TCU position outlook: McFarland-Carraway pairing may boost rush

The Star-Telegram takes a look at the 2016 TCU football team position-by-position as the season approaches. The first game is at 7 p.m. Sept. 3 vs. South Dakota State at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

Two of the most experienced players at TCU are on the defensive line, ends James McFarland and Josh Carraway. The seniors are the base for a position group that expects to provide more pass rush this season. The Horned Frogs dipped from 40 sacks in 2014 to 32 in 2015. Sophomore end Tipa Galeai caught coach Gary Patterson’s eye early in fall practice. Junior Mat Boesen, a promising player at Boise State as a freshman, missed some of fall practice but was strong in the spring scrimmage. Inside, senior Aaron Curry has been the most consistent tackle. Breylin Mitchell, Joseph Broadnax, LJ Collier and Chris Bradley, who started nine games last year, are in the mix at defensive tackle. Freshman Ross Blacklock has been “showing signs,” coach Gary Patterson said.

The personnel

Starters

Left end: Josh Carraway (6-4, 250, Sr.), sack leader in 2015 and first-team All-Big 12. Has played in every game the past two seasons.

Tackle: Aaron Curry (6-2, 270, Sr.), started eight games and collected three sacks. Hurt and did not play against Baylor, had only one tackle in Alamo Bowl.

Tackle: Breylin Mitchell (6-4, 270, Soph.), converted from defensive end, played in five games last season.

Right end: James McFarland (6-2, 275, Sr.), sack leader in 2014 and defensive MVP of the Peach Bowl. Missed last season with a broken toe.

Primary backups

Sophomore Tipa Galeai (6-5, 235), sophomore L.J. Collier (6-4, 275), sophomore Joseph Broadnax (6-0, 300), junior Chris Bradley (6-2, 275), junior Mat Boesen (6-4, 235), freshman Ross Blacklock (6-4, 326), freshman Brandon Bowen (6-4, 235), freshman Isaiah Chambers (6-4, 249).

Key stat

25.5 Career sacks combined for defensive ends Josh Carraway (11), James McFarland (10.5), Mat Boesen (3) and Tipa Galeai (1). That does not include eight sacks for Boesen at Long Beach Community College in 2015.

What they’re saying

“I think we have an opportunity with Ross Blacklock, Isaiah Chambers and Brandon Bowen to make ourselves bigger upfront behind the older guys we have.”

Coach Gary Patterson

“Great guys. They have their head on straight. They’re coachable. They just want to learn and get better every day. I know they’re going to be great players for us. They’re going to contribute a lot. Can’t wait to see what they can do.”

Defensive tackle Aaron Curry, on the defensive line newcomers

“It’s open for anybody right now. I dont have a spot, either — that’s how I look at it. So right now, we just need four guys to step up and anchor that line and lead the rest of those guys that are on the field and help the younger guys pick them up in case somebody does go down.”

Defensive end Josh Carraway, on the starting positions

Final analysis

The Frogs are looking at a lot of faces on the defensive line, mostly at tackle. L.J. Collier, Joseph Broadnax and Ross Blacklock were among the backups who got long looks in fall practice as the coaches tried to shore up a rotation for a physical encounter expected in Week 2 against Arkansas. There is more expereince at end. James McFarland and Josh Carraway will get a chance to play together after McFarland missed last season with a broken toe. Together, the seniors have 21.5 career sacks. But freshman Tipa Galeai made a strong push for playing time, as well, consistently drawing praise from coach Gary Patterson. The former Euless Trinity standout adds to the athleticism on this position group, which can rush the passer but will be asked to prove itself against the run first.

This story was originally published August 25, 2016 at 12:16 PM with the headline "TCU position outlook: McFarland-Carraway pairing may boost rush."