Five surprises from TCU football training camp
There are only a few practices left in fall camp for TCU and after 13 practices there have been a number of pleasant surprises.
From impressive freshmen to veterans getting a new opportunity in a new scheme, there have been a number of players that have turned heads.
Here’s a look at five of them:
Josh Foster
A reserve safety last season, Foster has surprised many by pushing Millard Bradford at the nickel safety and even as camp inches toward the finish line Foster has remained with the starters during 11-on-11 with Bradford running with the first-team during seven on seven.
It seemed a given that Bradford, Mark Perry and Bud Clark would start once again, but Foster has come on strong since the spring and there hasn’t been a clear drop off when he’s on the field compared to Bradford. It’ll be interesting to see if Foster can hold off Bradford over the next two weeks of practice before the season opener against Colorado.
Ben Taylor-Whitfield
It’s extremely difficult for freshmen offensive linemen to get early playing time. We mostly see that with the bluest of blue chip prospects like five or four-star linemen from football factories like IMG Academy. Whitfield attended his own factory at Duncanville and the time with the defending state champions clearly prepared him for a fast start at TCU.
His body looks like a veteran and his technique is more advanced than you might think for “just” a three-star prospect. Whether at guard or tackle, Whitfield has looked like one of TCU’s best linemen on the second unit. As of today it would be a small surprise if he wasn’t in the two deep.
Chase Curtis
Tight end wasn’t a position that was expected to have a big battle with Jared Wiley firmly being the starter and D.J. Rogers looking like the sure No. 2 after a strong spring, but Curtis has quietly put together a string of solid practices with the second team offense during 11-on-11.
Curtis has recorded a catch in every practice this week during that session and has been a solid blocker, which could be a reason why he’s re-entered the race with Rogers.
Chase Jackson
Cornerback Channing Canada said Jackson was being slept on and he’s right. After playing mostly slot last year, Jackson is back at outside receiver and has looked more comfortable than last year. Similar to Curtis, he’s another player that has seemingly reeled in a catch or two every time during 11-on-11.
Even during 1-on-1s Jackson has been one of the toughest matchups for some of TCU’s top defensive backs. Jackson is battling with D.J. Allen and Jaylon Robinson to back up Savion Williams at the ‘X’ receiver position and has made a compelling case for reps.
Michael Ibukun-Okeyode
The redshirt freshmen is another name to watch on the defensive line and is one of the most physically imposing players in the unit at 6-foot-6, 265 pounds. The Garland native has a few sacks over the last couple of practices and may have the inside track to run with the second team defense at defensive end.
Injury update
TCU got big news with interior offensive linemen John Lanz returning for his first practice of fall camp Thursday. Lanz had the sixth most snaps up front last season and could push for the starting center or guard positions.
Avery Helm also returned to practice on Thursday as well after being in the concussion protocol the last few days. Defensive lineman Tico Brown missed another day of practice and spent Thursday rehabbing.
