Five Frogs Make All-Big 12 Team

TCU Football had an up and down campaign overall, but the defense was on a distinct upward trajectory as the calendar turned. As a function of that, five Frogs were recognized as first or second team All-Big 12 members Tuesday afternoon.

Linebacker Travin Howard, a junior, was TCU’s lone first team nominee, while cornerback Ranthony Texada, safety Denzel Johnson, Aaron Curry, and defensive end Josh Carraway all earned second-team nods. Howard was the conference’s leading tackler, amassing 125 total tackles, and more than ten per game. He was one of only two triple digit tacklers in the Big 12, joined by teammate Ty Summers. After surprising the country - and even TCU fans - a year ago when he burst on to the scene as a converted safety to become the Frogs’ best linebacker, Howard continued to impress in his second season manning the middle, and was rightfully recognized for his performance.

Johnson, a senior, also finished in the top ten in stops, wracking up 84 stops, 11 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, six PBUs, and a forced fumble. He developed into one of the best blitzing safeties in the country, and was an excellent run-stopper as well. Joined in the secondary by junior Ranthony Texada, who bounced back from a devastating injury a year ago to return to lock-down corner status and become one of the best cover guys in the country. After a slow start, Texada - once fully healthy - was as good as ever, showcasing his anticipation and speed in a pick six at Baylor that set TCU up for the blowout victory in Waco. Texada finished with 39 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, two sacks, one interception, and seven pass-breakups. Lastly, senior defensive end Josh Carraway was a second-team honoree, after a season in which he had 47 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and a forced fumble. He was the fourth leading sack man in the Big 12 this season.

Senior Aaron Curry was honored as a second-teamer at defensive tackle, for a season that saw his run up 47 stops, 5.5 sacks, and eight tackles for loss. The Nebraska transfer finished his career as a Frog with his best season to date.

TCU did not have any representatives from the offensive unit on the all-Big 12 team.