TCU defense will ‘move guys around’ at safety this week, Patterson says

Michael Downing, who stepped in at weak safety after Kenny Iloka was hurt last week against Stephen F. Austin, is not necessarily the starter this week as TCU will continue to look at personnel moves.

“I don’t know if he’s a starter yet,” coach Gary Patterson said of Downing, a sophomore who had one tackle and an interception after taking over in the first quarter. “It says it on the depth chart, but we’ll see what it’s like on Saturday. We’ll move guys around.”

“That position can be very active,” Patterson said. “Chris Hackett had seven picks there last year. We didn’t get as much production early in the season as we’ve had at that position in the past. We have to see how that all transpires.”

Kindred, a senior, has played all three safety positions at TCU, Patterson said.

“It’s hard to do,” Patterson said. “The good thing is we train them like that.”

Orr practiced at free safety in the spring. But using him would mean moving him away from cornerback, where he has started the first two games.

“It really would help us to move some people around,” Patterson said. “We’re just needing to have some more corners step up and start playing a little bit better. It’d be easier to make some of those moves.”

Freeze update

Patterson said he does not believe freshman linebacker Mike Freeze will return to the team, although he would be welcomed back.

“Yep. Why not?” Patterson said. “He didn’t do anything wrong.”

Asked if he anticipates a change in Freeze’s personal leave status, Patterson said, “No. No, I don’t anticipate.”

Patterson said he’s not sure if Freeze remains in school.

“I think we’re giving him some [time],” Patterson said. “That time will run out when it comes to drop date.”

Tuaua, White status

Patterson was noncommittal about the availability of defensive end Mike Tuaua and receiver Desmon White for Saturday’s game.

Tuaua did not play Saturday against Stephen F. Austin, and Patterson has not disclosed an injury for him.

Patterson said White got hurt in the game.

“We’ll have to see their status by the end of the week,” Patterson said.

Voted up

Patterson said he voted the Horned Frogs behind “a couple” of teams last week. Tuesday, he said he voted them up.

“I moved us up again a little bit,” he said. “Thought we played a little bit better.”

Patterson said there is competition for his vote.

“There’s a lot of good football teams out there. Just look at the state,” he said. “You watch the way Houston’s playing. You watch the way A&M’s playing, especially on defense. You watch the way Texas Tech’s playing on offense.”

This story was originally published September 15, 2015 at 5:59 PM with the headline "TCU defense will ‘move guys around’ at safety this week, Patterson says."