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Spring report, part II

Posted on March 14, 2008

We continue to look at the changes and renewals for the spring. 

Part I can be found here:

http://www.killerfrogs.com/blog/2008/03/13/spring-ahhh-the-time-for-renewal-and-the-time-for-change/

The Defense:

Defensive line:

The change: Gone are two of the best defensive ends in college football the last few years: Tommy Blake & Chase Ortiz.

The renewal: Back into the fold is tackle James Vess and Wayne Daniels returns after taking an unusual red shirt sophmore year.

The depth: The competition at the defensive end will be among the more closely watched areas in the spring.  Along with Daniels, Jerry Hughes, Allen Christopher and Matt Panfil have the most experience.  Clarence Leatch also provides an experienced backup, but most eyes will be on the red shirt freshman, Braylon Broughton.  At the interior positions, senior Cody Moore, along with Vess and sophmore Kelly Griffin will provide a solid foundation.  Henry Nuitei and Cory Grant may also provide enough depth to allow the coaches to red shirt John Fonua.  Freshman Jeremy Coleman may see significant playing time in the fall.

The class of 2009 (4):  Perhaps the biggest area of need for 2009 is on the defensive line and the staff already has 3 commits from the kids at Maud High School: Ray Burns, Robert House and James Dunbar.  Nate Bonsu will probably fill the 4th slot, but Calvin Howell may surprise some people.  Quinn Anthony, William Buckwalter and Randal Dent also getting close looks.

Linebackers:

The change: Position changes as Kris Gardner and Chris Goodson move in and Luke Shivers moves out.

The renewal: Tank the Crank Carder renews his role as a fan favorite.

Depth: Linebacker depth has not been a concern for several years now and with NFL caliber players such as Robert Henson, Jason Phillips and Daryl Washington in place along with Goodson, Gardner and Carder, that has not changed.  Incoming freshman Greg Burks will have multiple position coaches clamoring for his services, but expect him to land at the linebacker spot.

Class of 2009(1): Is he committed or is he not?  Word leaked out that Tanner Brock had committed to the coaches, but now reports he says he is still wide open (dang moles, who can you trust these days?).  Regardless, Tanner will be the primary focus for the coaches and hopefully his brother can provide more than enough influence.

Cornerbacks:

The change: Youth.  Gone are the Torrey Stewarts and Drew Colemans who added senior leadership.

The renewal: Juniors Rafael Priest and Nick Sanders have been getting significant playing time since their freshman years.

Depth: Sophomore Alex Ibiloye has game experience, but the rest are unknowns.  Two redshirt freshmen,  Greg McCoy who was highly regarded out of high school and Jercel Fort who has split time at running back will provide the depth for the spring and the extremely athletic Bud Patterson will join the team over the summer.

Class of 2009 (2): Steven Terrell has an offer and is the primary target right now with Kenny Browder, Shane Ros, Willie Okwuonu, Owen Michael Venson and Julian Dozer also in the mix.

Safeties

The change: Losing Brian Bonner and David Roach would be a big change for any team.

The renewal: Sir DeMarco Bledsoe got in one play last season before getting hurt, but should be ready to go for the spring.

Depth: Stephen Hodge, Steven Coleman and Andy Burrell provide the senior leadership, and junior Corderra Hunter adds experience, but the battle for playing time among the youngsters will be another key to the spring.  All highly regarded and all are expected to be contributors, but there may not be a better group of freshmen and sophmores than Bledsoe, Tekerrein Cuba, Johnny Fobbs, TeJay Johnson, Colin Jones, and Chez Thomas.  Add the hard-hitting true freshman Chris Scott over the summer and possibly Greg Burks and this position looks very strong for years to come.

Class of 2009 (2):  You have to replace Hodge and Coleman and they have offers out to Will Ford of Abilene Cooper and highly sought after Kevin Brent.  TCU on Brent’s list, but would have to be considered a long shot at this time.  Austin Jones and Michael Williams also being contacted.

Special teams:

The change: Gone are ALL-MWC kickers and punters in Chris Manfredini and Derek Wash.

The renewal: Deep snapper Clint Gresham and kick-off specialist Drew Combs return

Depth: Very little depth, but for the first time in quite a long while the coaches will have scholarship athletes at both punter and place-kicker.  Until Ross Evans gets to the campus, the competition for field goal and extra points duty will be between Drew Combs, Kevin Sharpless and Landry Lawson.  Anson Kelton will take over the punting chores and may also assist with the kicking.

Class of 2009: I do not expect TCU to sign any players specifically for special teams this year.

As always, there will probably be many changes over the course of the  spring and possibly some very nice surprises in the near future, but for now this is the way i see it and thats that.  It has been a pleasure!

2009 recruiting page:

http://www.killerfrogs.com/blog/recruiting-pages/2009-recruit-list/

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