Quarterback Sam Jackson gets his shot with the first-team in TCU practice
Monday’s practice offered a glimpse into how head coach Sonny Dykes will potentially use talented quarterback Sam Jackson this season.
After running exclusively with the third-team offense the first week of preseason camp, Jackson started the 11-on-11 portion of practice with the first-team at running back.
In a room full of athletic signal callers, Jackson sits at the top and it’s clear the Horned Frogs will try to find ways to utilize that speed.
Jackson had a few solid carries including one that would’ve been 10-plus yards against the first-team defense. Jackson also moved to quarterback and had a chance to lead the second-team offense.
The red-shirt freshman gives Dykes an interesting chess piece to maneuver around the field. The quarterback race still projects to be centered around Max Duggan and Chandler Morris, but Jackson could be a factor with his unique skill set if neither is able to gain separation.
Duggan’s wow moment
Duggan didn’t play poorly last week, but outside of a few scrambles there weren’t many big plays. That changed on Monday as Duggan had his best pass of preseason camp.
He led the first-team offense. On the last play of the series, Duggan completed a touchdown pass to Taye Barber that was roughly 30 yards. It was also a nice catch by Barber in the back of the endzone.
The most impressive aspect was that Duggan was almost picked off by Bud Clark on the previous play. It was a nice response by Duggan to start the week.
As for Morris, he didn’t take any snaps during the open media session of practice. True freshman Josh Hoover finished off the series for the third team with an incomplete pass and a short completion.
Morris wasn’t limited in the individual parts of practice. He was with the first-team offense during the early morning walk through.
More standouts from Monday
Trent Battle had another strong run with the second-team offense as he gashed the defense for what would’ve been a first down.
With Dylan Horton returning to action, senior defensive lineman Colt Ellison was back with the second-team defense and produced a tackle for loss.
Safety Namdi Obiazor and corner Jaionte McMillan also had a nice pass breakup on a sideline throw by Jackson.
Sophomore defensive lineman Doug Blue-Eli burst through the offensive line for a tackle for loss with the the third team.
Few key players missing
While the Horned Frogs got Horton back on the field there were a few more key defensive pieces missing from practice. Linebackers Johnny Hodges and Marcel Brooks weren’t seen at any point of practice.
Thomas Armstrong filled in for Hodges on the first-team and continued his strong camp. Shadrach Banks and Zach Marcheselli received more action with the second team.
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson was absent for the first 30-45 minutes of practice, but came out at the end in a walking boot. Junior corner Kee’yon Stewart also looked like he got banged up.
Offensive lineman Brandon Coleman also had to leave practice early.
NFL scouts continue to flock to TCU
NFL scouts continue to come to Fort Worth each day of practice. That wasn’t always the case under Gary Patterson due to his practice policies and talent on the roster in the latter years.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans had scouts present Monday. Quentin Johnston continues to be biggest NFL draft prospect. With how the the offensive line has performed so far, it wouldn’t be a surprise to a see a few more Horned Frogs improve their stock around the league.
This story was originally published August 8, 2022 at 10:35 AM.
