on to the scene as a junior, racking up 87 tackles, two sacks, three picks, three fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles, displaying his play-making ability and nose for the ball. An all-distrcit selection and all-state honorable mention as a senior, Orr was the #12 cornerback in Texas but moved to safety upon joining the Frogs. Listed out of spring as the backup to Derrick Kindred at free safety, Nick will have his chances to get on the field and show his ball-hawking ability on the field soon enough.

On the opposite side of the ball from Orr is a true freshman wide receiver who has a chance to see immediate playing time this fall. A three star recruit who chose the Frogs from among 19 offers and interest from 17 other schools, there may not be a Power 5 university that didn't give Jaelan Austin a call at some point. Deciding between the Frogs, Oregon, and Tech, a final visit to TCU with fellow 2015 commit Jarrison Stewart made all the difference for the 6'2" receiver out of South Grand Prairie High School.

"It went real good," Austin told Scout.com "It was a real neat visit because I really just went up there to spend time with the coaches and get to know them all on a personal level because you really don’t get too much time with the coaches on junior day.

"I spent a lot of time with Coach Burns, Coach Meacham and Coach Cumbie and I see myself fitting in there perfectly"

Listed as the #6 wide receiver in Texas and a top 50 prospect nationally, Austin is the highest ranked receiver in TCU's class of 2015, and has the size and physicality to be successful at the highest level. Potentially the heir-apparent to senior Josh Doctson, Austin plays the ball well in the air and can out jump smaller corners. While not the fastest guy on the field, he plays faster than his 40 time, and as his route running ability improves, he has a chance to be a special player for Cumbie/Meacham and TCU. Plus, peep his killer do:

(photo: www.gofrogs.com)

Good luck to Nick and Jaelan, two guys that hope to be instant impact players for TCU, 18 days from now!