Who will shine in TCU’s spring football game? Here are 9 standouts to watch
The penultimate practice of the spring was a light one Thursday for TCU as the Horned Frogs gear up for their Friday Night Lights spring game at 7 p.m. Friday.
Format wise, Friday’s spring game will look a lot like last week’s open practice at Amon G. Carter Stadium. The Horned Frogs did 11-on-11 most of the practice with some special teams mixed in.
Coach Sonny Dykes said there will be some live contact, but also some situations when players will be instructed to just wrap up and not tackle their teammates. There will be some situational work like redzone offense and the two-minute drill along with game simulation.
Jamoi Hodge, Josh Newton, Cordale Russell and Avery Helm are among the noteable players who are not expeced to suit up.
Even with those players out there’s still plenty of talent that could potentially shine Friday night. Here are nine players that could stand out:
QBs Chandler Morris/Josh Hoover
You always want your quarterback to look good in the spring game and both Morris and Hoover could have big days. Morris has taken all of the first team snaps this spring and all signs point to him being the guy. Hoover has taken a big jump physically and with his confidence. That has made him one of the more pleasant surprises this spring.
Both players are coming off recent practices in which they threw multiple touchdown passes. Horned Frog fans would love a similar showing Friday.
LB Shad Banks
The linebacker has been the defense’s top player this spring with Newton and Hodge recovering from injuries. Banks said it was his goal to come and play his best football and he achieved that. He’s shown a nose for the football and impressive hit power when making a tackle.
Banks has looked comfortable at middle linebacker and is willing to play there or at strong side backer. Wherever he’s lined up at Friday night, keep an eye on him.
WR JP Richardson
The Oklahoma State transfer is starting to emerge as the guy in the receiver room. He may have the best hands on the team and is always seemingly open whether he’s working with the first or second team offense. Richardson was a big factor in both Morris’ and Hoover’s recent big days.
Another nice showing Friday night could cement Richardson as the offensive MVP of the spring.
LB Jonathan Bax
The freshman linebacker could run with the first team defense tomorrow if Johnny Hodges is held out for precautionary reasons. Bax, a former defensive end, has adjusted quickly to the linebacker spot and has made the most of the reps he’s received this spring.
It’ll be a battle for playing time once the linebacker room gets healthy, but Bax has shown enough to where there may be a place for him in the two deep. He could show why Friday night.
RB Emani Bailey
Alabama transfer Trey Sanders has come on strong lately, but Bailey has been the most consistent and explosive running back of the spring. Remember Bailey averaged a staggering 8.1 yards per carry behind Kendre Miller and Emari Demercado last season. He’s showcased that same explosiveness this spring.
Bailey is also a factor in the passing game as the running backs are expected to get more targets in Kendal Briles’ offense.
DL Damonic Williams
The rising sophomore defensive lineman has had moments when he’s looked unblockable this spring. Williams is emerging as the new leader of the d-line with key pieces like Dylan Horton and Terrell Cooper gone. It’ll be interesting to see where Williams lines up Friday.
The coaching staff has experimented with putting him at defensive end along with his usual spot at defensive tackle. Either way Williams has been disruptive and could be a problem for the offensive line.
WR JoJo Earle
Earle could be the most talented in the receiver room. His quick twitch agility and smoothness as a route runner have jumped off the page this spring, but the Alabama transfer from Aledo also needs to show more consistency. Friday could be the perfect time for that.
Briles has shown a willingness to use Earle in a variety of ways. Earle has taken a few snaps in the backfield as a running back and could be a factor with jet sweeps. Don’t be surprised to see him pop off a big play or two. Major Everhart could also fit here too.
S Bud Clark
The ball-hawking safety has been a presence this spring with both his play on the field and his energy off of it. It seems like anytime you look at Clark he’s dancing or creating a new handshake with one of his teammates. Those small moments translate to the field where Clark has great chemistry with most of the defense.
Clark had a one-handed interception of Morris earlier this week and will be looking to grab another interception or two Friday night.
