TCU might have its best wide receiver corps since 2014, Gary Patterson says
TCU coach Gary Patterson isn’t ready to call this year’s wide receiver corps among his most athletic or deepest yet. At least not until they’ve played a few games.
But Patterson acknowledged the potential of the group, saying the 2021 unit is the best he’s had since 2014.
“The ‘14 group was awfully athletic. This is the closest we’ve had to ‘14 up to this point,” Patterson said following Saturday’s practice that was open to the media.
That 2014 team — which went 12-1, won a Big 12 title and crushed Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl — featured two future NFL Draft picks at wide receiver including a first-rounder in Josh Doctson and a sixth-rounder in Kolby Listenbee. Deante’ Gray and David Porter were also part of the group and spent time with NFL teams.
TCU had 4,240 yards passing in 2014, which was the first time in program history to surpass the 4,000-yard mark. The Frogs also reached that milestone in 2015, throwing for 4,517 yards.
TCU also set a then-team record with 37 touchdown passes in 2014.
Maybe this year’s TCU team has the potential to become that sort of passing threat. There’s no question the Frogs are focused on opening up their passing game coming off a season in which they averaged less than 200 yards passing per game, their lowest mark since joining the Big 12 in 2012.
TCU threw a number of vertical routes Saturday, but the quarterbacks didn’t have their best days with overthrows or underthrows. But it was only Day 2 and the receivers flashed signs of being able to create separation down the field.
Quentin Johnston, who led TCU in receiving yards last year, appears ready for a breakout sophomore season by winning his share of one-on-one matchups. Quincy Brown, who joined the program as a four-star prospect out of Destrehan (Louisiana), showcased his speed by beating a couple defensive backs on deep routes.
Marcel Brooks, who has transitioned to the offensive side from linebacker, made a highlight-reel catch over the middle.
And let’s not forget about returners such as Derius Davis and Taye Barber who have shown potential. JD Spielman, who transferred from Nebraska before the 2020 season, is also back after an injury-plagued season. Davis, Barber and Spielman are all home-run threats if they get the ball in space.
Another returning receiver with speed is Mikel Barkley, who has potential but was held to just seven catches in five games last season.
Asked about Barkley specifically and taking his practice highlights to the game, Patterson said: “He’s got to get off press coverage, to be honest with you. You’ve just got to be a football player. Football is not pass skelly.
“Pass skelly is pass skelly so you’ve got to get to where you become physical, get off people when they get on and do it. He’s got a lot of potential to be whatever he wants to be.”
Patterson also is excited about the dimension the tight ends will bring to the passing game. Patterson has repeatedly mentioned Geor’Quarius Spivey, a Mississippi State transfer who has emerged as a threat early in camp.
At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Spivey could create matchup problems for opposing defenses, possibly in the red zone. TCU’s leading receiver in touchdowns last year was tight end Pro Wells. Wells has since moved on to the NFL.
“All of those bigger tight end type guys on the other side, we’re excited about,” Patterson said. “We’ve just got to find a guy on the other side who can play away from Quentin.”
TCU opens the season against Duquesne on Sept. 4. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
