|
WR
Cory Rodgers |
|
2004
Statistics
|
Coach:
Gary Patterson
32-17,
5 years |
2004
Record: 5-6
|
|
NORTHWESTERN |
WON
48-45 (2OT) |
SMU |
WON
44-0 |
at
Texas Tech |
LOST
35-70 |
SOUTH
FLORIDA |
LOST
44-45 (2OT) |
at
Army |
WON
21-17 |
at
UAB |
LOST
25-41 |
HOUSTON |
WON
34-27 |
at
Cincinnati |
LOST
10-21 |
at
Louisville |
LOST
28-55 |
SOUTHERN
MISS |
WON
42-17 |
TULANE |
LOST
31-35 |
|
2004 Final Rankings
AP-UR, Coaches-UR, BCS-UR
|
2005
Outlook
|
What
went wrong in 2004? For starters, injuries
devastated this team. The other problem
was TCU's putrid pass defense. Six times
they gave up 35 or more points, mostly through
the air, virtually negating one of the nation's
best run defenses. Chalk up last campaign
as a fluke and expect TCU to go bowling
again. TCU went to six straight bowl games
and was the class of Conference USA until
last year. Head coach Gary Patterson has
brought a tremendous amount of respect to
the Frogs in his four seasons as head coach,
particularly with a 21-4 run from 2002-2003.
His .700 winning percentage (42-18) ranks
the Horny Ribbitters 17th in I-A since 2000,
so no one is (too) upset yet about '04.
But in keeping his entire staff, it all
comes down to this campaign with Patterson,
for the Frog nation/Fort Worth won't tolerate
losing for long.
The
Frogs are in a different pond this year,
though, joining the surging Mountain West
Conference. TCU will have its hands full
with traditional conference powers Utah,
Colorado State and Brigham Young, as well
as ever-improving New Mexico and Wyoming.
TCU
will likely start the year with a loss (at
Oklahoma), but conference foes Colorado
State, Utah, New Mexico and UNLV all visit
Fort Worth. Throw in a non-conference home
game against Army, and there's a good chance
TCU goes 5-0 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
The season will therefore be defined on
the road - at Air Force, BYU, San Diego
State, and Wyoming. All four games are winnable,
but all four are potential traps, as well.
This
run-first offense, similar in sneakiness
to what Utah was under Meyer, will flourish
in the Mountain West, though the 4-2-5 (pass)
defense remains suspect after spring as
the secondary is still recovering/developing.
But by the end, TCU will be in the hunt
for the conference title, head to a bowl
game, and even make a run at/in the top
25. Hey, where are my spirit sandals?
Projected
2005 record: 7-4
|
|
TCU
*POWER RATINGS
|
Offense
|
Defense
|
QB
- 3.5 |
DL
- 4 |
RB
- 4 |
LB
- 3 |
WR
- 3.5 |
DB
- 1.5 |
OL
- 2.5 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS
|
Passing:
Tye Gunn, 131-71-3, 1065 yds., 9 TD
Rushing: Robert Merrill, 179 att.,
753 yds., 6 TD
Receiving: Cory Rodgers, 61 rec.,
836 yds., 7 TD
Scoring: Lonta Hobbs, 12 TD, 72 pts.
Punting: None
Kicking: Peter LoCoco, 9-15 FG, 30-32
PAT, 57 pts.
Tackles: Quincy Butler, 56 tot.,
38 solo; Elvis Gallegos, 56 tot., 34 solo
Sacks: Tommy Blake, 5 sacks
Interceptions: Quincy Butler, 2 for
108 yds., 1 TD; Elvis Gallegos, 2 for 0
yds.
