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Thursday, August 5, 2010
The TCU Horned Frogs get their defense of the Mountain West Conference title started this afternoon with their first practice of the fall. The Frogs return 16 starters from last year’s squad who made a march to the Fiesta Bowl, so hopes are high for another run to the BCS this season. Here are a few items to watch for during fall practice.
TCU still doesn’t have a clear cut backup for Andy Dalton. Casey Pachall and Yogi Gallegos have been battling to be that guy, but Coach Patterson has yet to announce who it will be. I’m hoping Pachall wins the position, but whoever is better should get the spot.
On the other side of the ball is the second string corners. Nick Sanders and Rafael Priest will be replaced by Jason Teague and Greg McCoy, but who will be waiting if something happens to one of those guys? Will any of the young guys be able to step up?
Braylon Broughton
The absence of Jerry Hughes leaves a big hole on the defensive line. Can Broughton be the guy to fill those shoes? Braylon was the first teamer during spring practice, but received a lot of competition for the spot. I myself and other Frog fans are extremely high on the potential that Broughton has shown, and Coach Patterson has said some great things about him also."The guy, within the next two years, is ready to have a breakout season. As far as a physical specimen, there's not one that looks any better than he does anywhere in the country."
Jimmy Young in the slot
The Frogs moved Senior WR Jimmy Young from outside to the slot in the spring. I really didn’t hear much about it or how Jimmy adjusted, but I don’t expect any problems. I just want to see how he is used, and if he can be the big possession type receiver Dalton can count on in the clutch.
Deep Snapper
When I talked to Voice of the Frogs Brian Estridge back in March during spring practice, one thing he was watching for was who emerged as the new deep snapper. Clint Gresham was great at that position, but now he has to be replaced. I honestly don’t know who is in the running for this, or if they got it sorted out in the spring, but it is something I will be checking for.
Retooling of the Defense
Gary Patterson has raised the TCU defense to a level where they no longer rebuild, they just retool. There are definitely some big holes to be filled though. TCU lost defensive end Jerry Hughes and linebacker Daryl Washington to the NFL Draft and cornerbacks Rafael Priest and Nick Sanders to graduation. How will the new guys fill those voids? Will this defense be as ferocious as it was last season?
Yes, there are some question marks coming into the 2010 season, but I am not overly concerned. Coach Patterson has a month to get his team ready to go, and I know he will do just that. It won’t be easy going undefeated in back-to-back seasons, but the Horned Frogs are sitting in a good spot to do it.
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