Frogs O' War - 2020 TCU Football Preview: Off-Season Position SeriesThe #1 TCU Athletics blog on the internet!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50293/fow-fav.png2020-06-30T12:00:00-05:00http://www.frogsowar.com/rss/stream/210209082020-06-30T12:00:00-05:002020-06-30T12:00:00-05:002020 TCU Football Preview: Quarterbacks
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<p>Max Duggan returns as the presumptive starter, but who will compete for backup reps in light of redshirt transfer Matthew Baldwin’s medical retirement?</p> <p id="0aXBNM">The TCU quarterback room took a tough blow Thursday afternoon, when Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram revealed Ohio State transfer Matthew Baldwin <a href="https://twitter.com/drewdavison/status/1276226448211222528">will be withdrawing from the program</a> and ending his career for medical reasons.</p>
<p id="r7SkbQ">Baldwin transferred to the Horned Frogs in 2019 and was initially denied immediate eligibility before TCU filed an appeal with the NCAA and won. The former Lake Travis standout tore his ACL as a high school senior and has undergone three surgeries on the injured knee throughout his career. Baldwin spent one season as a Buckeye, but unfortunately, his career with the Horned Frogs ended before it could take off.</p>
<p id="T4Ckdy">The loss depletes TCU’s quarterback depth behind sophomore Max Duggan, who returns this fall as the team’s presumptive starter. While his play was somewhat inconsistent, Duggan showcased plenty of raw talent as a freshman, breaking out with a big-time performance against Texas where he totaled 345 yards and three touchdowns to earn Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors. </p>
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<p id="Fe3SLz">Duggan finished the 2019 campaign with 2,077 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, both TCU records for a true freshman, while adding 555 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground. The second true freshman to ever start at quarterback under head coach Gary Patterson, Duggan also shined against Texas Tech, compiling 398 yards and three touchdowns as the Horned Frogs held on for a 33-31 victory.</p>
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<p id="N1S4DI">The former four-star recruit from Council Bluffs, Iowa battled with Kansas State transfer Alex Delton for starting reps until becoming the No. 1 quarterback for the team’s final 10 games. Duggan showed early on why he’s the future for the Horned Frogs, throwing his first 143 passes without an interception, the second-longest streak for a TCU quarterback. Against Kansas State, Duggan rushed for 115 yards, becoming the first Horned Frog signal caller to top the 100-yard rushing mark since Trevone Boykin in 2015.</p>
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<p id="p1RfTB">Duggan’s freshman year was largely a tale of two seasons. Over TCU’s first seven games, Duggan tossed 11 touchdown passes and logged only one interception. His struggles kicked in during the final five games, however, as he threw nine interceptions over that span including three against both Baylor and Oklahoma State. Duggan’s completion percentage also fluctuated during the season, ranging anywhere from 70.4 against the Longhorns to a measly 33.3 percent against the Oklahoma Sooners and 38.9 percent against Purdue.</p>
<p id="Wyz1M3">With a full season under his belt, Duggan will be looking to raise those percentages as a sophomore while limiting the turnovers that hurt his production late in the season. Should Duggan go down for whatever reason (knock on keyboard), TCU will have a significant question to answer, and that’s who will take the reigns under center? Baldwin’s departure means the Horned Frogs mainly have three choices in Georgia transfer Matthew Downing, JUCO recruit Stephon Brown and three-star freshman Eli Williams.</p>
<p id="hJxjzs">Brown originally enrolled at Appalachian State in 2018 before being dismissed from the program and transferring to Independence Community College, where he threw for 16 touchdowns and six interceptions while running for eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-5 signal caller arrives as the No. 1 rated JUCO dual-threat quarterback in the 2020 recruiting class, and with two years of experience, his number could be called for the second-team reps. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”<br>-Psalm 37:4....<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/callgod?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#callgod</a> May grad <a href="https://t.co/Dym8S90YJu">pic.twitter.com/Dym8S90YJu</a></p>— Step1️⃣2️⃣ (@StephonbrownG) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephonbrownG/status/1205924540456542208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a>
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<p id="rzWTQ9">Downing only threw a handful of passes during his time at Georgia, going 7-for-9 and totaling two carries for 11 yards. The redshirt sophomore, whose older brother Michael once lined up at safety for the Horned Frogs, didn’t see any action in 2019. Williams suffered an injury midway through his senior season in high school, but arrives as the No. 24 dual-threat recruit in the country. In five games, Williams threw for 459 yards and four touchdowns while blazing defenses on the ground with 509 rushing yards and eight scores. </p>
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https://www.frogsowar.com/2020/6/30/21303715/2020-tcu-football-preview-quarterbacksRussell Hodges2020-06-22T10:30:00-05:002020-06-22T10:30:00-05:002020 TCU Football Preview: Running Backs
