A slimmed-down Gary Patterson is bringing more energy to TCU football’s preseason camp
Gary Patterson has seen fans criticize him for spending too much time playing the guitar and writing music this offseason. Well, Patterson is putting any questions about his priorities to rest.
Patterson remains all-in on TCU football. Look no further than Saturday’s preseason practice that was open to the media.
There wasn’t a moment where Patterson was standing still during the two-hour practice. He bounced between both practice fields.
Patterson barked at one of the team’s stars for celebrating a “win” during the one-on-one portion of practice. Patterson’s message: Act like you’ve made a play before.
Patterson later worked on technique with a freshman who arrived on campus not long ago. The freshman has speed and Patterson wants that to be utilized rather than wasted with poor form.
Patterson was also quick to give a “good job” on the sidelines when players made plays.
This didn’t happen by accident, of course. Patterson has more energy going into this camp than any in recent memory after he dropped close to 30 pounds this offseason.
“You could see it out here today,” Patterson said. “I’ve got a lot more energy. All those people who think I’m spending all my time doing music should come and watch.”
Patterson said he has a bet with another member on the staff as far as weight loss. That member has gone from 252 pounds to 191 pounds. Patterson hasn’t seen that dramatic of a change, but he’s happy with where he’s gotten to so far.
“I’ve lost 27 pounds, probably over 30 if you count the water weight I lost today,” Patterson said. “I usually lose 5 or 6 pounds [a day] and this was an average heat day.”
Patterson knows he’ll need the energy for this year’s camp. Outside of the Texas heat, Patterson is expected to spend a significant amount of time with the safety group.
The Frogs lost two of their starting safeties from last season with Trevon Moehrig and Ar’Darius Washington leaving early for the NFL. Patterson likes the depth and potential of the group he has going into this season, but there is work to be done.
Early on, the starting safeties are senior La’Kendrick Van Zandt, Memphis transfer T.J. Carter and sophomore Deshawn McCuin. Van Zandt, who started nine of 10 games last season, and Nook Bradford, who started one game last season, are the only safeties on the roster with starting experience with the Frogs.
As Patterson said during a news conference on Thursday, “One of the emphases for us coming back, especially on defense, is to make sure if you’ve got 10 safeties that all seven to 10 safeties can play. I’m talking about knowledge, not because of athletic ability.
“Every year we’ve got the same things. How in 30 days do you grow up everybody?”
