Defensive Line:
Despite losing Stansly Maponga to the NFL, the front line returns four talented and experienced players, led by freshman sensation Devonte Fields. The unit performed well in 2012, when they led the Big XII in rush defense, allowing a measly 3.2 yards per carry. They also were able to pressure the quarterback, totaling 29 sacks, which was good for third in the Big XII. The obvious star of the line was Fields, who burst onto the scene with eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his first seven games. While Fields' production slowed down towards the end of the season, another freshman lineman's production increased. Davion Pierson had a great last half of 2012, and saved his best game of the season for his last at the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. His emergence, along with consistent play from Chucky Hunter, should help during Fields' two game suspension to begin the season. Other returning linemen who saw playing time last year are Jonathan Anderson, Jon Koontz, and James McFarland. This line should have high aspirations for the 2013 season as they look to improve upon a solid 2012 season.
Linebackers:
The linebacker position provides the biggest question mark for any position heading into the 2013 season. The position was hurt significantly prior to the 2012 season when they lost Tanner Brock to the drug bust, and Deryck Gildon for academic reasons. There wasn't much relief this offseason, when the Frogs learned that Gildon wouldn't be returning and that AJ Hilliard transferred to Texas A&M. This, combined with the loss of Kenny Cain to graduation and Joel Hasley leaving the program, yields an inexperienced linebacker core heading into the season. TCU will have to count on the returning linebackers, (Marcus Mallet, Paul Dawson,, and Jonathan Anderson) to come out strong and lead a young group after losing Hasley. These three, who have a combined 6 collegiate starts, will have to stay healthy and out of trouble, or the Frogs could be faced with depth problems. Three incoming freshman, Paul Whitmill, Dac Shaw and Sammy Douglas, were heavily recruited coming out of high school, and will see themselves on the playing field if they perform well enough. Hasley, a former walk-on, had a breakout season in 2012, in which he was awarded with Big XII Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against Kansas, and finished top 25 in the Big XII in tackles. The two starting position are there for the taking, and I expect a couple of the six linebackers to have breakout seasons like Hasley did in 2012. This could be a position that sees different starters week in and week out, so it will be an interesting thing to keep an eye on.
Defensive Backs:
TCU's 2013 defensive back feature five returning starters, and should be the brightest and most exciting position for the 2013 season. The safety position will be led by senior free safety Elisha Olabode and junior strong safety Sam Carter. Olabode was a turnover machine in 2012 when he picked off four passes, forced two fumbles and recovered another one. He was third on the team in tackles, and should have a big senior season in hopes of impressing NFL scouts. Carter is coming off of a break through year in 2012, in which he started all 13 games and was fourth on the team in tackling. He was voted to the All-Big XII Second Team, and is currently on the Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back) watch list, so there is a lot to be expected of him. The cornerbacks will be led by Jason Verrett, who played heroically for the Frogs last year. He's currently on five preseason awards watch lists, including the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, due to his performance last year that ranked him among the best cornerbacks in nearly every defensive category. He will be defending passes along with Kevin White and nickelback Chris Hackett. White had a good sophomore season, and Coach Patterson recently said that he is playing the best that the Frogs' coaches have seen. Hackett has been competing with some newcomers during the first summer practices, but should earn the starting job after stepping into his role as a freshman starter last season. With such great talent and significant experience, the Frogs' defensive backs could be the best in the nation for the 2013 season.
Now, let's discuss the special teams' unit.
Placekicker:
The field goal kicking and kickoffs will be handled by sophomore Jaden Oberkrom. He had a relatively up-and-down year, but not much more could have been asked from a true freshman kicker. He finished tenth in the nation in field goals made, and at one point was a serious contender for the Lou Groza Award (best placekicker). He then hit a rough stretch in the middle of the season, going 5/11 through five games. He's on the preseason Lou Groza Award watch list, and he should have a great year for the Frogs.
Punter:
Like Oberkrom, sophomore Ethan Perry had a solid freshman season. He finished 14th in the nation in yards/punt at 44.51 yards. He is on the preseason Ray Guy Award watch for best punter, and will be a bright spot when we fail to convert third downs.
Punt/Kickoff Returners:
TCU will look to replace Skye Dawson as a returner, but shouldn't have to look far. I would expect Brandon Carter to handle most of the kickoff returns considering he returned the most last season besides Dawson. He could also handle punt returns, but I hope that we see some Deante Gray, who had the highest yards/return by far for punts (which was helped significantly by this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5sbajZ7Mu0).
TCU's defense, which has been consistently at near the top of the NCAA in most categories for the past decade, should not disappoint in 2013. All of the true freshman that played last year now have a season under their belt. The older guys are looking to impress the NFL scouts with great performances. The linebacker position could be a problem if the young guys can't get the job done, but Coach Patterson is upbeat about their practices so far this summer. As usual, expect the defense to be one of the best in the nation, and, overall, better than last year.
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