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<p>The Horned Frogs will carry a trio of uber-talented underclassmen in the backfield this coming season including redshirt freshman Daimarqua Foster.</p> <p id="oXxiMe">While senior running backs Darius Anderson and Sewo Olonilua dominated the carries in the TCU backfield this past season, Horned Frog fans got a brief glimpse of the future in the form of true freshmen Darwin Barlow and Daimarqua Foster.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Round of applause for <a href="https://twitter.com/darwin_barlow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@darwin_barlow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoFrogs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoFrogs</a> <a href="https://t.co/RiwXLjMgZm">pic.twitter.com/RiwXLjMgZm</a></p>— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCUFootball/status/1168008599970279425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2019</a>
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<p id="NqBmcj">Both four-star prospects before arriving on campus, the two talented rushers combined for 30 carries and 165 yards on the ground in 2019. Foster appeared in only one game, but he helped TCU ice a decisive victory over Kansas with eight carries for 66 yards and his first collegiate touchdown in the 51-14 win. Barlow received more action, playing in three games and compiling 99 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Foster and Barlow each preserved redshirt seasons entering the 2020 campaign.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">195-pound running back <br>600-pound deadlift <a href="https://twitter.com/darwin_barlow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@darwin_barlow</a> may have just turned TCU into a running team <a href="https://t.co/Z0sCkOGmYn">pic.twitter.com/Z0sCkOGmYn</a></p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1094048194978373634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2019</a>
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<p id="bDn9VM">With Anderson and Olonilua gone to the NFL, the spotlight will shift toward the new two-man tandem of Foster and Barlow, who was named an Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big 12 Fourth Team nominee. While it’s early to predict which player will break out this fall, it’s likely that both running backs will earn the opportunity for reps, as TCU has gone with a rusher-by-committee approach over the last few seasons. </p>
<p id="1BJKda">One upperclassman returning this fall who took part in that committee was Emari Demercado, who will be TCU’s most experienced running back in 2020 as a redshirt junior. Although Demercado didn’t see many carries this past season, mainly due to Anderson and Olonilua dominating the backfield, he played a more significant role in 2018, recording 232 total yards on 57 carries and five pass receptions. Also, Demercado was able to preserve a redshirt in 2019, and his experience will prove valuable to the Horned Frogs this fall.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TCU RB Emari Demercado: "I’d much rather deliver the blow than take the blow. I like to picture myself as an all-around back." <a href="https://t.co/ipwOfQYtbC">https://t.co/ipwOfQYtbC</a></p>— Drew Davison (@drewdavison) <a href="https://twitter.com/drewdavison/status/1065249053611630592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a>
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<p id="FfJcxI">And then there’s Zach Evans, the first five-star recruit in program history whose whirlwind recruitment process ultimately ended with enrolling at TCU. It’s difficult to deny his on-field talents, and even though there are some questions about him off the field, Evans possesses elite skills and college-ready size that could make him the breakout star of the 2020 season. His rushing style has been compared to one of the greatest college and NFL running backs ever, and as a high-schooler, Evans led North Shore to two Texas 6A D-I state titles.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TCU signed 1st ever 5-star croot today, RB Zach Evans (ex-UGA commit)<br><br>This is Evans, high schooler, squatting 600+ bills <br><br>Evans (6’2/200) draws “(Adrian Peterson comps) in Texas high school circles thanks to massive production, upright running style”<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/sHyGL1lc2K">pic.twitter.com/sHyGL1lc2K</a></p>— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) <a href="https://twitter.com/thorku/status/1259885602729791489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a>
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<p id="Q7Tzsg">It could be tempting for Horned Frog fans to pencil Evans in as the starter because of his five-star status, but we must remember there are three incumbents with game experience including two very talented underclassmen in Barlow and Foster. Starting reps won’t be given to any of these players, and whoever emerges from camp as the Week 1 starter (or co-starter even) against California will need to prove himself throughout the summer and fall. Evans didn’t arrive on campus until June, <a href="https://twitter.com/JClarkHFB/status/1270075862621270016">according to Jeremy Clark of 247Sports</a>, and with only a few months before the 2020 season kicks off, how quickly Evans can gain ground will be determined in due time.</p>
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<p id="565Apk">If Evans opens the season behind the other running backs, TCU could always limit his game reps and preserve his redshirt, allowing him to receive another year of eligibility. On the other hand, Evans shining in camp and earning starting reps could mean lost playing time for one (or two) of the other running backs, which could unfortunately lead to a transfer given today’s Division I football culture and the introduction of the transfer portal.</p>
<p id="XF0ViQ">Ultimately, however, it’s a good problem to have for the Horned Frogs, who will roll into 2020 with one of the most talented backfields in the Big 12 and perhaps the country. With many starting spots up for grabs around the field, the running back position will be arguably the most exciting to see who steps up as the season-opener approaches.</p>
