How good is TCU? These seven players’ impact could determine the team’s 2022 season.
Without a doubt, the potential success of the TCU quarterbacks this season will go a long way to determining the success of head coach Sonny Dykes’ first season.
The position battle has been the hot topic during training camp. And when Dykes decides it’s time to name a starter, there will be more discussion about the decision and what it means for the team.
But let’s pivot away from the signal callers and focus on the supporting cast. There are other players who could be as vital to a successful Horned Frogs season as quarterbacks Chandler Morris and Max Duggan.
Here’s a look at several of them:
Wide receiver Quentin Johnston: You know what will make it easier for Morris or Duggan to have a productive year? For Johnston to truly emerge as a bonafide No. 1 receiver. Johnston has all the tools with speed, size and a lengthy frame. He led the Horned Frogs receivers last season with 634 yards and six touchdowns that came on a fair-share of highlight plays.
This year it’ll be about Johnston making the simpler, yet equally as important plays. If he can become a 1,000-yard receiver, it’ll boost his NFL draft stock and TCU’s shot at competing for a bowl game.
Cornerbacks Kee’yon Stewart/Josh Newton: Expecting Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson here? That’s understandable, but after being named first team All-Big 12 the past two seasons, the Horned Frogs know what they’re getting from him. The key will be having improvement at the corner spot on the other side of him. Teams will avoid the potential All-American and try to feast on Stewart or Newton.
They have been the two players receiving many of the reps at the other corner spot. Hodges-Tomlinson missed the bulk of fall camp might and that was a blessing as it allowed Stewart and Newton to be on the field at the same time matching up against Johnston and the rest of the receivers. Improvement at the spot will help TCU take a step on defense. The Horned Frogs allowed a conference-high 9.3 yards per completion in 2021.
Center Steve Avila: Coaches and players have all praised Avila’s leadership. If TCU’s offensive line is going to improve after allowing the eighth-most sacks (28) in the conference last year, Avila will be a key reason.
He’s been an All-Big 12 selection the last two years, including being named first team in 2021. TCU had one of the better run blocking units last year with just under 200 rushing yards per game. Now it’s about finding that same type of success in pass protection.
Defensive end Dylan Horton: The pass rush was a major weakness for the Horned Frogs in 2021. Only Kansas had less sacks than TCU in the Big 12. Horton had more than a third of the team’s sacks and led TCU with nine tackles for loss. Joe Gillespie’s 3-3-5 defense should create even more opportunities for the team captain to get after the pass rush. Horton stood out the most on the defensive line during fall camp.
Right tackle Michael Nichols: The strength of TCU’s offense will be on the left side where Brandon Coleman and Andrew Coker are projected to start. Nichols spent most of camp at right tackle and could be the youngest member on a group that coaches and players have raved about. Nichols held his own in camp and is a promising piece up front.
TCU has a solid crop of running backs with Kendre Miller, Emari Demarcado and Emani Bailey. As each has shown throughout the preseason, all they need is a crease to make a play.
Nickel back Millard Bradford: Gillespie said Bradford’s position has to be the most cerebral in his 3-3-5 scheme and that alone earns him a spot on the list. On any given series Bradford could find himself as the contain man in run support. Or maybe he plays the deep third in zone or has to go man-to-man with a slot or tight end. A versatile nickel is essential to making this defense works and there will be a lot asked of Bradford.
