From TCU Horned Frogs On SI · · 3m
TCU Horned Frogs On SI
TCU backups must become reliable depth to handle Big 12 physical demands.
In brief
TCU backups must become reliable depth to handle Big 12 physical demands. TCU needs reliable linebackers who can maintain performance as season progresses. Originally reported by TCU Horned Frogs On SI.
TCU's Season Status
TCU is five games into its season with a 2-3 record, a bye week behind it, and Baylor waiting next.
Three Questions Raised
I asked fans to think about which reserves might become important by November, which positions would depend most on their depth, and which players could maintain their level of performance as the season took its…
Depth vs. Names
A team can have plenty of backups without having much actual depth.
Why TCU Needs More Than Names
There was an incredible amount of talent in our linebacker room during my years at TCU. David Hawthorne, Robert Henson, Daryl Washington, Tank Carder, and I all eventually made it to the NFL.
Options
Competition wasn't something we just discussed. We lived it. You were expected to perform, and if you didn't, somebody else was eager to show he could handle your job.
Screw Something Up
Screw something up and you might be standing beside the coaches for the next play, the next series, or even the next half.It depended on what happened and how badly your mistake hurt the team.
None of That Works
None of that works unless the replacement is capable of doing the job.
Separates Roster Numbers
Some position groups don't have that advantage. A coach might recognize a player's mistake and still have no better option than leaving him in the game.
What Separates Depth
That's what separates roster numbers from genuine depth.You don't measure it by counting how many names appear beneath the starters.
Having a Backup
Having a backup means you've got another body. Having depth means you've got another answer.
TCU Linebacker Depth
Linebacker is one of the first positions I'm examining on TCU's current roster.
Max Carroll and Hudson Hooper
Max Carroll and Hudson Hooper have already carried important responsibilities. Both were listed as starting linebackers against UCF and BYU.
Hooper's Tackles
Hooper made seven tackles against Arkansas State, followed by eight against UCF and another eight against BYU. His eight tackles against BYU led the team.
Michael Short
Michael Short deserves attention. Against UCF, Short made seven tackles, three solo and four assisted, without being listed as a starting linebacker.
Short's Performance
That's enough production to make me interested, but not enough to convince me he played outstanding football.
TCU's Defensive Front
The defensive front seven remains the position group I'm watching most closely.
Defensive Numbers
TCU limited UCF to 106 rushing yards on 33 attempts. The Frogs then held BYU to 216 yards of total offense, with only 62 coming through the air.
Defensive Challenges
Yet BYU still gained 154 yards rushing, and quarterback Bear Bachmeier accounted for both touchdowns with his legs.
Hudson Hooper's Consistency
His tackle totals against Arkansas State, UCF, and BYU were seven, eight, and eight. That's encouraging consistency against opponents presenting different offensive problems.
What Matters Now
What matters now is how effectively those players handle their opportunities.Do they identify offensive formations?Can they communicate the necessary adjustments?
At a glance
TCU needs reliable linebackers who can maintain performance as season progresses.
