2006 Statistics

Just like last year, it may take the offense a few of its early games to get into gear. That is because sophomore heir apparent Marcus Jackson will have to settle in as the new starter at QB (was adequate against Utah and Baylor in ’06). That may mean taking on the chin against Texas (Sept. 8th), but this dual-threat out of Houston’s Westside has the potential to be one of the greatest Horned Frogs to ever hurl/carry the rock. The return of Aaron Brown is essential for Jackson’s development. MWC Freshman of the Year (2005), Brown led the team in rushing and was second in receptions last season. This svelte All-American (FWAA) has both size and speed, and most of the depth behind him can both run and catch like Brown, too. There will be no problem keeping legs fresh and productive while opponents are kept guessing. The multiple receiver sets will see some changes – senior Donald Massey’s experience means he becomes the main “go to” guy; tall, lanky junior Derek Moore’s role expands as he will likely become a deep threat; Earvin Dickerson will go underneath so this senior (and the sticky-handed RBs) can keep the LBs busy. Coach Patterson’s X-factor will continue to be the TEs. Due to this and the fact that the Horned Frogs pose so many options on every down, he can keep opposing safeties occupied while the receivers do their thing. Junior Shae Reagan averaged 21+ per catch as a backup TE. Now that he will start, expect to see new names replace his as secret weapons. The line returns three of their ’06 starters, two of whom were all-conference (guard Matty Linder; center Blake Schlueter). This bodes well since TCU averaged 4.5 per carry, allowed only 15 sacks and is breaking in a new QB. It isn’t a matter of whether the Frogs can move the ball or not. Offensive consistency in the first five scrimmages was the missing element that kept last year’s squad from realizing its potential, so having this side of the ball ready to hit the ground running will be the key for TCU to maximize its season.

Coordinator Dick Bumpas has ratcheted this defense up to a level that now allows TCU to compete with most BCS-aligned schools. Since he is also the line coach, it all starts up front for the nation’s No.2 (returning) run defense that has three of its four starters back. Senior all-conference first-team ends Tommy Blake (16.5 TFLs) and Chase Ortiz (11 TFLs) are quick and mobile. These qualities also underscore the overall style of play inside - through ample rotations, the DTs stay fresh enough to remain strong against larger opposing 300 lb. linemen. Recent recruiting classes haven’t brought much size, but they have brought enough DLmen into Fort Worth so this team is now stacked three-deep with capable stoppers up front. In the 4-2-5 Bumpas runs, his LBs are vital in stopping opponent’s ground attacks, making senior David Hawthorne and juniors Jason Phillips and Rob Henson major reasons TCU only gave up eight rushing TDs in ’06. All three have the ability to recover well on play-action. RS sophomore corners Nick Sanders and Rafael Priest survived adequately on islands as starting freshmen. With three safeties and little call for the CBs in run support, Sanders and Priest can continue to concentrate their efforts in coverage. Tough senior strong safety Brian Bonner is ready to pick up the slack and become the run stopping force now-departed Eric Buchanan was. An ex-prep QB, Bonner has the skill to oversee the secondary’s schemes. Classmate David Roach and junior Steven Coleman have extensive experience and will head a deep pool of DBs. This secondary held Texas Tech’s vaunted passing attack to 204 passing yards and ended last season ranked seventh in passing efficiency. Bumpas’ group was the No.2 total defense, and with nine starters back (five of those are seniors), expect the same level of results with more consistency. The game in Austin should be better than many expect due to how solid TCU is on this side of the ball.