Garret Wallow, Trevon Moehrig on the national radar for their defensive prowess

TCU saw ten players sign professional football contracts this off-season, but even with a host of talent off to the next level, the future is still bright in Fort Worth — especially on defense.

Two of the Horned Frogs’ top returners, senior linebacker Garret Wallow and junior safety Trevon Moehrig, have been hot topics this off-season, garnering the attention of some of the best evaluators of the college game.

Recently, Jim Nagy, the Executive Director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, had great things to say about Wallow. Calling him instinctive and praising his closing burst, Nagy said he can’t wait to watch him in Big 12 play this fall.

(that’s one ‘t’, though, Jimbo)

Wallow participated in 98% of TCU’s plays last season, amassing 125 tackles 18 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. A team leader, Wallow will have the onus on his shoulders to be the coach on the field, along with Moehrig, for a group that will be breaking in new corners on the outside.

Patrolling the middle is Trevon Moehrig, who has gotten more attention this off-season than he did when he was on the field, as a statistical darling, pairing with redshirt sophomore Ar’Darius Washington to form one of the most dynamic secondary duos in the country. After posting 64 tackles, four interceptions, and 15 passes defended, Moehrig took the leap from good player to potential early-round draft pick, and was named a First Team All Big 12 player in the process. For his efforts, Pro Football Focus named him college football’s most valuable returning safety.

Moehrig and Wallow lead a unit that lost defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, safeties Innis Gaines and Vernon Scott, and cornerbacks Jeff Gladney and Julius Lewis, but returns several veteran pieces and lots of young talent. If they can find an edge rusher or two, it’s likely to be one of the more dominant units in the conference.