What is the standard of success for TCU football? Sonny Dykes outlines his vision
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes understands that year four of his tenure will be a pivotal one for the Horned Frogs.
This year is always an important one for college coaches who are able to make it that far in their tenure. It’s at that point the program should be completely molded in the head coach’s image, from the coaching staff to the players.
“This is year four for us,” Dykes said after Tuesday’s practice. “If we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, if we’re recruiting the right players and developing the right players then we ought to continue to get better. If we’re not, we’re not doing our jobs. We (should) have more players and we do.
“We only took eight players in the transfer portal. I think that shows how comfortable we feel about our roster.”
With TCU headed to the final stages of spring football camp, Dykes’ belief in the roster has only grown after finally seeing the group come together on the practice field.
“I think this is the deepest team we’ve had,” Dykes said after Tuesday’s practice. “We’ve got more guys competing everyday that have to compete at a high level or someone is going to take their job if they don’t. I’m encouraged by that.”
Along with the improved depth, Dykes said he’s pleased with the back and forth battles the offense and defense have had so far during the spring.
Tuesday was a solid day for both units. Offensively, Josh Hoover had arguably his best practice as he completed deep passes to Eric McAlister and DJ Rogers.
Defensively, Jevon McIver Jr. had an interception while Kaleb Elarms-Orr and Jamel Johnson had sacks during 11-on-11. The position battles have also been intense with transfers like wide receiver Jordan Dwyer and defensive lineman Ansel Din-Mbah standing out during the spring.
“I think there’s a good group of wide receivers competing for spots, there’s a couple new additions that guys are trying to hold on,” Dykes said. “In the back end in the secondary it’s the same thing. When we have the full group when we’re healthy I think it’s the deepest and most athletic group we’ve had.
“Up front defensively, there are a lot of new guys competing, a lot of new bodies, a lot of new guys showing promise.”
The secondary has been without Avery Helm, Vernon Glover, Bud Clark, transfer corner Elijah Jackson and transfer safety Kylin Jackson most of spring practice, but the defensive backs have held their own as players like McIver, Johnson and Devondre McGee have stepped their games up. Dykes said none of the injuries should cause players to miss time in the fall.
The defensive line is another group that stands out with its physicality and the versatility of the unit. Two years ago, the Horned Frogs had wider, but less athletic bodies up front. Now TCU has more depth and more options to match up with opposing teams as the Horned Frogs aim to improve their run defense.
“I like the group a lot,” Dykes said. “Ansel’s been a guy that’s been really consistent, Zach Chapman has continued to grow. I think it’s a diverse group, I think it’s the most explosive and athletic group when you include Markis Deal. He’s doing a lot of good things.
“The thing you have to do defensively is stop the run, that’s going to be a big challenge for us. But again I like the size, strength and athleticism of the group, now we have to do it.”
The Horned Frogs also appear to be making strides building the rushing attack though it should be noted TCU hasn’t tackled much during practice.
With Hoover returning plus more depth and talent across the board, Dykes isn’t shying away from the big expectations from the fan base.
“We feel like we have recruited the right guys and they’re on track to develop into guys that can compete for a conference championship,” Dykes said. “That’s the standard here, compete for a conference championship and the College Football Playoff. We’re at that point as a program now where we don’t do that, we don’t see it as a successful year.”