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https://www.frogsowar.com/2020/6/22/21291155/2020-tcu-football-preview-running-backsRussell Hodges2020-06-16T10:30:00-05:002020-06-16T10:30:00-05:002020 TCU Football Preview: Special Teams
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<p>Sophomore punter Jordy Sandy will play a key role for the Horned Frogs when TCU returns to action this fall.</p> <p id="1OYjlv">Special teams can often be overshadowed in college football, but as we’ve seen over the past few seasons, dynamic playmakers and big-time kicks can swing the momentum of the game one way or the other.</p>
<p id="DRoMEq">From KaVontae Turpin to Jalen Reagor, TCU has seen electric performances in the return game. Bringing punter Jordy Sandy over from Australia gave the Horned Frogs a reliable option in the kicking game, and Jonathan Song booted his way to All-Big 12 First-Team recognition and into the record books as TCU’s most accurate kicker ever, making 90.9 percent of his attempts and missing only four times.</p>
<p id="Y0JXZg">Sandy is one of two punters returning to the Horned Frogs in 2020. The true sophomore received the bulk of the game reps this past season and will likely be the early candidate to start this fall. Sandy placed 25 punts inside the 20-yard line in 2019, averaging 38.4 yards per attempt with a long of 55 yards. Sophomore Dillon Jones, who played in two games this past season, is the other punter who will be vying for time this fall.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jordy Sandy unleashing the Aussie Power <a href="https://t.co/imuaBBFVoy">pic.twitter.com/imuaBBFVoy</a></p>— PurpleMenace.com (@TCU_Rivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCU_Rivals/status/1157765619338612741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2019</a>
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<p id="LA8S9Y">TCU will need a kicker to step up and replace Song. Cole Bunce also left the program as a graduate transfer and will be with the Villanova football program this fall, meaning the Horned Frogs not only need a field-goal kicker, but someone to handle kickoff duties as well. One player who could break out in 2020 is sophomore Griffin Kell, who went 3-for-4 on field-goal attempts this past season with a season long of 52 yards. Kell also took over kickoffs when Bunce went down with an injury, totaling 12 touchbacks on 33 kickoffs.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The 52-yard FG by TCU's <a href="https://twitter.com/griffin_kell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@griffin_kell</a> was the longest by a Horned Frog since Kell's kicking coach and TCU All-American/ /legend <a href="https://twitter.com/jtoberkrom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jtoberkrom</a> had a 57-yarder vs. West Virginia in 2015.</p>— Mark Cohen (@TCUCohen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCUCohen/status/1188206840548491265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2019</a>
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<p id="79dYlA">Junior Antonio Ortiz returns as the front-runner at long snapper. A 2019 Academic First Team All-Big 12 honoree, Ortiz has started at long snapper for TCU over the last two seasons, appearing in 24 games during that span. </p>
<p id="FsSYGA">Reagor’s departure leaves a significant void to fill on offense, but it also requires someone to step up in the return game. Junior speedster Derius Davis could be that guy, as he already has one punt-return touchdown on his career. Davis has returned 10 kicks in his career at TCU, with eight coming on kickoffs for 100 yards and two punts for 80 yards.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a debut for the true freshman! Second trip to the end zone for Derius Davis! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarterBoys18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarterBoys18</a> <a href="https://t.co/0x5cRcAXnc">pic.twitter.com/0x5cRcAXnc</a></p>— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCUFootball/status/1035958878343704582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a>
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<p id="OxArCE">A big-time track and field athlete in high school, Davis was the Louisiana 3A state champion in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.74 seconds, and he ran the fourth-fastest 400-meter dash time in the nation of 48.44 seconds. He’s also posted a 4.36 40-yard dash time.</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2020/6/16/21286982/2020-tcu-football-preview-special-teams-horned-frogs-patterson-sandy-song-kell-kickers-puntersRussell Hodges2020-06-12T10:30:00-05:002020-06-12T10:30:00-05:002020 TCU Football Preview: Defensive Line
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<p>Redshirt sophomore Ochaun Mathis will spearhead the charge on the outside for the Horned Frog defense this fall.</p> <p id="SVjftn">Athlon Sports recently recognized nine TCU football players with Preseason All Big-12 honors this past week. Two of those players are expected to be key contributors on the defensive line when the Horned Frogs kick off the 2020 season.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Proud of these frogs for earning <a href="https://twitter.com/AthlonSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AthlonSports</a> preseason honors!! The work is just beginning... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoFrogs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoFrogs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneMore?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneMore</a> <a href="https://t.co/CluYtTjXaq">pic.twitter.com/CluYtTjXaq</a></p>— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCUFootball/status/1269292441384955904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2020</a>
