TCU football’s two young defensive linemen will play key roles this season
Much of the TCU football team’s hopes for more improvement defensively revolve around the development of two of its most talented defensive linemen.
Redshirt sophomores Zach Chapman and Markis Deal will play pivotal roles this season as the Horned Frogs aim to have one of the best defenses in the Big 12.
Chapman was a freshman All-American last season and tied for second on the team with three sacks. Injuries up front also forced Chapman to play more inside at defensive tackle than he was accustomed to.
Playing multiple positions ended up being a blessing for Chapman’s development as it increased his understanding of defensive coordinator Andy Avalos’ scheme. That comfort has allowed Chapman to have a solid fall camp.
“I think the defense is doing amazing,” Chapman said Wednesday. “We’re having a lot of walk-throughs. We’re very prepared for what’s upcoming. I think we’re pretty ready.”
Zach Chapman, Paul Oyewale compete
Chapman has found himself in a position battle with junior defensive end Paul Oyewale. The two have split the majority of reps, but Chapman appears to have the inside track to start against North Carolina in the season opener Sept. 1.
Chapman said the competition has been healthy, forcing all the defensive linemen to step their games up.
“We’re always just pushing each other and making sure we’re competing with each other,” Chapman said. “It’s not just a competition between us ends, it’s also a competition between the ends and the STUDS (pass rushing linebackers). I compete with [senior Devean Deal], he competes with me. We compete all around the room and keep each other going.”
Markis Deal makes impact with brother
Markis Deal, the younger brother of Devean, will serve as the anchor for TCU’s defense after he showed flashes of being a high-level defensive tackle last season.
The Horned Frogs went 7-2 once Markis Deal was inserted into the starting lineup at nose tackle, and one of those losses came against Baylor when Deal was sidelined with an injury.
The reps and success helped Deal take another leap in his development physically and emotionally.
“I think it was a huge confidence boost, especially the Kansas game,” Deal said. “I still remember the red zone drive where we were down there and I made like two plays back-to-back. I just realized I could be that player for the team and spark some energy.”
Deal will be looked at as more than an energizer this year, as he’ll assume more of a leadership role on the defensive line. That’s uncommon for redshirt sophomores, but it shows how much Deal’s impact is valued.
His absence during the last week or so of practice was noticeable as he was a nursing an injury that caused him to miss Sunday’s full-contact scrimmage. Deal returned to practice Monday and is slowly working his way back into participating in 11-on-11 drills.
“I’m feel good. I’m getting back into it,” Deal said. “I had a minor injury, but I’m feeling great right now. I’m just waiting to get back doing team drills and going live.”
Will TCU be ‘one of the best defenses’?
When healthy, the combination of the Deal brothers, Chapman and junior Ansel Din-Mbuh has been a formidable unit against the run and pass.
Add in players like Oyewale, freshman Tristan Johnson, junior Connor Lingren and junior Jonathan Bax, and TCU has a much deeper rotation up front than a year ago. If Markis Deal and Chapman can build off their impressive 2024 seasons, then TCU’s defensive line could be a strength of the team.
“I think we can be one of the best defenses in college football,” Deal said.
