TCU football notebook: Early standouts from spring training camp
With seven practices in the books, Texas Christian University football is officially at the midway point of spring football camp.
It’s been a productive few weeks for the Horned Frogs as the program aims to build off a 9-4 campaign last year. TCU returns plenty of experience with players including Bud Clark, Josh Hoover and Eric McAlister, but spring camp has also allowed a few more new TCU players to really stand out, especially after Friday’s full-padded night practice.
Here’s a look at some of the top standouts from spring camp:
Jordan Dwyer, WR
Dwyer was one of TCU’s most significant additions from the transfer portal after he was a 1,000-yard receiver at Idaho. Dwyer has earned rave reviews already and has begun to emerge as a potential deep threat for the offense. On Thursday, Dwyer caught multiple long touchdowns, including one from Ken Seals.
Dwyer has the speed to take the top off of defenses, but his hand strength has also been impressive. Dwyer has stood out during one-on-ones making tightly contested catches and showing he has physicality to match his explosiveness. Dwyer could be in the mix to be among the starting receivers.
Jevon McIver, TCU
McIver has assumed the role of lead cornerback due to a few injuries and the former Austin Peay transfer has embraced the role with a solid camp so far. McIver was a quality reserve last season and is playing with more confidence in camp. McIver had a nice pass breakup on a potential touchdown pass to McAlister in Friday’s practice.
McIver has been a good test for McAlister due to his 6-foot-1 frame and long arms. McIver has been one of the most consistent cornerbacks in coverage and should make a push to more playing time even when TCU gets healthier at that position.
Ed Small, WR
Described by one source as a running back in the slot, the true freshman has been a pleasant surprise at camp. Small was terrific on Friday, working with freshman quarterback Adam Schobel. There was one sequence late in camp where Small caught a 20-plus yard pass from Schobel and a few plays later he reeled in a 10-yard touchdown.
Small is a polished route runner with sure hands and has held his own during 1-on-1s against older players. The Horned Frogs have a lot of options at slot receiver, but Small could be a factor if he continues to be consistent.
Max Carroll, LB
It can be hard for a linebacker to stand out in the spring with TCU rarely going full contact, but Carroll has put together a few flash plays in the last couple of practices. On Friday, Carroll jumped a pass in the red zone and secured an interception that likely would’ve been a pick six.
The day before Carroll flew out in space and brought down a ball carrier for a significant loss in the backfield. The ensuing trash talk led to a friendly scrum between the offense and defense. Carroll will likely spend this season learning behind Namdi Obiazor and Kaleb Elarms-Orr, who is also having a good camp, but Carroll should see plenty of playing time as the lead reserve in the linebacker room.
Nate Palmer, TCU
Overall the Horned Frogs have to be pleased by what they’ve seen from the entire running back room as each of the backs has had quality practices. Palmer has had some of the most impressive plays from the room and even though full contact has been limited, it’s still easy to see the physicality with which Palmer runs.
His versatility is also beginning to shine. On Thursday, Palmer caught a touchdown running a wheel route. Palmer scored another touchdown a few plays later inside the red zone. TCU has veteran options with Trent Battle and Kevorian Barnes, but Palmer and Jeremy Payne may provide the most upside in the room.
Devondre McGee, CB
