TCU football bringing back several ‘super seniors’ as spring semester starts
TCU started its spring semester on Monday. That meant the football program officially started its offseason workouts with players returning to campus.
There are a few surprises among the players returning to play for new coach Sonny Dykes and his staff, including 10 players back for a ‘super senior’ season. With the NCAA freezing eligibility in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, several players are taking advantage of an extra season.
In fact, as of Monday morning, there were 10 players who would qualify for the ‘super senior’ label. As expected, cornerback Noah Daniels, offensive lineman Wes Harris and running back Emari Demercado are among the super seniors on the roster.
A few surprises included defensive tackles Terrell Cooper and George Ellis III, and defensive end Dylan Horton. Wide receivers Derius Davis and Taye Barber plan to play the 2022 season, too. Also back is tight end Carter Ware and cornerback Tony Wallace.
TCU lost a couple of players who had potential eligibility remaining such as safety La’Kendrick Van Zandt and center Coy McMillon. Van Zandt is planning to pursue a professional career, while McMillon’s playing days are over.
Dykes has also retained a couple of players who could have flirted with turning professional. Cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson and defensive end Ochaun Mathis are both planning to play next season under new defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie.
Here’s a look at TCU’s 10 ‘super seniors’ for spring ball —
CB Noah Daniels: Daniels has the type of track speed that excites NFL scouts, but he’s also been injury prone the last few seasons. A productive and healthy season will go a long way in solidifying his NFL dreams.
OL Wes Harris: Harris is the strongest man on the team but, like Daniels, has battled injuries throughout his career.
RB Emari Demercado: One of the locker room leaders brings experience and depth to the running back corps. He had 477 yards rushing and four TDs last season.
DT Terrell Cooper: He’s been a staple in the Frogs’ defensive line the past four seasons, missing only two games. He had 25 tackles in 2021.
DT George Ellis III: Ellis was limited to five games due to injury last season. He made four starts during the 2020 season.
DE Dylan Horton: One of the surprises last season, Horton finished with four sacks in 2021.
WR Derius Davis: Davis emerged as TCU’s top returner last season, averaging almost 30 yards per kickoff return including one TD. In the passing game, he finished with 36 catches for 518 yards.
WR Taye Barber: One of the locker room leaders has 122 receptions for 1,507 and six touchdowns in 44 games throughout his career.
TE Carter Ware: Ware sustained a season-ending injury after four games last season, but provides a veteran presence at the tight end position.
CB Tony Wallace: He didn’t play last season due to an injury but provides depth at the cornerback position.
Guyton enters portal
Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton is the latest TCU player to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Guyton spent two seasons with the Frogs, joining as a three-star prospect out of Manor.
Guyton’s most notable play came in last season’s finale at Iowa State as he caught a 6-yard TD pass from Max Duggan.
This story was originally published January 10, 2022 at 12:00 PM.
