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TCU football fans were ecstatic when the program signed former five-star prospect Zach Evans to the 2020 recruiting class. Those fans weren’t disappointed this past season, when Evans surged up the depth chart and became one of TCU’s go-to running backs in 2020.
The North Shore standout averaged 7.7 yards per carry during his freshman season, second-most in Horned Frog football history and second nationally among all eligible freshmen. While his 415 rushing yards ranked second on the team, Evans surpassed 100 yards in two of the team’s last three games, all of which he started in. The first five-star signee in TCU history, Evans was recently recognized with Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team honors.
TCU freshman RB Zach Evans got the rock 12 times for 100 yards this past weekend. Looked spry and had some fantastic cuts in the open field . Also love the deep shot on the pass play. A good offseason in the weight room and he may take off next year. #devy pic.twitter.com/1EQBD7TnKx
— Brandon Lejeune (@DevyDeepDive) December 1, 2020
Now a sophomore, Evans returns as TCU’s most significant rushing threat for the 2021 season, but there are several other ball carriers who showcased plenty of skills this past fall. Sophomore Kendre Miller surprised with his running ability, compiling 7.2 yards per carry on the ground, fifth-most in TCU history. Miller shined in the Horned Frog victory against Louisiana Tech, where he rushed for a season-best 136 yards and two touchdowns.
Kendre Miller goes up the middle for a 38 yard TD to extend the TCU (-21.5) lead to 45-0
— Bet The Pigskin (@betthepigskin) December 13, 2020
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TCU will also return former four-star running back Daimarqua Foster and redshirt senior Emari Demercado. After redshirting in 2019, Foster appeared in the team’s first five games of the 2020 season before suffering an injury. Demercado started two games this past season, totaling 199 rushing yards and adding 10 receptions.
The most significant loss in the running back room will be Darwin Barlow, who transferred to USC during the offseason and will compete for a starting role with the Trojans. A former four-star prospect, Barlow led all Horned Frog running backs with 428 yards while scoring four touchdowns on the ground, tied for second-most on the team.
#USC lost over 50% of their 2020 carries to the portal this offseason.
— Finnelytics (@Finnelytics) June 15, 2021
Darwin Barlow will help replace the lost production along with incoming transfer Keaontay Ingram and returning starter Vavae Malepeai. #CFB pic.twitter.com/gmnhq0X9ls
Although Evans began his freshman season third or fourth on the TCU depth chart, expect him to be in line for starting reps this coming season. The most interesting battle for carries will come with the second and third teams, where Miller, Foster and Demercado will presumably compete for time. It’s a good problem to have for the Horned Frogs, who ran for well over 200 yards per game this past season.