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<p id="hWXACZ">With Ross Blacklock going to the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, senior Corey Bethley will have an opportunity to anchor the interior of the defensive line this fall. A two-time All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, Bethley has started 25 consecutive games for the Horned Frogs, totaling 13.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks over that span. Bethley has appeared in 39 games at TCU, making him the team’s most experienced defensive lineman returning for the 2020 campaign. </p>
<p id="g6udJh">Expect to see Terrell Cooper on the field quite a bit as well. Cooper recorded his first two collegiate sacks this past season, and with 25 appearances over the last two seasons, Cooper has the experience necessary to rise up in his redshirt junior season.</p>
<p id="y4jhzm">Blacklock’s departure means that head coach Gary Patterson will need someone to step up and fill his large shoes in the trenches. Three big bodies returning this fall who could emerge are redshirt sophomores Izaih Filikitonga, Soni Misi and junior George Ellis III. Ellis appeared in six games during the 2018 season but did not see action in 2019. Fikitonga missed the 2019 season to injury, while Misi played in four games to preserve a redshirt.</p>
<p id="BlxVxE">Looking outside, TCU will lose graduate transfer Shameik Blackshear, but there are still several players to consider. The Horned Frogs added two transfers in <a href="https://247sports.com/college/tcu/Article/TCU-signs-Oklahoma-Mark-Jackson-146925388/">former Oklahoma defender</a> Mark Jackson Jr. and <a href="https://247sports.com/college/tcu/Article/Former-New-Mexico-LB-Dylan-Horton-headed-to-TCU-142067825/">former New Mexico linebacker</a> Dylan Horton. While Horton will likely redshirt, Jackson could be an instant-impact pass rusher this fall. Despite not seeing many reps in 2019, Jackson frequently made plays during the 2018 season, compiling 43 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks.</p>
<p id="oNHBIL">Senior Parker Workman and sophomore Colt Ellison are two more names to keep eyes on this fall. Despite missing three games to injury this past season, Workman notched 18 total tackles with one sack and five tackles for loss, fourth-best on the team. Ellison played in TCU’s last six games, finishing with seven total tackles.</p>
<p id="NNFZp9">The most notable returning Horned Frog defensive end is redshirt sophomore Ochaun Mathis, who earned Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team honors recently. The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder started all 12 games in 2019, ranking second on the team in tackles for loss with nine and third with 2.5 sacks. Mathis also had 40 total tackles, fifth-most on the TCU defense. Mathis <a href="https://twitter.com/drewdavison/status/1055599554966495233?s=20">has received high praise in the past</a>, and 2020 could be the year he breaks out and becomes one of college football’s elite pass rushers. </p>
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https://www.frogsowar.com/2020/6/12/21283484/2020-tcu-football-preview-defensive-lineRussell Hodges2020-06-09T10:30:00-05:002020-06-09T10:30:00-05:002020 TCU Football Preview: Offensive Line
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 21 SMU at TCU" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1aCpwA09fS0Z9lgh_2zbkywbSbM=/0x0:2692x1795/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66912022/1170071602.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<p>The Horned Frogs have three holes to fill in the trenches after Lucas Niang, Anthony McKinney and Cordel Iwuagwu all found new homes in the NFL.</p> <p id="bzH8xO">An experienced offensive line can do wonders for a football team, but the Horned Frogs will be reloading in the trenches this fall after losing three starters from 2019 including third-round draft pick Lucas Niang.</p>
<p id="a6EkUi">Niang, who was selected in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, headlines a trio of offensive linemen who found new homes recently, with left tackle Anthony McKinney and left guard Cordel Iwuagwu signing UDFA contracts in Tennessee and Houston, respectively. TCU will also lose versatile lineman David Bolisomi, who began the season starting at right guard before kicking out to right tackle when Niang exited the lineup with an injury. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yes! Thank you, Jim... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OLineU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLineU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoFrogs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoFrogs</a> <a href="https://t.co/h6CCDhlTgB">pic.twitter.com/h6CCDhlTgB</a></p>— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCUFootball/status/1261805617515311108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2020</a>
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<p id="fJ5C55">TCU has become an O-Line-U in recent seasons, and as the Horned Frogs prepare for the 2020 season, many eyes will be on the team’s two returning starters: Coy McMillon and Austin Myers. McMillon earned the starting center position in 2019 and went on to start all 12 games for TCU. Moreover, he was one of only two Horned Frog offensive lineman to stay the entire season at his position. At 6 feet 4 inches and 280 pounds, the redshirt junior has great size for the center position, and his experience could bode well for sophomore quarterback Max Duggan, who will likely be under center for the Horned Frogs once again.</p>
<p id="Fz1TQm">Myers filled multiple roles for TCU throughout the 2018 and 2019 seasons. A redshirt senior for the Horned Frogs, Myers has started 13 games over the last two years, with four starts at left guard and all four of his starts this past year coming at right guard. At 6 feet 5 inches, Myers has the length to step outside and play tackle, but his recent experience at guard could come into play in 2020. Regardless, expect Myers to be in the starting lineup when TCU kicks off this fall.</p>