Kickoff Returns: Cory Rodgers, 31
ret., 23.3 avg., 0 TD
Punt Returns: Cory Rodgers, 18 ret.,
10.2 avg., 0 TD
|
|
|
CB
Quincy Butler |
|
|
|
OFFENSE
- 5
|
----RETURNING
STARTERS----
|
DEFENSE
- 7
|
|
KEY
LOSSES
|
OFFENSE:
Brandon Hassell-QB, Reggie Harrell-WR, Cody
McCarty-TE, Anthony Alabi-OT, Chase Johnson-C,
Zach Bray-OG |
DEFENSE:
Martin
Patterson-SLB, Mark Walker-CB, Jerome Braziel-CB,
Marvin Godbolt-SS, Terence James-Jr, John
Braziel-P |
|
|
2005
OFFENSE
|
Quarterback
Senior Tye Gunn has a 10-2 record as a starter,
he's the most accurate passer in TCU history (58.3%),
and he has always done a great job of avoiding
mistakes. But this will be the fourth straight
time he's gone in as the campaign's starter, and
while he's obviously done well, Gunn is injury-prone
(right ankle - third game of 2004, also swelling
in his knee; in '03, two injuries - separated
shoulder, groin - limited him to four starts;
four starts also in '02, then blown knee). Gunn's
health is crucial, because there is precious little
experience behind the dual threat. Senior Kyle
Kummer is a solid former walk-on looking to hold
off a host of challengers, one of whom is sophomore
James Battle. Battle runs a sub-4.5 40, and has
the passing pedigree to stand tall when needed.
This position has unlimited potential, it just
has to stay healthy, regardless of whomever pulls
the trigger.
Running
Back
The running back situation is similar to that
of the quarterback spot. When healthy, Lonta Hobbs
and Robert Merrill give TCU one of the country's
most dangerous running back duos. Hobbs has a
1,000-yard season to his credit, but that was
in 2002. Merrill also has a 1,000-yard season
on his resume, back in 2003. Like Gunn, Hobbs
and Merrill have had their careers marked by injuries
- nothing serious, but enough to keep them off
the field for prolonged periods of time. Assuming
they are both healthy, both will get plenty of
carries and catches. Hobbs is the bruiser who
can bull his way for tough yardage between the
tackles. Merrill is more of a speed back. Because
both have missed time with injuries, though, Frog
fans will have to keep their eyes on Freddie Stoglin
(who missed 2003 with knee injuries) and Justin
Watts, a pair of small speedsters who figure to
get some carries. TCU fullbacks primarily block,
and the Horned Frogs are set there. Marcus Draper
started five games a year ago, and is a solid
blocker who sees two productive touches per game.
The position is so loaded, though, that Draper
comes in as the third-string. William Jackson
and Jason Phillips both bulked up in the offseason,
leaping ahead of Draper on the three-deep. This
unit can "carry" the team on this side
of the ball, just in case.
Receiver
There is no shortage of pass-catching options.
Cory Rodgers has developed into the Horned Frogs'
most reliable receiver, setting the school record
for receptions in a season (61). He will again
mix short-yardage and deep routes, as he's got
speed to burn the defense deep when needed. Quentily
Harmon and Michael DePriest will reestablish their
presence, as well. Harmon (broken clavicle) returns
strong, while DePriest, the speedster, has to
utilize that speed more. Seniors Ryan Pearson
and Matt Grimmett won't catch many passes, but
will see the field because of their experience
and downfield blocking ability. Ergo, TCU wisely
shuffles multiple receivers (sets) in many capacities,
so keeping up with their schemes becomes the challenge
for foes. These guys carry out many needed deceptive
acts, as a huge chunk of their three- and four-receiver
looks become runs (only throw it 43%) that are
wide open due to this corps' abilities.
Tight
End
Chad Andrus is the top candidate here after injuring
his knee three games in. TCU doesn't need him
to catch many, though they do like to go deep
over the middle to their TEs. Andrus simply needs
to add stability to the line, and he's good enough
to do that. Depth exists with (academic) all-American
Brent Hecht, a top JUCO-transfer who has better
size and hands than Andrus.
Offensive
Line
This is the biggest question mark. Three starters
are gone, and only five players on the roster
have much experience. Junior RT Herbert Taylor
doesn't have exceptional size, but he is very
strong with great footwork, and he has started
24 straight games. Left guard Shane Sims placed
third at the state's prep track finals in shot-put,
and started every game in '04. Taylor and Sims
have to lead this crew. The good news is that
the other three starters - center Stephen Culp,
right guard Ben Angeley, and left tackle (former
TE) Michael Toudouze - are all seniors who have
played extensively, albeit in reserve roles. Behind
the starting five, there is virtually no I-A experience.
