TCU News: Kenny Hill, y’all

Football:

TCU tabs ex-Texas A&M QB Hill starter | ESPN

From a football standpoint, this is obviously a crucial decision for Gary Patterson and TCU. But for Hill, it means a second chance at fulfilling his potential.

Hill, the starting quarterback at Texas A&M for eight games in 2014, had been competing with third-year sophomore Foster Sawyer for the job. The No. 13 Horned Frogs open the season against South Dakota State on Sept. 3.

For Hill, earning the starting job is a major step in a comeback that began 19 months ago when he left Texas A&M.

TCU gives QB job to A&M transfer Hill | The Star-Telegram

Using ‘gives’ in the title makes light of a battle between Hill and Foster Sawyer, that was by all accounts, near even throughout the spring and early part of fall camp. But just eight days away from the first game of the season, Hill did enough to earn GP’s trust, on and off the field.

“He’s in as good a shape as I’ve ever seen him,” said Patterson, who came close to landing Hill out of Carroll in 2013. “Stronger, faster than he was coming out of high school. I mean, he’s done a great job of re-doing himself.”

2016 Season Preview: TCU Horned Frogs | ESPN

This receiving corp has a chance to be special.

There is plenty of talent and depth left in this receiving corps. Turpin, a true sophomore, is already one of the top playmakers in the league. 2014 starter Deante' Gray is back after missing all of last season with an injury. On top of that, the Horned Frogs have added three high-profile newcomers in freshman Isaiah Graham, a transfer from junior college, Taj Williams, and LSU graduate transferJohn Diarse. Then there are veterans Emanuel Porter and Ty Slanina, along with second-year players Jaelan Austin and Jarrison Stewart.

TCU Football Depth Chart Released | The Star-Telegram

We will have much more to say about this soon, but for now, there are a few interesting points, especially on special teams. Patterson has been raving about his true freshman punter Adam Nunez, but kicking remains a concern as projected started Jonathan Song continues to struggle with a toe injury.

At kicker, Brandon Hatfield and Ryan Graf are listed as co-starters. One will have to kick in the first game and possibly second because projected starter Jonathan Song is out with a stubbed toe.

The punter is Adam Nunez, who Patterson has raved about. He is also the holder.

“I”m scared to say anything good about it, the way he’s punted the last week – really the last two weeks,” Patterson said. “It’s about unbelievable for a freshman.”

TCU Football Position Preview: Defensive Line | The Star-Telegram

The defensive front is big, fast, and nasty - and should make life tough for opposing QBs and RBs. Broadnax has been one of the stars of the fall, and young guys like Tipa Galeai and Ross Blacklock keeping pushing for playing times.

L.J. Collier, Joseph Broadnax and Ross Blacklock were among the backups who got long looks in fall practice as the coaches tried to shore up a rotation for a physical encounter expected in Week 2 against Arkansas. There is more expereince at end. James McFarland and Josh Carraway will get a chance to play together after McFarland missed last season with a broken toe. Together, the seniors have 21.5 career sacks. But freshman Tipa Galeai made a strong push for playing time, as well, consistently drawing praise from coach Gary Patterson.