<p id="ZB1MPM">The Horned Frogs made headlines this spring when Colorado State graduate transfer T.J. Storment chose TCU. According to Jeremy Clark of 247Sports, the 6-foot-7, 320-pound left tackle had originally planned on playing for Purdue <a href="https://247sports.com/college/tcu/Article/Phone-call-helps-TCU-land-CSU-grad-transfer-TJ-Storment-142045536/">before a last-minute offer and phone call from head coach Gary Patterson</a> swayed Storment to play for the Horned Frogs. Storment started 12 games at left tackle for the Rams this past season, and his experience makes him an early favorite to potentially land the starting left tackle position.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I see you working #72 TJ Storment! <a href="https://t.co/cukbrIED9L">pic.twitter.com/cukbrIED9L</a></p>— Steve Cotton (@SteveCotton67) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveCotton67/status/1195881981898346496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2019</a>
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<p id="htcEwV">With Iwuagwu heading to the Texans, TCU will need a new starter at left guard. Redshirt senior Kellton Hollins was listed as a reserve at the position in 2019, and the Horned Frogs could keep redshirt junior Quazzel White inside as well. White started three games this past season, with two starts coming at right guard and one at left tackle. Moreover, Myers is another player with experience at left guard who could slide over for TCU.</p>
<p id="RoJ0Tq">If Myers doesn’t open the 2020 season as the starting right guard, TCU will have multiple options to consider including White and redshirt junior Wes Harris, who started five games at the position during the 2018 season. The 6-foot-4, 295-pounder was limited to two appearances this past year due to injury. </p>
<p id="y9Yzcy">Finally, TCU will need to address its biggest loss, which comes at right tackle. With the losses of Bolisomi and Niang, the Horned Frogs will need a potentially unproven player to step up this fall. One player to watch for will be redshirt freshman Andrew Coker, who’s 6-foot-7 frame would be welcomed to anchor one side of the offensive line. Another player who could emerge is JUCO transfer Brandon Coleman, who stands 6 feet 6 inches and arrives on campus as a three-star recruit. </p>
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https://www.frogsowar.com/2020/6/9/21280811/2020-tcu-football-preview-offensive-lineRussell Hodges2020-05-29T10:30:00-05:002020-05-29T10:30:00-05:002020 TCU Football Preview: Linebackers
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<p>Garret Wallow headlines a versatile core of players who made a large impact on the TCU defense this past season.</p> <p id="MACLTH">The 2019 season was a coming-out party for many TCU defenders, but not many arguably shined more throughout the fall than linebacker Garret Wallow.</p>
<p id="8NCquf">Wallow began making his presence felt his sophomore season in 2018, finishing third on the Horned Frogs with 72 tackles and starting seven games. But the senior linebacker took an enormous leap this past season, compiling an astonishing 125 tackles which lead all Big 12 defenders. His ascent to the elite Division I talents was on display against SMU, when he recorded 19 tackles, the most for a TCU defender since Travin Howard in 2016.</p>
<p id="9EfoFP">A converted safety who moved down to linebacker for the Horned Frogs, Wallow led TCU with 18 tackles-for-loss in 2019. His performance garnered First-Team All-Big 12 recognition from both AP and the conference, and when Wallow returns for his senior campaign this fall, he’ll immediately rank among the best linebackers in the country, perhaps for both his play and his dance moves.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Garret Wallow Big 12 Defensive POY confirmed (via <a href="https://twitter.com/gwallow_12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gwallow_12</a>): <a href="https://t.co/0gd5b9peJR">pic.twitter.com/0gd5b9peJR</a></p>— Dean Straka (@DWStraka49) <a href="https://twitter.com/DWStraka49/status/1154193166112890880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2019</a>
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<p id="bONorT">While Wallow is virtually a lock to start at his usual strong-side linebacker position, who will flank him in the middle of the TCU defense could be a battle between a few talented returning Horned Frogs. Junior Ben Wilson is primed to make a big impact after missing the first five games of the 2019 season with an injury. Wilson, once the top-ranked inside linebacker prospect in Washington state, recorded a career-high 11 tackles in his first career start against Baylor.</p>
<p id="QeK5EL">if TCU doesn’t keep La’Kendrick Van Zandt in the secondary, head coach Gary Patterson could bring him back to the linebacker core, where he started three games before missing five games of the season to injury. Van Zandt, a redshirt junior, totaled a personal-best five solo stops against Iowa State, where he started at linebacker.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great break on the ball by Ar'Darius Washington (<a href="https://twitter.com/ad_washington24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ad_washington24</a>) leads to the tip drill INT from TCU's Wyatt Harris (<a href="https://twitter.com/wyattharris23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wyattharris23</a>) that would create a FG for the Horned Frogs and put them up 10-0. Washington has been excellent for TCU this year.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNSFilm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNSFilm</a> <a href="https://t.co/ekm33KoVUj">pic.twitter.com/ekm33KoVUj</a></p>— Alex Katson (@alexkatson) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexkatson/status/1196993848938860545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2019</a>