This unit is capable of topping last year's mark
of 3.8 yards per ground try, but time and pain
will have to be sustained before there is fruition
here.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
The Mountain West Conference, where TCU is headed
this season, has generally been about offense,
and that's a good thing. The Horned Frogs offense
will be special (again) - and the main word is
"health". With (especially) Gunn doing
well, and a stable of talent in the receiving
corps, the passing game will flourish. Hobbs and
Merrill have each had their own injury problems,
but both are tough and will team up to give the
Horned Frogs one of the better running games.
Any prolonged injuries here would again be damaging.
Even for an off year, TCU finished 18th for total
offense, so just imagine what they will fire at
opponents when Gunn is healthy for a full campaign.
Balance is the key, and all of the parts are in
place to have a showing like they did in 2003.
|
|
RB
Robert Merrill
|
|
|
TCU
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Tye
Gunn-Sr (6-3, 218) |
Jeff
Ballard-Jr (6-1, 208) |
FB |
William
Jackson-So (6-0, 237) |
Chris
Smith-Fr (5-11, 230) |
TB |
Lonta
Hobbs-Sr (5-10, 220) |
Robert
Merrill-Jr (5-10, 204) |
WR |
Quentily
Harmon-Jr (6-1, 184) |
Michael
DePriest-Jr (6-0, 192) |
WR |
Cory
Rodgers-Jr (6-1, 195) |
Ervin
Dickerson-So (6-1, 200) |
WR |
Marcus
Brock-Jr (6-0, 185) |
Ryan
Pearson-Sr (6-3, 208) |
TE |
Chad
Andrus-Sr (6-4, 246) |
Brent
Hecht-Jr (6-4, 270) |
OT |
Michael
Toudouze-Sr (6-6, 310) |
Wade
Sisk-So (6-7, 270) |
OG |
Shane
Sims-Sr (6-3, 290) |
Preston
Phillips-Fr (6-6, 285) |
C |
Stephen
Culp-Sr (6-4, 307) |
Blake
Schlueter-Fr (6-3, 275) |
OG |
Ben
Angeley-Sr (6-5, 290) |
Matty
Lindner-So (6-4, 293) |
OT |
Herbert
Taylor-Jr (6-4, 287) |
Marvin
Pearson-Sr (6-5, 288) |
K |
Peter
LoCoco-Jr (6-1, 201) |
Kasey
Davis-Fr (6-3, 213) |
|
|
2005
DEFENSE
|
Defensive
Line
The line will be a big reason this defense again
ranks among the best against the run (26th in
'04), as all four starters are back. Ranorris
Ray and Tommy Blake are strong on the ends. Ray
uses his size and strength to his advantage against
the run, but he isn't much of a pass rusher. That's
where the quicker Blake comes in. He had a tremendous
freshman effort, and will explode into one of
the MWC's best ends. Jamison Newby started all
11 games at end a year ago, and he gives TCU a
formidable three-man rotation on the outside.
A team of horses, led by starters Jared Kesler
and JUCO-transfer Zarnell Fitch, anchors the interior.
Kesler has proven to be a big playmaker, and (shoulda
been a UT Vol) Fitch will have a breakout year.
With so much depth and talent, this group itself
will have a great campaign.
Linebacker
There is little experience, but plenty of talent
here. Among the six backers expected to see the
bulk of playing time in this 4-2-5, none are seniors.
Andrew Ward has the most experience, and will
start at the "Mike" position. A well-sized
Colorado-transfer from Evangel (Shreveport), Ward
made a huge impact, starting seven games and ranking
among the team's leading tacklers. Next to him,
at "Sam", is David Hawthorne, who started
four games as a freshman in 2004 before a season-ending
knee injury. There is some concern about his health,
but he'll be in the starting lineup. Ward has
to prove more viable in pass coverages, like the
quicker Hawthorne. There's plenty of talent behind
them that will step up. Included in that group
is Darius Ingram, a transfer from LSU. Former-WR
Matt Panfil has bulked up, and RS frosh Robert
Henson will break in this campaign with his own
speed to deliver. A more svelte crew than before,
the talent is there to replace Patterson, so little
is missed here by mid-season.
