Analysis: Breaking down TCU’s defensive depth chart
TCU has released its season-opening depth chart and a starting linebacker ranks as the No. 1 surprise.
Sophomore La’Kendrick Van Zandt has pushed his way up to the first-team at middle linebacker. This is a guy who had been viewed as a safety his first two years in the program (he redshirted in 2017), but has seemingly found a home at linebacker alongside strong-side linebacker Garret Wallow.
Coach Gary Patterson raved about Van Zandt during the Big 12 coaches teleconference on Monday.
“We’d probably be in a lot of trouble if it wasn’t for him,” Patterson said. “For La’Kendrick to step up and do the things he’s been able to do, it’s been really good for us.
“He’s been a pleasant surprise. In some ways he’s been our fall camp most valuable player.”
Van Zandt is somewhat undersized for a linebacker at 6-foot-1, 206 pounds. But he’s got speed to cover and TCU has a long track record of successfully transitioning safeties to linebackers.
Patterson mentioned Van Zandt having the ability to cover speedster Jalen Reagor during one of the scrimmages this fall. With several teams opting to air-it-out in today’s game, linebackers with coverage skills are more important than ever.
“He gives you a guy with great speed,” Patterson said. “When you have a linebacker that can run with that kind of ability, that kind of speed, that gives you a lot of flexibility on defense. Every day he just keeps getting better and better.”
Patterson compared Van Zandt to former TCU great Travin Howard, who has the most tackles (343) in the Patterson era.
Patterson went on to mention several others who had successful linebacker careers despite not being linebackers when arriving on campus such as Jawuan Johnson and Ty Summers.
The common denominator? Speed, baby.
“In this league, you’ve got to have linebackers who can vertical wide receivers at least from our standpoint,” Patterson said. “If you have that, you have a lot more flexibility.”
Here’s the depth chart --
Defensive ends
Starters: Shameik Blackshear, Ochaun Mathis
Backups: Adam Plant Jr., Parker Workman, Colt Ellison
This is arguably the most difficult position to replace with the departures of Ben Banogu and L.J. Collier. But Blackshear and Mathis have the potential to do just that.
Defensive tackles
Starters: Ross Blacklock, Corey Bethley
Backups: Terrell Cooper, Karter Johnson, Soni Misi, Earl Barquet
A pair of 300-pounders with ability to generate interior pressure will suit the Frogs well.
Linebackers
Starters: Garret Wallow, La’Kendrick Van Zandt
Backups: Dee Winters, Zach Marcheselli, Jacoby Simpson, Wyatt Harris, DeMauryon Holmes
Wallow had the most tackles of anyone returning on defense last season, and Van Zandt has long been viewed as one of the top athletes on the Frogs’ roster.
Safeties
Starters: Trevon Moehrig (free), Innis Gaines (strong), Vernon Scott (weak)
Backups: Keenan Reed OR Ar’Darius Washington, Nook Bradford, Ar’Darius Washington OR Atanza Vongor
TCU has had the Big 12’s top pass defense for two straight years. To make it three straight, this group has to play well.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Jeff Gladney, Julius Lewis
Backups: Kee’Yon Stewart OR Keenan Reed, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson
Gladney may be the best cover man in the Big 12. Lewis isn’t too far behind him, either.
Special teams
Kicker: Jonathan Song OR Griffin Kell
Snapper: Antonio Ortiz
Punter/ holder: Jordy Sandy
Kickoff returner: Jalen Reagor (Emari Demercado is No. 2 option)
Punt returner: Derius Davis (Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson and Jalen Reagor listed as other options)
This story was originally published August 27, 2019 at 10:07 AM.
