Monday Morning Quarterback: Recruiting is Heating Up

Hi everyone.

It’s been a minute.

After a few weeks of dealing with some big life changes, I am back and ready to get the #contentmachine rolling again.

Let’s start by catching up on some TCU Football news, as the Horned Frogs’ class of 2022 has gone from one to four in quick order, with three future Frogs declaring their intentions over the last week.

Offensive Lineman Cade McConnell, a three star prospect out of Choctaw, OK, had been holding down the fort solo since February, but with camp season back in full swing for the first time since 2019, it was only a matter of time before he got some support. Let’s take a look at some of the fresh faces expected to take their talents to Funky Town come 2022.

Matthew Golden (Houston, TX): 3* WR

It’s hard not to get excited about this explosive athlete out of Klein Cain in H Town. Golden is a 6’1” receiver who possesses explosive athleticism with ridiculous hands — a kid who has a 10.93 100 and 21-8.5 long jump under his belt already and is the reigning Special Teams Player of the Year in Texas District 15-6A.

Golden has amassed 93 receptions for 1,826 yards and 20 touchdowns across the last two seasons, earning 21 offers along the way. On June 21st, he gave his verbal commitment to TCU over offers from Arkansas, Duke, Houston, Colorado, SMU, Wisconsin, and others.

Golden is a difference-maker. Already a top 60 prospect nationally, the rising senior is ready for a breakout campaign in 2021 at Klein Cain and ready to put his name on the map. As he told TCU beat writer Drew Davison of the Star-Telegram “anywhere I go, I’m going to play my best and I’m going to do what I do. I’m going to make a good impression of myself when I get on the field and play my game. There’s a lot of people who don’t know who I am, but football is the only thing I’ve got.”

He’s had a good start to that this summer, starring in the Texas State 7 on 7 Tournament last week.

And making this ridiculous grab in the end zone:

With three seniors at the position expected to play big roles in 2021 (Taye Barber, JD Spielman, and Derius Davis), Golden has a chance to come to campus and make an immediate impact on the field.

Trevon McAlpine (Saraland, AL): 3* DL

The Frogs have always been willing to search far and wide for great fits, and McAlpine is no exception, committing to the Frogs from out of the heart of SEC country.

A 6’3”, 280 pound prospect, McAlpine is a nasty player that has been high on the Frogs’ want list since they offered just a couple months back. Zarnell Fitch worked hard to build a relationship with one of the best defensive linemen in the class, earning his commitment from among the rising senior’s 24 offers that included Arizona State, Kansas State, West Virginia, and more.

As a senior, McAlpine helped take his school to the semifinal round of the playoffs, collecting seven sacks and 16 tackles for loss. The second team All State honoree had planned to announce his commitment July 3rd, but fell in love with TCU upon visiting the campus and meeting with coaches, accelerating his timeline. His high school coach, Jeff Kelly, believes he has a bright future in Fort Worth. “I think he’s got a chance to be a very disruptive pass rush guy. You can see him grow and get better each and every year. I look forward to watching him do some awesome things.”

The Frogs will graduate Corey Bethley, George Ellis, Kenny Turnier, and Terrell Cooper from the Interior line after the coming season, so rebuilding from the inside-out is a priority for Gary Patterson and the TCU defense.

Tevita Noa (Salt Lake City, UT): 3* TE

You could easily argue that tight end is among the biggest positions of need on the offense; heading into the 2021 season, only former walk-on Carter Ware has played significant snaps at the position, and is surrounded by freshmen and sophomores on the depth chart. Though there is reason for excitement around freshmen D’Andre Rogers and Jaspar Lott, adding experience is probably a wise move for the Frogs.

Enter Tevita Noa.

6’3” and 250 pounds, the Snow College transfer is a massive target who caught nine passes for 159 yards and four touchdowns in seven games at the juco level last season. Rated the #1 transfer target at tight end in the country, Noa is a relatively unknown player at this point, but the offer from and commitment to TCU is sure to get some programs to take notice.

An offensive lineman in high school, Noa walked on at Snow and moved to tight end, where he was primarily used as a blocker. TCU’s was the first camp he attended and he impressed immediately, earning his first offer. Noa will play for Snow this fall and is expected to graduate in December and enroll at TCU in January, where he will have three seasons of eligibility remaining. He has been compared to Pro Wells, the talented tight end that starred for the Frogs before matriculating to the Bengals.

After a small signing class of just 14 in 2021, TCU Football will have some holes to fill in 2022. They’re off to a strong start with their first four commitments, all needs and high ceiling prospects.