Andrew Coker has grown a ‘tremendous amount’ as TCU’s right tackle
When TCU right tackle Andrew Coker turns on film from last season, he isn’t too impressed with himself.
“I’m like, ‘Wow. That player is not me anymore,’” said Coker, who started eight games at right tackle as a redshirt freshman in 2020. “I’ve done a lot better with my hips in the offseason. I’ve done a lot better with my flexibility. I’ve got my core strength up.
“This year I’ve felt more comfortable.”
That much is evident as Coker continues to establish himself as the Frogs’ right tackle. The 6-foot-7, 319-pound sophomore has started every game at right tackle for a TCU offensive line that is paving the way for the Big 12’s third-best offense.
TCU’s O-line has allowed only six sacks on the season, including none the last two games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma. The Frogs are averaging 227.5 yards rushing and 232.5 yards passing.
Much credit goes to the guys up front. Coker and left tackle Obinna Eze have been the two staples, starting every game.
“We’re starting to come together as a unit,” Coker said. “We’re starting to play together very well.”
TCU is looking to ride its offense to make a second-half push. At 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big 12, the Frogs believe their goals are still in front of them.
As Coker said, “We’re not resetting any goals for the conference because we believe that there’s going to be a team in the conference championship with two losses in conference. We feel like that’s still an option.”
Coker raved about the playmakers the offense has from quarterback Max Duggan to running backs Zach Evans and Kendre Miller to wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Those players keep TCU in every game with their home-run potential.
“We have some players on the field that wear No. 15 (Duggan), No. 33 (Miller), No. 1 (Johnston) and even No. 6 (Evans) when he’s out there,” Coker said. “Whenever they’re on the field, we feel like we can score in an instant.”
Asked specifically about Duggan, Coker had nothing but good things to say. Duggan had a career day at OU while showing his grit and toughness by playing with a broken bone in his foot.
“He’s our heartbeat for sure,” Coker said. “He’s the one who makes this team go. You see some guys out there who are battling through injuries and being sore and stuff like that, but that guy is playing on a broken foot. And he’s a quarterback, the most important position on the field.
“He’s our leader. Whenever he’s on the field, we always feel like we have a chance no matter who we’re playing. A guy like that is a guy you want to play for.”
The same would likely be said about Coker and the rest of the O-line. Duggan consistently thanks his offensive line after games as do the running backs.
Coker is a significant part of that equation and his growth is recognized by coaches and teammates alike. Just ask defensive end Ochaun Mathis, who faces Coker on a daily basis.
“Andrew has grown a tremendous amount,” Mathis said. “We go against each other as hard as we can every rep. Having that opportunity going against him, I’ve seen his potential grow. He’s become more of a leader in that aspect as well.”
This story was originally published October 21, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
