After freshman All-American honor, TCU football’s Zach Chapman embracing bigger role in 2025
TCU officially kicked off spring football practice with an energetic first practice Tuesday morning.
After a nine win season in 2024, Expectations are high both internally and with the fanbase.
The Horned Frogs return key veterans like Josh Hoover, Bud Clark and Namdi Obiazor, which is one reason why TCU thinks it can have a special season.
Another is the continued development of younger players like Zach Chapman. Now a redshirt sophomore, Chapman is set for an even bigger role on the defense after a strong freshman season.
Chapman was voted a second-team freshman All-American after finishing with three sacks, tied for second on the team. It was an honor that Chapman was proud to receive so early in his career.
“It meant the world to me,” Chapman said after practice. “It means I’m producing and that was one of the main goals for me last year as a young guy. I wanted to produce and show I have the talent to be a vet and actually start on this team.”
Chapman was asked to do a bit of everything last season. He thrived as a pass rushing specialist on third down, but was also forced to play inside at defensive tackle due to some depth issues for the Horned Frogs.
It wasn’t always the most comfortable position for the edge rusher, but he impressed head coach Sonny Dykes with his willingness to do whatever the team needed.
“Zach had to do it all last year, we played him at a couple different positions,” Dykes said. “He had to go inside sometimes and the thing I love about Zach is he answered the call. He was a little light to be doing some of the things we asked him to do.”
Chapman was back at his intended position on the edge on the first day of practice. The 6-foot-5 frame continues to fill out after another off-season in the Horned Frogs’ strength and conditioning program.
Chapman is a great example of how TCU’s defense has evolved from Dykes’ first season. The Horned Frogs are longer, more athletic and have more body types up front.
Chapman showed flashes last season and now Dykes and the staff want him to put it all together.
“He’s obviously gotten bigger and stronger. He’s playing more comfortable now,” Dykes said. “We want him to take the next step and become a really consistent player. Somebody we can count on to go out and execute our defense and go out and win some 1-on-1 battles rushing the passer.
“He’s certainly capable of that and that’s going to be the big thing for him.”
Dykes also wants to see Chapman take strides in being a run stopper and Chapman has the length needed to set the edge against rushing attacks.
While he’s rounding out his game, Chapman is also starting to develop into a leader, but still remains humble in his approach.
“I’m just approaching it slow and steady,” Chapman said. “I’m still learning under some of the older guys and I’m still trying to get experience.”
Chapman will still have to battle and earn his spot at edge rusher, especially when Paul Oyewale returns to action, but on the first day Chapman had an opportunity to run with the first team defense during team drills.
TCU also returns Devean Deal and Travis Jackson along with the addition of big-time freshmen Chad Woodfork and Jared Martin. The talent in the room and on the defense in general has Chapman thinking TCU could do something special in 2025.
“Learning under Coach (Andy) Avalos, I’m starting to learn more about football, more about the edge position,” Chapman said. “I’m starting to realize how deep and talented our group is. I think we can go all the way to the national championship with our defense, we’re all so talented.”
