These six Horned Frogs were some of the top performers in spring football camp
Spring camp isn’t officially over for TCU football, but most of the heavy lifting has already taken place.
The Horned Frogs completed their final scrimmage-like practice Friday night at Amon G. Carter Stadium and have just one remaining practice Tuesday. That’s expected to be a light day for the team.
With the key practices in the books, it’s time to break down the TCU players who stood out during camp. A number of veterans showed they’re ready for major roles, while a handful of underclassmen also made a case for significant playing time in the fall.
Here are six of the top performers from TCU’s spring camp:
Jamel Johnson
The All-Big 12 safety had a tremendous camp and looks every bit like a potential All-American candidate in 2026. Johnson has always been an elite run defender, but showed last year he’s capable of making plays in coverage with a team-high five interceptions.
Johnson continued to be a ballhawk during the spring with at least three interceptions, including an interception of Jaden Craig in Friday’s scrimmage. The rising senior baited Craig into a pass over the middle and showed his impressive closing speed in making the interception. Johnson had a similar play against Craig in another scrimmage.
Based on his production from last season and how he looked during spring, Johnson should be a preseason All-Big 12 selection.
Terry Shelton
Wide receiver was a key position to watch during the spring with the departures of Eric McAlister and Joseph Manjack. The Horned Frogs also rested leading returning receiver Jordan Dwyer and the lone transfer receiver, Jeremy Scott from South Alabama, missed the spring with an injury.
Someone needed to step up and Shelton answered the call as the former four-star made a strong case to start at outside receiver opposite Dwyer. The 6-foot-4 redshirt freshman was much more confident and physical during camp as he routinely won his matchups during 1-on-1s and was often Craig’s favorite target during team drills.
Shelton already had the physical tools and he took steps to refine his game as he made major strides as a route runner.
Max Carroll
With the departures of Kaleb Elarms-Orr and Namdi Obiazor, it officially became Carroll’s time to lead the room and the redshirt junior delivered. Carroll was easily the best linebacker during camp and made a handful of plays while also showing he could potentially be the leader of the defense.
Carroll had a sack during Friday’s scrimmage and he had another strip sack in an earlier practice. Carroll was a strong run stopper, but it’s his pass rushing ability that really stood out when he was unleashed as a blitzer. Carroll earned praise from head coach Sonny Dykes last week on how he’s performed.
“Max has really been steady,” Dykes said. “I think he’s probably made as a big a jump as we needed him to do, and I’ve been really proud of him. He’s just done a great job of being focused and being mature and providing leadership defensively, which is exactly what he needed to do.”
Ben Taylor-Whitfield
The former Duncanville star has been a starter the last two seasons with up-and-down play at times, but Taylor-Whitfield seems to finally be putting it together as he enters his senior season. Offensive line play can be hard to truly assess during practice with the limitations on physicality, but when asked who was the top performer up front, multiple sources pointed to Taylor-Whitfield.
He mainly played left tackle and that’s where many of TCU’s most productive runs came from during camp. He was also solid in pass protection and has taken a leadership role on the offensive line. There are many people around the program who believe Taylor-Whitfield has NFL potential, and he showed why so many believe in his talent.
Gil Jackson
The sophomore corner had a breakout spring as he took virtually all the first team corner reps alongside Vernon Glover. The 6-foot-3 defensive back was on lockdown coverage, rarely giving up any plays. His one-on-one matchups with Shelton were some of the only times he was truly challenged in camp.
Jackson has size, speed, a long wingspan and thrives as a press corner in the Horned Frogs’ defensive scheme. If you’re looking for a breakout candidate on defense who could make national noise, then Jackson is your man. He may already be TCU’s best cornerback if he can remain consistent during fall camp.
Ka’Morreun Pimpton
Another player who physically looks the part, the 6-foot-6 North Crowley alum emerged during camp as TCU’s potential starter at tight end. Health has held Pimpton back in the past, but the redshirt junior was finally able to get through camp entirely healthy, and he was a valuable weapon for Craig and the offense.
Pimpton was Craig’s favorite target on third downs and flourished in the short and intermediate passing game. On Friday he had a solid catch against Jackson and used his strength to avoid letting the corner rip the ball away from him. Pimpton was also a solid blocker in the run game, which is essential in TCU’s new offense under Gordon Sammis.
With TCU likely to use multiple tight ends more than the past, Pimpton has a chance to have a big season if he can stay healthy.
