TCU football’s Colt Ellison, Brandon Bowen showing versatility along defensive line
Gary Patterson’s defenses have always been able to get pressure on the quarterback over the years. That wasn’t the case last season.
TCU had just 22 sacks, the fewest of the Patterson era and the second-fewest among Big 12 teams. The program lost one of the co-leaders in sacks last season, defensive tackle Ross Blacklock (3.5 sacks), to the NFL Draft as well.
But Patterson and the Horned Frogs are hoping to see the pass rush return to an elite level this season.
Patterson has always been high on sophomore Ochaun Mathis’ potential and said he’s looking like a more experienced player this training camp. Patterson mentioned a couple of players showing versatility early on too.
Senior Brandon Bowen, who missed last season and has played in only 11 games the last four years at TCU, is healthy and getting reps at end and tackle. So is sophomore Colt Ellison, the Aledo product who started three of the last four games for the Frogs in 2019.
“You have guys who have really done a good job,” Patterson said, referencing Bowen and Ellison being able to play inside and outside.
Of course, the Frogs would like to have players who can replicate the interior pressure Blacklock generated last season. Maybe it’s Ellison or Bowen, who are both listed at 6-foot-4. Bowen checks in at 273 pounds, according to TCU’s website, while Ellison is at 246 pounds.
TCU has other DTs who are playing well in camp, too, including senior Corey Bethley or junior Terrell Cooper. Patterson also praised sophomore Soni Misi, who has lost 30 pounds and “has had a really good camp.”
At the end of the day, Patterson seems to like the potential of the defensive line unit. Along with Mathis, Ellison and Bowen being options at end, TCU also has senior Parker Workman and Oklahoma transfer Mark Jackson Jr. on its roster.
“I think our upside is going to be way high,” Patterson said. “Hopefully we can keep everybody out on the field and doing the things we need to do.”
This story was originally published August 25, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
