Six surprises from TCU football’s training camp
There are just three practices remaining in training camp before TCU turns its full focus to the Aug. 30 season opener at Stanford.
The Horned Frogs have taken some lumps with injuries as projected starters Avery Helm and Cade Bennett will miss significant time, but overall the team is healthy headed into the final days of camp.
The injuries and the staff’s desire to give everyone a chance has opened the door for a number of surprises to emerge during camp on both sides of the ball. Some are returning veterans that have taken their game to the next level while others are transfers that arrived over the summer and have quickly made an impact.
Here’s a look at six surprises from TCU training camp:
Linebacker Cooper McDonald
McDonald arrived in the summer and has quickly made up ground in the edge rusher rotation. McDonald played two seasons at San Diego State and two at Washington before arriving in Fort Worth. With over 100 tackles in his career and countless snaps, it’s no surprise McDonald has made his presence felt.
He intercepted Josh Hoover during the Horned Frogs’ first scrimmage on Friday and on Monday, McDonald got reps with the first team defense as an edge rusher and a more traditional outside linebacker. McDonald lined up in space and shadowed a receiver, showing how much the staff trusts him in coverage. With McDonald’s emergence, TCU has options at edge rusher with projected starter Devean Deal and key reserves Marcel Brooks and Jonathan Bax.
Running back Trey Sanders
Sanders didn’t have the impact he wanted last season after the former five-star recruit transferred in from Alabama. Even though Cam Cook has clearly been the established lead running back, Sanders has shown he can be a quality change of pace back in the rotation with his size. On Monday, Sanders ripped off a 15-yard touchdown while TCU worked on its red zone offense.
Sanders also had a touchdown off a reverse during a Saturday practice and had another practice where he reeled in a long wheel route out of the backfield. Based on what Sanders has shown, TCU should feel good about their depth behind the talented, but unproven Cook.
Defensive lineman Zach Chapman
There may not be a player that looks more impressive physically than the redshirt freshman. The 6-foot-5 edge rusher continues to develop rapidly and has had moments where he’s gotten reps with the first team defense. Chapman’s relentless pass rush drew a holding call during the scrimmage and he’s been solid against the run.
Chapman’s been able to get more reps due to Paul Oyewale being limited in practice and he’s made the most of it, likely carving out a role in a few pass rushing packages for the Horned Frogs. Don’t be surprised if Chapman ends up being a key piece in the rotation.
Wide receiver Braylon James
The Notre Dame transfer has started to figure things out with a number of flashes during the last few practices. James’ best play came on Thursday when Hauss Hejny launched a jump ball up the sideline for a 30-yard gain. James had to rise up over a defender to bring it in for one of Hejny’s best throws of camp.
The day before, James scored a touchdown during the two-minute drill for the offense on fourth down. He helped set up the score with a diving catch earlier in the drive. TCU’s needs bodies at outside receiver and James’ emergence over the last few practices could help him receive snaps behind Savion Williams, Dylan Wright and Eric McAlister.
Safety Jamel Johnson
The former Arlington Seguin star brings a certain edge to the safety position and his physicality has shined throughout camp. Another player from the talented 2023 class, Johnson has been the primary safety with the second team defense while getting reps with the starters.
Johnson had a sack during the scrimmage that ended an offensive drive and had a hit stick tackle on a running back earlier in the week. Johnson appeared in 10 games last season and should have a bigger role in 2024.
Linebacker Max Carroll
Another player from the 2023 class making an impact is Carroll. Carroll just looks different even compared to older players in the linebacker room. The 6’3 linebacker is playing even faster than he did in the spring and he’s gotten opportunities with the first and second team defenses. Carroll had a solid hit on Monday against Nate Palmer, following up his performance in the scrimmage where he had a sack.
Last week while the offense was working on its goal line offense, Carroll almost intercepted a pass that he would’ve returned for a touchdown. Carroll is competing with Terrence Cooks for reps as the second-team linebacker and he’s arguably made the most plays between the two. It could be hard to keep Carroll off the field, especially considering he can also rush the passer from the edge.