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<p id="H9B02Q">Two freshmen who gained a lot of experience this past season were Dee Winters and Wyatt Harris, who combined for 54 tackles. Harris, a bigger linebacker at 6 feet 3 inches and 218 pounds, started six games in 2019 and made a variety of plays including an interception against Texas Tech, one sack against Kansas State and a career-high seven stops against both Oklahoma and Texas. Winters turned some heads against Purdue, where he earned his first career sack and brought home 2019 Athlon Defensive Freshman of the Week honors. A multi-sport standout in high school, Winters took some big-time rips on the diamond.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dee Winters: (<a href="https://twitter.com/dwintersdos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dwintersdos</a>) not just a football player. The Burton senior and <a href="https://twitter.com/TCUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TCUFootball</a> signee hit 2 home runs and drove in 5 in the first two innings vs Snook tonight. <a href="https://t.co/PhLvBnh1GU">pic.twitter.com/PhLvBnh1GU</a></p>— Cody Coil (@codycoil) <a href="https://twitter.com/codycoil/status/1118319843265138688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2019</a>
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<p id="Bf2YC4">Finally, one player to keep an eye on down the road is JUCO transfer Jamoi Hodge, who the Horned Frogs flipped from Nebraska during the 2020 recruitment process. The three-star linebacker and former Independence Community College player ranked as high as the No. 3 outside linebacker prospect from North Carolina. At 6 feet 2 inches and 225 pounds, Hodge certainly has the size to fit the mold of a TCU linebacker.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">From Dream U to Funkytown, <a href="https://twitter.com/jamoi_hodge_15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jamoi_hodge_15</a> is ready to join the most ferocious defense in the Big 12. Welcome home... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TCU20for20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TCU20for20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSD20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSD20</a> <a href="https://t.co/NRrhVLv2ta">pic.twitter.com/NRrhVLv2ta</a></p>— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCUFootball/status/1207310695101915136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
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https://www.frogsowar.com/2020/5/29/21272749/2020-tcu-football-preview-linebackersRussell Hodges2020-05-22T10:30:00-05:002020-05-22T10:30:00-05:002020 TCU Football Preview: Wide Receivers
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<p>Jalen Reagor departed for the NFL Draft, leaving the Horned Frogs with an open competition for who could be the team’s top target this fall. Te’Vailance Hunt has a chance to be that player.</p> <p id="jMOqt4">Since the Washington Redskins drafted former Horned Frog standout Josh Doctson in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, only one TCU wide receiver has recorded a 1,000-yard season. That was Jalen Reagor, who forewent his senior season before the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.</p>
<p id="i0pp7E">Doctson and Reagor were the No. 1 targets for their respective quarterbacks, but with both players now removed from the program, TCU will be looking for its next top-tier receiving talent. The Horned Frogs are down two starters from 2019 including Reagor and Tre’Vontae Hights, who signed with the Carolina Panthers after going undrafted.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maybe the most impressive play in this game was made by WR Taye Barber. The adjustment on this ball is crazy and it also came in a huge spot in the game. Also don’t overlook the throw from Duggan, stood tall and took a shot from a rusher so he could get the throw off.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNSFilm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNSFilm</a> <a href="https://t.co/5sEdFdTxhf">pic.twitter.com/5sEdFdTxhf</a></p>— Mark (@HeaneyNFLDraft) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeaneyNFLDraft/status/1189273181967790081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="zFucmX">TCU will return two miniature fireballs this fall in Taye Barber and Derius Davis, who each took reps out of the H-receiver slot in 2019. Barber has been a steady producer for the Horned Frogs, topping 300 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons on the team. Barber, who started at the H-spot, was TCU’s leading receiver over its final seven games.</p>
<p id="65tEef">Barber pieced together a breakout freshman campaign in 2018, where he totaled at least once reception in every game, the first in head coach Gary Patterson’s then 18-year career leading the program. Moreover, Barber notched either a first down or a touchdown on 21-of-32 catches. The 2019 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention shined in TCU’s 33-31 win over Texas Tech, compiling eight receptions for 137 yards.</p>
<p id="PkytIn">Davis, whose speed makes him a threat on special teams, has over 250 receiving yards in his career. His 73-yard punt return score against Southern in 2018 was the first special teams touchdown by a Horned Frog in his college debut since Deante Gray in 2012. Davis came to TCU with elite track speed, as this video clearly shows.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TCU DB signee Derius Davis just ran the 5th fastest 400m time in the nation <a href="https://t.co/kvRbmiU9Dv">pic.twitter.com/kvRbmiU9Dv</a></p>— Amos Morale III (@Amos_MoraleIII) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amos_MoraleIII/status/964995213549821952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2018</a>
