TCU football completed its 13th spring practice. Here’s what we’ve learned so far
Tuesday marked the 13th spring practice for TCU football. The Horned Frogs have two remaining with one on Thursday followed by the spring game Friday night at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Thursday’s practice is expected to be relatively light, coach Sonny Dykes said, with the spring game the following day. Tuesday served as a routine practice with the offense and defense both having their moments.
“I thought we had a good day today,” Dykes said. “The final week of spring ball sometimes you’ve got to drag them to the end kicking and screaming. The guys had a good attitude today and came out and worked and showed some maturity. We came out and had a good practice and didn’t waste a good opportunity to get better.”
Among the takeaways from Tuesday:
▪ TCU has been relatively healthy throughout the spring but were missing a few notable defenders. Cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, linebacker Johnny Hodges and safety Mark Perry were among the notable starters sidelined. Dykes is hopeful all of them are available for Friday’s game.
▪ With Tomlinson sidelined, cornerbacks Noah Daniels, Kee’yon Stewart and Ish Burdine all received first-team reps at some point during the team work. Burdine made the most notable play, stopping quarterback Max Duggan in the backfield as he tried to scramble out of the pocket. Quarterbacks didn’t throw much Burdine’s way, either, which says something.
▪ The starting D-line remains to be Dylan Horton and Terrell Cooper on the edge and Soni Misi at nose tackle. Backup defensive end Jaquaze Sorrells made a nice play during the team portion, batting down a pass from quarterback Sam Jackson.
▪ With Hodges out at linebacker, Texas transfer Terrence Cooks Jr. received first-team reps alongside Dee Winters and Jamoi Hodge. Cooks had a QB pressure on Duggan during the team portion.
▪ A couple of second-team defenders continue to make plays on a seemingly daily basis. Linebacker Marcel Brooks had a sack on Jackson, while defensive end Colt Ellison had a QB pressure on Duggan.
▪ The O-line continues to crosstrain at different positions. Andrew Coker worked with the first-team at right tackle and left tackle on Tuesday; Steve Avila worked at center and guard; and Brandon Coleman worked at both guard spots. The O-line remains a pleasant surprise so far this spring. It looks like the Frogs will be OK with that unit.
▪ A couple of receivers who are quietly having solid springs include junior Blair Conwright and sophomore Blake Nowell. Both made plays on Tuesday. So did tight ends Geor’Quarius Spivey and D’Andre Rogers. The offense appears to have a number of playmakers outside of receiver Quentin Johnston and running back Kendre Miller.
▪ Kicker Griffin Kell had a forgettable day, going 2-of-5 on field goals (unofficially). In fairness, it was a windy morning on the practice field and he had enough distance on his kicks. Kell is coming off a season in which he was 14 of 18 on field goal attempts and a perfect 42 of 42 on PATs.
This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 2:06 PM.
