TCU spring football notebook: First practice in the books for the Horned Frogs
TCU held its first open spring practice of the year on Monday. Following last season’s historic College Football Playoff championship run, the Horned Frogs are turning the page to the next season.
With the departure of quarterback Max Duggan to the NFL, the Horned Frogs have several options for a replacement.
The first is Chandler Morris who started last year until he was injured in the opener at Colorado and Duggan took over for him. Another is Josh Hoover, a redshirt freshman, who impressed the coaching staff on the first day of spring practice.
“I thought Josh looked better today. Looked like he’s in better shape looked like he was moving around better,” TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said. “I thought Chandler looked good, thought Hoover looked good. Both of them can really throw the football, that’s what stood out.”
Late Spring Start
Because TCU’s season ended in early January, it was a quick turnaround to spring practices. TCU took extra care to make sure the players had time to recuperate after the season’s conclusion.
“I’m not gonna lie to you it was grind,” said Dykes, “We had to take a little bit of a different approach with our players when school started.”
Transfer temperature check
TCU has a number of notable transfers such as Trey Sanders (running back from Alabama), JoJo Earle (wide receiver from Alabama) and John Paul Richardson (wide receiver from Oklahoma State). Dykes liked what he saw out of the newest Horned Frogs.
“I’ve been really impressed with those guys so far,” said Dykes, “ Jojo looked great, Trey Sanders looked good, I thought Avery Helm looked really good at corner.”
Swarming defensive backs
The defensive backs were the standouts of the first day, flying around and making several plays throughout the day. Florida transfer Avery Helm shined with several pass breakups during team drills.
“A lot of competition right now in the secondary. There’s gonna be some new additions that are gonna come in and push some of the guys that have been starters for us for a while,” said Dykes. “That’s what you want.”
Position Changes
Safety Namdi Obiazor took reps at linebacker during practice and Dykes envisions Obiazor in a role similar to Dee Winters.
Garret Hayes, a highly touted offensive lineman prospect in high school, took reps at defensive end. Though Hayes could return to the offensive side of the ball according to Dykes.
TCU’s spring practices will continue on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8 a.m. and continue for the next four weeks, leading up to the spring game on April 14 at 7 p.m.