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<p id="T6yZ4m">Reagor’s absence will mean a new starter for TCU at the Z-receiver spot. One player who could fill that role is Te’Vailance Hunt, who took a significant leap forward in 2019 with 308 receiving yards and a touchdown. The 6-foot-3 pass catcher and former four-star recruit started in nine games this past fall, and his most notable reception came during the first overtime of TCU’s marathon against Baylor, hauling in a scoring grab in spectacular fashion.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That's a catch. What a play by Te'Vailance Hunt!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoFrogs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoFrogs</a>. <a href="https://t.co/nAGbszBVk5">pic.twitter.com/nAGbszBVk5</a></p>— LandGrant Gauntlet (@the_LGG) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_LGG/status/1193263862512046081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a>
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<p id="psUKEQ">TCU’s Y-receiver slot will be benefited with the return of redshirt senior Dylan Thomas, who has been productive when healthy but has missed significant time over the last two seasons with injuries. Thomas started four games at the Y-spot in 2019, finishing with 121 receiving yards including a four-catch, 70-yard performance against SMU. Redshirt junior Al’Dontre Davis, who has six career receptions with one touchdown, was listed on the depth chart at the Y-receiver spot on more than one occasion this past year.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dylan Thomas catching a TD between 2 defensive backs? No problem <br><br>TOUCHDOWN TCU‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TCUvsKansas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TCUvsKansas</a> <a href="https://t.co/NcIYtah7ig">pic.twitter.com/NcIYtah7ig</a></p>— Sideline CFB (@SidelineCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/SidelineCFB/status/1177980508271190016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p id="BlYgKJ">TCU’s final wide receiving slot comes from the X-position. Hights departing for the NFL will create opportunities for multiple young talents to step up this fall. Junior John Stephens Jr. possesses big-time size at 6 feet 5 inches and could create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. Former JUCO standout Mikel Barkley may also see the field more often after preserving a redshirt season in 2019. Both players were depth charted as X-slot receivers this past season.</p>
<p id="wFi253">Lastly, one early candidate for a true freshman who could break out this fall is four-star recruit Quentin Johnston, the third-highest rated prospect in the Patterson era behind Zach Evans and Justin Rogers. The 6-foot-4, 180-pounder has a lean build but moves quickly and gracefully in the open field. Johnston had originally committed to the Texas Longhorns, but flipped to the Horned Frogs late in the process.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Temple 4 Star WR Quentin Johnston has committed to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Texas</a>. Johnston is a unicorn who is uncommonly fast and fluid for being 6’5. Will contribute immediately. Monster pick up for the horns. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cloUT2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cloUT2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HookEm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HookEm</a> <br> <a href="https://t.co/n7TjAlHInJ">pic.twitter.com/n7TjAlHInJ</a></p>— Texas Platinum (@TexPlatinum) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexPlatinum/status/1162755004794433537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2019</a>
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https://www.frogsowar.com/2020/5/22/21264473/2020-tcu-football-preview-wide-receiversRussell Hodges2020-05-18T10:30:00-05:002020-05-18T10:30:00-05:002020 TCU Football Preview: Safeties
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<p>The Horned Frogs are losing two starters from 2019, but the emergence of Trevon Moehrig and Ar’Darius Washington presents plenty of optimism for the 2020 group returning this fall.</p> <p id="LMnEIP">TCU’s unique defensive scheme relies on outstanding play from the safety positions, and that’s exactly what the Horned Frogs saw from their defensive backs this past season.</p>
<p id="f7DjAh">Despite losing starting strong safety Innis Gaines early in the season, TCU continued to lock down opponents in the secondary, finishing the season as the Big 12 Conference’s top-ranked passing defense. The Horned Frogs, who also ranked first in total defense, were the only team in the Big 12 to hold opposing offenses under 200 passing yards per game. Moreover, TCU limited opposing quarterbacks to a 55.3 completion percentage, the lowest mark in the conference.</p>
<p id="ny8Tgf">Although the Horned Frogs will lose two starters from 2019 including Gaines and Vernon Scott, who the Green Bay Packers drafted in the seventh round this past month, TCU’s safety group still expects to be one of the elite bunches in college football. Headlining TCU’s returning safeties is Trevon Moehrig, who blossomed in his second season and emerged as one of the top-rated safeties in the country. The 2019 First-Team All-Big 12 standout finished the season as Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated safety in the FBS. His sophomore campaign was also the third-most valuable in PFF college football history.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Few things can happen on a football field that are sweeter then a Safety making a booming hit to force a fumble. That’s exactly what Trevon Moehrig (<a href="https://twitter.com/TheReal_Tre7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheReal_Tre7</a>) does here. He sniffs out the play and aims right for the football knocking it loose, really great play...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNSFilm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNSFilm</a> <a href="https://t.co/HoBxTGalsr">pic.twitter.com/HoBxTGalsr</a></p>— Mark (@HeaneyNFLDraft) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeaneyNFLDraft/status/1199565622272831488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2019</a>