Defensive
Back
You'd think that with experience in their five-man
secondary, TCU would be tough against the pass.
Think again. This pass defense was the worst (of
all 117 teams in I-A), allowing 304 yards per
game and a nation-high 29 TDs. That's not good
news heading into the Mountain West, but, there
is hope. CBs Quincy Butler and (former-WR) Drew
Coleman are both gifted athletes, and Coleman
wasn't 100-percent in 2004, having come back early
from ACL surgery. Jeremy Modkins and Elvis Gallegos
(4.45 speed) both have started, but Modkins has
to step into his safety role better. Eric Buchanan
and Brian Bonner are both good athletes who are
learning to adjust to safety - Buchanan was a
cornerback, the well-sized Bonner a high school
quarterback. TCU isn't going to suddenly become
one of the nation's best against the pass, but
there is good talent and the group will show improvement.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
The Horned Frogs will not be that bad in the secondary
again, and they expect to rebound from last year's
disappointment. That starts up front. Yes, the
four returning linemen are great against the run,
but TCU needs more pressure on the quarterback
to take it off of the secondary. The bottom line,
however, is that the secondary has to play as
a group. Four of the Frogs' 2005 opponents ranked
in the top 25 in passing offense, and San Diego
St. was 32nd. With an improved approach, the play
should be kept in front of TCU's usual 'nickel'
look, meaning the teamwork has to gel and no one
can get in back of them. The coaching of the secondary
remains in the same hands, so we'll see if it
is them or not by this campaign's results. Team
speed here is strong, so look for improvements,
though man coverage throughout spring has still
looked shaky.
|
|
DB
Jeremy Modkins
|
|
|
TCU
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players
|
DEFENSE
|
DE |
Chase
Ortiz-So (6-3, 250) |
Jared
Retkofsky-Jr (6-5, 270) |
DT |
Ranorris
Ray-Sr (6-3, 275) |
Cody
Moore-Fr (6-1, 275) |
NT |
Jared
Kesler-Sr (6-2, 280) |
Jarrarcea
Williams-Jr (6-0, 310) |
DE |
Tommy
Blake-So (6-3, 250) |
Jamison
Newby-Jr (6-3, 252) |
SLB |
David
Hawthorne-So (6-0, 235) |
Andrew
Ward-Jr (6-2, 232) |
MLB |
Jason
Phillips-Fr (6-1, 240) |
Ryan
Schlenger-Jr (6-3, 218) |
CB |
Quincy
Butler-Sr (6-1, 190) |
Rafael
Priest-Fr (5-10, 175) |
CB |
Drew
Coleman-Sr (5-11, 173) |
Mike
Salvage-Jr (5-10, 190) |
SS |
Brian
Bonner-So (5-11, 203) |
Eric
Buchanan-Jr (5-11, 196) |
FS |
Jeremy
Modkins-Sr (6-1, 198) |
Elvis
Gallegos-Jr (6-0, 200) |
WS |
David
Roach-So (6-2, 210) |
Marvin
White-Jr (6-2, 200) |
P |
Brian
Cortney-Jr (6-4, 215) |
Derek
Wash-So (6-4, 172) |
|
|
|
2005
SPECIAL TEAMS
|
Kicker
Peter LoCoco hit on just 9-of-15 FGAs, including 7-of-12
from inside 40 yards. That's why Chris Manfredini will
likely start. He made 10-of-11 field goals as a freshman
at Cincinnati in 2003, and sat out 2004 after transferring.
Improvements in the DBs will show as coverage on KOs
will improve.
Punter
TCU wasn't very good at punting last year, either, but
Brian Cortney should change that. A junior college transfer,
Cortney has a strong leg. LoCoco and Cortney will battle
for kickoff duties. Net results here will, like in KO
coverage, improve, and by how much should show whether
TCU is ready to fight for field position, and therefore
win close games.
Return
Game
Cory Rodgers may be the best return man in school history,
and he's certainly one of the most dangerous, period.
He's never returned a kick for a touchdown in college,
but he's a threat to score every time. Marcus Brock
and Michael DePriest will also get some touches.
|
|
|