TCU News: Is Boykin Draftable?

Baseball:

TCU turns to closer early to beat Dallas Baptist, weather | The Star-Telegram

The hard-throwing freshmen came in earlier than normal to shutdown the threat and collect his third save of the season.

“Interesting spot,” TCU coach Jim Schlossnagle said of Durbin’s appearance, following three delays. The game was close to resuming twice only for lightning to appear, mandating another 30-minute wait between strikes.

MRI shows TCU's Baker has muscle strain, out indefinitely as pitcher | The Star-Telegram

The freshman has remained in the lineup to hit since leaving last Friday's game after just over an inning on the mound, but Schlossnagle will be cautious with his young star. Rex Hill, who pitched two innings of no-hit ball against DBU Tuesday night, will likely get Baker's turn in the rotation, though it's not clear what day he could go.

Baker (3-1, 1.70 ERA) has made all 10 of his scheduled starts this season, including the past nine as the Friday night starter. With Baker unable to pitch this weekend, Schlossnagle said he would probably turn to junior left-hander Rex Hill, who has been scheduled for the past two Tuesday starts.

"I thought Rex pitched well in his last start," Schlossnagle said. "It depends on what we have to do to win a game Tuesday night."

Football:

Spring depth-chart breakdown: TCU | ESPN

The defense looks exciting on paper, with the linebacking corp set to be an athletic and game-breaking group. And, every great Gary Patterson D starts with the play in the middle. Look for the defensive backfield to be solid as well, and the defensive line should have no shortage of guys that can get to the quarterback.

The adversity TCU dealt with at this position last season will end up being beneficial, because this is now a loaded group of linebackers. Coverted safeties Howard and Wilson have bulked up and are much more comfortable now. Summers sat out this spring, but came on strong late last season. Douglas is back from injury and No. 1 rated junior college outside linebacker Tyree Horton will arrive this summer.

TCU's Trevone Boykin worth a late-round draft pick | Sporting News

Boykin's size is one of the biggest knocks against him, as well as how the system he came from doesn't necessarily translate to the NFL game. But Boykin has intangibles and leadership qualities that play well in a locker room, and many think he could develop into a pro-caliber QB if he lands in the right offensive with coaches willing to let him develop.

"He's handled it all pretty well. He made a mistake, and was willing to own up to that mistake, as he should," Bartel said. "The X-factor with him is the personality. He's worked with the full spectrum of teammates, to believe he can lead an NFL locker room with so many socio-economics and demographics. He also has an ability to just get over things. He doesn't blink. He has such an ease about him, that's he never too stressed. He's right in the middle, all the time."

TCU Football lands on Sporting News' top 25 list | The Star-Telegram

There are a lot of doubters heading into the fall, but most still respect what Gary Patterson has done in Fort Worth to believe he can keep the Frogs in the Big 12 title race.

The magazine makes note that the Horned Frogs will have a healthier defense and says, "Expect the Horned Frogs to stay in the Big 12 hunt."

But four other Big 12 teams are rated ahead of TCU. Oklahoma is No. 2, Baylor is No. 4, Oklahoma State is 16th, and Texas is 24th.

Men's Basketball:

TCU Basketball adds assistant Ryan Miller to staff | The Star-Telegram

Miller has an impressive recruiting resume, and is surely already hard at work looking for the next generation of Frog hoopers.

Miller spent the last two seasons at UNLV, where he was credited with helping produce the country’s No. 5 and No. 11 recruiting classes. UNLV’s Rashad Vaughn was a first-round NBA pick last year.