Countdown to Kickoff 2024: 95 Days

95 | DL Markis Deal

Defensive lineman Markis Deal was the crown jewel of the TCU 2023 recruiting class, a four-star prospect at a prized position and top-15 player in the state of Texas. Deal impressed during the offseason and fall camp ahead of his freshman campaign, earning public praise from Sonny Dykes and named to the preseason watch list for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award and appeared on track to be an instant contributor. However, Deal’s eligibility was protected and he only saw action in four games in 2023. He made his debut vs. Nicholls State and earned a half sack and a tackle, also playing in Big 12 contests against Houston, Texas, and Oklahoma.

With significant personnel turnover along the D-line, Deal is expected to be a key contributor along with fellow members of the 2023 class Keviyan Huddleston and Zachary Chapman, pushing veterans Tymon Mitchell and Caleb Fox for top spots on the depth chart.

95 | K Caleb Sempebwa

Another in the competition for specialist opportunities with kicker Griffin Kell and punter Jordy Sandy both graduated. Sempebwa ranked as a 5-star kicking prospect in the 2023 Class, placing at No. 34 nationally and 3rd in the state of Texas. Kohl’s Professional Camps had high praise for the McKinney Boyd prospect, “He showed great leg strength during the kickoff charting phase of camp with 77 and 73-yard kicks. We expect big things in college because he has the talent required to be a dominant specialist. He has long levers and a quick swing. He is a pure ball striker, and he has a natural ability to command his ball/foot contact.”