TCU is set for a big-time season in 2009. After coming off a 11-2 season and leaving them as the #7 ranked team in the nation. The Frogs pre-season ranking of 17 this year is the highest mark for them since 1960. TCU comes into this 2009 season with a 2-time bowl winning QB in Andy Dalton and a consensus All-American DE in Jerry Hughes, yes reason #98. Dalton is on his way to becoming one of the best statistically in TCU history. The kid has already won 2 Bowl MVP's and is second all-time in career completions(404) and third in passing yards(4,701). Last year Dalton went on a stretch of 108 passes without a pick and only had 5 all last year. I watched Dalton last year turn the corner and become a much more confident and mature player. He really developed into a stronger leader and took charge of a young offense. I feel like the offense will have a big year. With the dual play calling from Jarret Anderson and Rusty Burns I believe they will really pump up the offense and use the talent that TCU has on the offensive side of the ball. With the loss of Aaron Brown to the Detroit Lions look for Joseph Turner to have a much better season since coming off a bad knee from the Texas Bowl a couple years ago. A knee is always much healthier 2 years later just look at McNabb or anyone that has had knee problems. Also the entire backfield is stacked and 2 names to watch for will be Ed Wesley and Jai Caveness. Wesley has power and great feet combined with speed and an attitude that will make him a great running back at TCU. Caveness saw minimal playing time last year as a RS freshmen and he is an explosive back that is very difficult to tackle.
The offensive line will miss C Blake Schlueter but don't worry because TCU is equipped with the twin towers at OT with All-Conference tackles Marhsall Newhouse and Marcus Cannon. I really think this will be the year that Cannon finally comes out of his little hole and realizes what kind of player he can be. The guy is a massive human and is athletically gifted. Look for Zach Roth out of Garden City JUCO in Kansas to have a big year as well. Last year in summer workouts Roth was a beast and would beat Schluter in just about every race which is saying quite a lot considering Schlueter ran a 4.7 for NFL scouts and was drafted by the Broncos. Roth has put on weight and has become much more comfortable in the system.
Obviously the wide receivers are deep and very very talented. Let's start with the most talented offensive player and the most explosive by far. Yes that's right, Jeremy Kerley. Kerley is tuned in for a huge Junior year. Not only will he be one of the nations best return men but he will get a lot more touches as a slot receiver and at the hump running the "WildFrog." This kid is determined to play at the highest level and has the heart of a lion. Not too mention he has the best feet on the team along with just being one hell of a football player. TCU's leading receiver and deep threat Jimmy "Luxury Tax" young is back and is ready to back up his huge Sophomore season with more of the same. Also, Bart Johnson, Antoine Hicks, Curtis Clay, and Ryan Christian who will see time in the backfield as well. Christian has been playing since his freshmen year and the game gets slower and easier for him each year. I love watching this kid play, he is a track star and makes the football field his own field day. He has great vision and feet and really has no fear even though he only stands about 5-10 and 175 pounds soaking wet. Football is not always a game of size it's about skill and want to and Christian definitely possesses these.
I haven't kept up with the blog because work has been wearing me out but I am getting back on it so tune in for more very soon. When I get home I will break down the defensive side of the ball. The defense is down this year and will count on veteran corners, an All-American DE, and a freak at the linebacker position in Daryl Washington to help the defense get the stops it needs this year. We will talk more soon, that's all for now sports fans!
