TCU’s Patterson pleased with team’s energy, Duggan’s reps early on in spring ball
TCU football put on the pads for the first time this spring on Monday, and coach Gary Patterson couldn’t have been happier with how the third of what will be 15 spring practices unfolded.
“This is the best practice probably since 2014 intensity wise,” Patterson said. “I don’t know what that means, but it’s a good start. I don’t know if it’s because we’re so young and we don’t know any better.”
Anything being compared to the 2014 season should be music to TCU fans’ ears, of course. TCU went 12-1, finished No. 3 in the country and was regarded as one of the biggest snubs from the inaugural College Football Playoff that season.
For now, though, TCU should just want to get back to being bowl eligible. The Horned Frogs had a disappointing 5-7 season in 2019, missing a bowl game for just the third time in Patterson’s 19 seasons.
Here are the big takeaways from Patterson’s first media availability of the spring.
Duggan’s reps
Sophomore Max Duggan is the only scholarship quarterback available this spring, which Patterson views as a positive.
Duggan needs as many reps as possible, and has been working with the first and second teams. TCU struggled in the passing game last season and the hope is Duggan takes a step forward in 2020 with accuracy and decision-making.
“Honestly, it’s what Max needs,” Patterson said. “He needs a lot of reps. We can make sure his arm doesn’t get sore and give him things to do. He needs all the reps he can get and we’re doing that.”
Duggan finished his freshman season throwing for 2,077 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He completed just 53.4% of his passes (181 for 339). As far as rushing, Duggan ranked second on the team with 555 yards and six TDs.
Asked where he’d like to see Duggan grow the most, Patterson said: “Win more than we lose. We’ve just got to be able to play catch better. Great throwing teams can play catch. We’ve got to keep working on catching the ball and doing things a lot better than we did a year ago.”
As far as injured quarterbacks Matthew Baldwin and Matthew Downing, Patterson said the expectation is to have them ready to go when summer workouts start in a few months. TCU will also add JUCO signee Stephon Brown to the quarterback room in the summer.
Still, this is a stark transition from a year ago when reps were limited among QBs with a number of options in Duggan, Alex Delton, Justin Rogers and Mike Collins.
“Welcome to college football as we know it now,” Patterson said.
Pass rush promise?
TCU had just 22 sacks last season, the fewest of the Patterson era. That’s an area of emphasis for the Frogs even though one of their better pass rushers — Ochaun Mathis — is out with an injury.
But Patterson has been pleased with what he’s seen from newcomers Khari Coleman and Patrick Jenkins, two defensive line prospects from Louisiana.
“They’ve already shown signs of why we recruited them,” Patterson said. “We’re excited about that.”
Another pass rusher, Thomas Armstrong, is healthy and practicing after missing 2019 with an injury.
But, as Patterson put it, “He’s ready, but he’s not ready.”
Briefly
▪ Patterson confirmed that La’Kendrick Van Zandt has yet to practice this spring, but is hopeful he returns later this month. Van Zandt will work out as a safety after splitting time at safety and linebacker last season.
▪ TCU has to replace its top three offensive tackles from last season. Graduate transfer TJ Storment has made a favorable impression early. Said Patterson: “He’s got a lot of leadership qualities also.”
▪ Patterson on his goals this spring: “Same thing we have the last 23 years — become the best team we can possibly be.”
