He’s fluent in German and paving the way for TCU’s rushing attack. Meet Brandon Coleman
TCU offensive lineman Brandon Coleman brought an interesting twist to the school’s midweek news conference. Coleman answered a question in German. Seriously.
Coleman is fluent in German after spending most of his childhood in Berlin as his father was stationed overseas.
Asked if he preferred run blocking or pass blocking at the end of his media session, Coleman replied in German. He then translated it, saying: “I said I don’t have a preference, but run blocking a little more than pass blocking.”
That much is evident by watching TCU’s offensive line work in recent weeks. How couldn’t they be fired up to block for Zach Evans and Kendre Miller? Evans and Miller have proven to be home-run threats every time the football is in their hands.
TCU had almost 400 yards rushing at Texas Tech last weekend. Coach Gary Patterson mentioned the passing game has to get going this weekend at No. 4 Oklahoma, but TCU’s rushing attack is hard to ignore.
The Frogs have four capable running backs at their disposal in Evans, Miller, Daimarqua Foster and Emari Demercado.
“It’s definitely exciting to have four running backs that can run the ball just as good as the next one,” Coleman said. “For the offensive line, it’s great to block the guy in front of you and then you see the running back go for 10, 20-yards and go to the house. It’s definitely a lot of fun to have those guys in the backfield and make us look good.”
TCU’s offensive line deserves just as much credit. The Frogs were without their two starting guards, Wes Harris and John Lanz, at Texas Tech. Coleman and Coy McMillon stepped in and the rushing numbers speak to how they fared.
Coleman started at left guard against Tech. Against Texas the previous week, Coleman filled in at right guard. Those are the first two starts of his career and he could be called upon once again at OU.
Coleman, who is listed at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, joined the program as an offensive tackle prospect but has made a seamless transition inside to guard.
“You’d rather not (have guys play inside and out). We really didn’t have much choice in the matter until we get some guys back,” Patterson said. “It’s good that they are versatile and big enough that they can handle those things.”
For Coleman, he’s still learning and is relatively young in the sport.
Football wasn’t played much in Germany, so Coleman spent most of his time playing basketball. Once his family moved back to the U.S. in 2016, settling in Denton, football entered the equation.
Coleman played his junior season as a defensive lineman on JV (due to UIL transfer rules) at Denton High School. As a senior, he moved to the offensive line on varsity. He started his college career in the JUCO ranks, playing for Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, before landing at TCU.
Coleman played the first four games last season before sustaining a season-ending injury. He rehabbed into the summer but has played his way into the starting lineup this fall.
“The injury was a little setback,” Coleman said. “ But I definitely got more playing time in practice, coaches were helping me out during practice and I got more comfortable playing at the speed of it and more comfortable playing the position.”
This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
