TCU News: “Gladney never takes a play off.”

Football:

From wake-up calls to check-ins, TCU football trying to keep players in a routine | The Star-Telegram

This is the new normal for coaches, too.

But, as Patterson said jokingly in a phone interview Wednesday afternoon, “It’s kind of like asking me after the second day of fall practice — how’s it going? I don’t know. We haven’t even hit pads yet. We’re just in the first week.

“There’s going to be guys that are going to do better than the others just like regular students. The further we go, there’s a help line academically, plus academic support downstairs for these guys. Everybody is just going to have to put more effort into it. But we’ve got time to put more effort into it. We’re not practicing.”

As of now, there is nothing football-related TCU or any Big 12 team can do. The conference has suspended all sports-related activities, including meetings, until at least Sunday when it will be re-evaluated.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. breaks down TCU’s chances of having a first-round pick | The Star-Telegram

Would three first-rounders make you proud or frustrated, lol.

As far as TCU’s two defenders, Blacklock and Gladney, Kiper acknowledged other analysts feel more highly about their pro prospects.

His ESPN colleague, Todd McShay, has pegged Blacklock as a first-round talent.

“Blacklock has a chance to be first-rounder,” Kiper said. “I didn’t see the consistency in terms of sack production game in and game out. There were games where he was a little too quiet, a little too much hand fighting at the line of scrimmage. I didn’t see the ability to get in the backfield and wreak havoc on a consistent basis. Todd is higher on Blacklock than I am. He thinks he’s a first. I think he’s a second.”

Gladney, meanwhile, has been projected as a cornerback who could sneak into the first round. Again, though, Kiper sees him as a Day 2 player.

“I like Gladney, but people think he gets a little handsy at times,” Kiper said. “But his coverage skills, his feet, his awareness, it wouldn’t shock me if he went in the late first round. But I think more second for him.”

2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report: TCU CB Jeff Gladney | Music City Miracles

The Titans have taken TCU defenders before.

The first thing that jumps out at you when scouting Gladney are his better-than-advertised ball skills. He posted an astounding 26 pass deflections over his past two seasons, many of which were made possible by the footwork speed, better-than-average arm length and his overall ability to stick with his man throughout the completion of their route. Gladney is simply put a smooth operator in coverage. Gladney does a fantastic job attacking the ball at the catch point with an aggressive mindset, and has the production to show for it.

Gladney never takes a play off. His motor remained consistently high all throughout my tape study. You love how feisty and motivated he is as a tackler. Tackling can sometimes be a lost art with today’s collegiate cornerbacks, but Gladney isn’t one of those corners. He routinely flashes the ability to securely wrap-up and finish the tackle, even when tasked with bringing down a receiver, tight end or running back with a clear size advantage over him.

Yahoo Sports’ top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 44: TCU DL Ross Blacklock | Yahoo Sports

Ross is going to be a better pro than a college player, I think.

Disruptive flashes can be found nearly every game. Displays a relentlessness that only a few DL in this class possess. Gets off the snap and is the aggressor more often than not. Can win with quickness and power. Burrows his way through blocks and makes impact felt without stats to back it up.

Athleticism is fascinating. Showed great burst with 1.70-second 10-yard split on second 40-yard dash attempt at combine (1.73 on first attempt). Terrific bend and flexibility — has some dip and wiggle you don’t often see from big men. Can stunt and twist and finish in a hurry.