TCU News: Big 12 Media Day Kicks Off

Football:

TCU receiver recognized for off-field contributions | The Star-Telegram

It will be so important for TCU to be getting Nixon back, both for his on the field contributions and his off the field leadership - something being recognized outside of Fort Worth.

Nixon, who caught 47 passes for 501 yards during the 2015 season, is back to full health and is expected to be a major contributor this season, coach Gary Patterson said earlier this week. Nixon was among six players with Dallas-Fort Worth connections identified Friday as nominees for the Good Works Team.

During his time at TCU, Nixon has traveled to Panama to work with underprivileged children, volunteered to help at-risk youth via HOPE Farm in Fort Worth and served as a mentor to at-risk youth through the SPARK program (Strong Players are Reaching Kids) founded in 2016 by TCU players.

TCU class of 2013 recruiting review: Can Ranthony Texada be a breakout player in 2017? | Sports Day

Kyle Hicks and Ranthony Texada will both play key roles for the Frogs this fall, and could be the key to success of both the offense and the defense.

Star of the class: Kyle Hicks - Running back

Kyle Hicks is the only four-star recruit from the 2013 class that is still at TCU. When he signed to TCU in 2013, he was ranked as high as the No. 29 player in the state of Texas by the 247Sports composite ranking and the No. 14 running back nationally. This gave TCU the depth and dimension it needed when it came the 2013 signing class. In 2016 he continued to give TCU what it needed. On the season, Hicks had 1,042 rushing yards and 417 receiving yards with 47 receptions. Hicks is the first TCU player since Basil Mitchell (1996) to lead TCU in both rushing and receiving. His 1,042 rushing yards also provided TCU with a 1,000-yard rusher for the second straight season.

TCU coach: Big 12 football champ must embrace title game rematch | The Star-Telegram

GP would have no problem with a rematch, if it means a chance to win a championship.

In other words: Consider AT&T Stadium a No Whining Zone for any team that had its way with an opponent during the regular season but cannot duplicate that result during a title-game rematch Dec. 1 or Dec. 2 in Arlington.

“That’s just part of the deal,” Patterson said. “Any time you’ve got to play somebody twice, it’s harder. … But I still say it’s about the end. The key to it is: Are you worried about playing again, or are you worried about getting in the playoffs? If you just keep your eye on what the prize is, here’s why we’re doing this.”

Kevin Lyttle’s preseason all-Big 12 football team – and why | Austin-American Statesman

With Big 12 Media Days kicking off, here is one writer’s first team ballot, with justifications. He only has one Frog, but it’s a big one.

OL: Austin Schlottmann + (TCU): Every line needs a center, and the Horned Frogs have the best with the former three-star recruit from Brenham.