/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48724203/12943317784_102942e517_z.0.0.jpg)
It's rare that TCU has a legitimately physically imposing defensive tackle. In fact, dating back to the 2008 season, TCU has had only five defensive tackles listed at 300+ on the depth chart: Joe Broadnax, Davion Pierson, Chucky Hunter, Cory Grant, and Henry Niutei. The biggest one was Grant, standing at 6'2", 310 pounds his senior year (2010), and only one (Broadnax) is currently on the roster.
Think about how dominant guys like Pierson and Hunter were these past few seasons. Together they loaded up the middle and anchored a dominant TCU defensive line, freeing up linebackers like Paul Dawson to wreak havoc on opposing teams.
Now, take a look at Ross Blacklock. He stands at 6'4" 326 pounds, according to 247Sports, already blocking out the sun as a recent NLI signee for the Frogs. Blacklock turned heads throughout the season, earning offers from some of the most elite programs in the country, including Alabama.
Blacklock's senior season also earned him an invitation to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl as a member of the West team. Uncommitted at that point, but considering TCU, Texas A&M, Houston, and Alabama, he got to know early enrollee Sewo Olonilua, and in the second quarter of the bowl game, he committed to the Frogs on national television.
With Pierson gone, and the news that junior defensive tackle Tevin Lawson is transferring to Nicholls State, it appears that Blacklock, who was already expected to get early playing time, could have a major role to play along the defensive line as soon as he steps foot on campus. Beyond Blacklock and Broadnax, there are just three other defensive tackles listed on TCU's roster: Aaron Curry, Chris Bradley, and Casey McDermott Vai. Of course, Curry and Bradley could very well come out of spring ball as the projected starters, but it's hard to see a scenario where Blacklock isn't, at the very least, on the two-deep roster come the start of the 2016 season.
Blacklock's signing with TCU, along with other defensive linemen Isaiah Chambers, Gary Overshown, and Mat Boesen (and the potential addition of Sci Martin), shows that TCU has once again found incredible talent in the trenches in this 2016 class.
The right pick up can make all the difference to a program. Same goes for your rental car experience. Pick Enterprise and see how we go the extra mile for our customers every day.