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<p id="HCBMYK">Moehrig put the clamps on opposing receivers in 2019, allowing only 2-of-17 contested targets to be caught. The junior free safety finished his sophomore season with two forced fumbles, four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 62 tackles. When Moehrig returns this fall, he’ll likely be flanked by redshirt sophomore Ar’Darius Washington, who entered the starting lineup at weak safety after Gaines went down. Another player who surged onto the scene in 2019, Washington was the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, and his performance more than justified the conference honor. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Highest graded safeties in 2019:<br><br>1. Trevon Moehrig, TCU - 92.1<br>2. Ar'Darius Washington, TCU - 91.7 <a href="https://t.co/O0tmps0BX4">pic.twitter.com/O0tmps0BX4</a></p>— PFF College (@PFF_College) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1242866336558186497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2020</a>
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<p id="4dNrzH">While Moehrig was PFF’s highest-graded safety, Washington was right behind him as the second-highest graded safety, allowing only five catches out of 265 coverage snaps and missing only three tackles on 48 attempts according to PFF. The 5-foot-8, 179-pound dynamo from Louisiana picked off five passes in 2019, the most by any freshman in Gary Patterson’s 19 years as head coach of the Horned Frogs and the most by a TCU player since Chris Hackett totaled seven in 2014. Moehrig and Washington will return as not only two of the best safeties in college football, but two of the most talented overall defenders.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Highest graded returning defensive players in power-five football:<br><br>1. Chris Rumph II, Duke ED<br>2. Trevon Moehrig, TCU S<br>3. Derek Stingley Jr, LSU CB<br>5. Ar'Darius Washington, TCU S<br>5. Shaun Jolly, App St CB <a href="https://t.co/AHLP08yt1m">pic.twitter.com/AHLP08yt1m</a></p>— PFF College (@PFF_College) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1255172423327993857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2020</a>
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<p id="QkBjp9">With Moehrig and Washington virtually locked into starting roles for the 2020 season, the Horned Frogs will need one more safety to step up this fall. One player who could fill that role is sophomore Nook Bradford, who played in all 12 games last season and totaled 23 tackles. Bradford arrived on campus as the No. 1 prep school player in the country by 247Sports, and his talents could give the TCU secondary a significant boost. Bradford made his case with a tremendous defensive play against Oklahoma, stripping and recovering a fumble by former Sooner quarterback Jalen Hurts.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Give me that!!" - <a href="https://twitter.com/N_Bradford5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@N_Bradford5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoFrogs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoFrogs</a> <a href="https://t.co/rBIFeKQFAS">pic.twitter.com/rBIFeKQFAS</a></p>— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCUFootball/status/1198449416195231744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a>
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<p id="mvsclQ">Another player to watch out for could be junior La’Kendrick Van Zandt, a versatile defender who earned starts at both safety and linebacker in 2019. While the majority of his snaps came beside Garret Wallow at linebacker, his final start of the season came at strong safety against Baylor. The 6-foot-1, 206-pound thumper recorded his first collegiate interception in that game, and although he missed five games due to injury, he finished the season with three passes defender and 12 total tackles.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Charlie Brewer with a rare misfire and La'Kendrick Van Zandt took full advantage! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoFrogs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoFrogs</a> <a href="https://t.co/bA9Whaqi76">pic.twitter.com/bA9Whaqi76</a></p>— LandGrant Gauntlet (@the_LGG) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_LGG/status/1193219630304841728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a>
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<p id="rLy77G">Finally, former four-star recruit Atanza Vongor could be a breakout candidate for the Horned Frogs this fall. The redshirt sophomore appeared in 11 games this past season as a reserve weak safety, totaling two tackles. Vongor has quality size and athleticism for the safety position, standing 6 feet 1 inches and weighing 200 pounds. Vongor, who redshirted his first season due to injury, chose the Horned Frogs over big-time programs like Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Michigan. </p>
<p id="mG95FH">With two premier playmakers in Moehrig and Washington leading the TCU safeties this fall, the Horned Frogs should once again be one of the best pass defending teams in the Big 12. Add Bradford, Van Zandt and Vongor into the equation and Patterson will have options to start and rotate players around as TCU prepares for the 2020 season. Hopefully, we’ll continue seeing more incredible plays like these in last year’s upset over Texas.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ar'Darius Washington is my #6 rated cornerback this upcoming college football season. <a href="https://t.co/ENxnXr3F2I">pic.twitter.com/ENxnXr3F2I</a></p>— TM (@CFBLive247) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBLive247/status/1260624080857858049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a>
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https://www.frogsowar.com/2020/5/18/21261879/2020-tcu-football-preview-safetiesRussell Hodges