TCU football sees improvement in the run game. Here’s the reason for optimism
TCU had one of the most productive offenses in the Big 12 last season, but there was a glaring weakness in the unit’s overall performance.
The Horned Frogs had one of the worst rushing attacks in the country and lost games as a result of it.
Improving the run game and the physicality of the offensive line has been a major emphasis during spring camp and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles is pleased with the progress TCU has made after 10 practices.
“I like our physicality up front and being able to feel good about the run game,” Briles said after Thursday’s practice. “Our running backs have done a good job there, so I’m very pleased with where we’re at right now.”
Thursday’s practice wasn’t the best for the rushing attack as TCU’s front seven had the edge most of practice. But TCU ended the day strong as UT San Antonio transfer running back Kevorian Barnes ripped off a 40-yard run on the final drive of practice.
Jeremy Payne followed a few plays later with a touchdown from about 20 yards out. One reason for the improved production is an offensive line that’s gotten boosts from Cade Bennett and redshirt freshman left tackle Ryan Hughes.
The offense also tweaked its philosophy with the run game.
“I feel really good about where we’re at. I like what we’re doing schematically,” Briles said. “We’ve scaled down as far as the amount of different runs that we’re trying to accomplish. We’re trying to get better at fewer runs, so that’s helped us.”
Briles said he’s also seen tight end DJ Rogers take a jump as a blocker. Rogers has gotten extended reps with fellow tight ends Chase Curtis, Lafayette Kaiuway and Ka’Morreun Pimpton missing time during the spring.
“I really like our physicality up front, our tight ends included,” Briles said. “DJ Rogers has done a great job, he’s stood out as being a really physical blocker. We all know he can run and catch, but he’s also done a great job in the run game.”
As for the running backs themselves, each of the group has had flashes during the spring. Nate Palmer runs the hardest out of the bunch and may be the best receiver.
Payne has produced most of the explosive plays while freshman Jon Denman has come on strong in the last week or so. Trent Battle was the starter down the stretch last season and he’s been steady, but not flashy.
Barnes looks to be a solid addition to the room and is embracing his role as the power running back.
“Bringing a sense of physicality in the short down and distance that’s where I feel like I thrive at,” Barnes said. “When I was talking to the coaches that was the main gameplan for me coming in. Trying to be an every down back, but my goal is to be the short yardage back. The goal line, third-and-1 type of deal. That’s where I want to be at.”
Barnes rushed for 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first two seasons as a starter with the Roadrunners, but his production dropped to just 221 last season.
However, Barnes has looked closer to the running back that was voted Conference USA Freshman of the Year in 2022 since arriving at TCU.
“He’s experienced, you can buy a lot of things, but you can’t buy experience,” Briles said. “He’s thick, he’s 222 pounds and he’s a downhill guy. He’s got a quick first step, got great lateral movement and he’s powerful and he can run through contact. He’s smart, he retains information. There’s a little bit of a comfort factor for our quarterbacks lining up on the field with him.
“I’ve been very pleased with him and think he’s going to have a lot of production.”
It’s too early to determine if TCU has completely fixed its run game, but the Horned Frogs are trending in the right direction as they head into the final phase of spring camp.
TCU will host an open practice at 11 a.m. Saturday at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
