Frog practice report: 8/19
The TCU football team went inside the friendly confines of the Sam Baugh Indoor Facility Tuesday afternoon as the team gets one day closer to next Saturday's opener against Mountain West foe New Mexico.
The practice welcomed back players such as Matt Panfil and Stephen Hodge who had been kept out of the last few practices. Coach Patterson said "the younger kids did there job and paid attention."
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"They're ready to go," Patterson said.
The practice had it's highlights and lowlights but overall Coach Patterson was happy with the way his troops performed.
"It was hot in here, we're going on about twenty-eight practices, right now it's a grind. There were some highs and lows of this week. The older guys retain more than the younger guys. I think it was a good practice."
"Everyday we're going to do a five to ten minute period of good on good. Today we did rapid fire, middle drill, pass skeleton, and one-on-one. Everything else was scouts and emphasis."
LINE BATTLE CONTINUES
One of the other faces back at practice Tuesday afternoon was tackle Nic Richmond. The mammoth 6-foot-8 lineman made a swap today working mostly at left tackle instead of his normal post at right tackle. Sophomore Marcus Cannon worked with the one's at right tackle today and senior Preston Phillips also worked with the ones at left guard as he continues to battle sophomore Josh Vernon.
"Nic played both (tackle spots) along with Zach Roth. If both of them are ready to go he'll just play one side, if not then he'll play both."
A PLAYER EMERGING?
One player who has had an eye-opening camp thus far is junior tailback/receiver Ryan Christian. Last season the versatile speedster was called upon to add depth to an injury depleted running back unit. Christian responded by rushing for 321 yards which ranked him third on the team in 2007. At first it was thought the switch would be temporary and Christian would move back to his slot position. However, what he's done so far this fall has earned him the chance to stay at tailback and on Tuesday he again responded with two long touchdown runs against the defense.
Although Aaron Brown, Joseph Turner, and Chris Smith are expected to make contributions, according to Coach Patterson "Deuce" is the starter when asked about his depth at tailback.
"Right now it's Ryan Christian, I think he will be the starting tailback."(against New Mexico).
A THING OF BEAUTY
For those that have been by TCU have no doubt seen the upgrades taking place around campus. One of the addtions has been the Sam Baugh Indoor Facility which comes in handy on days when the team battles wet conditions. Not to mention the recruiting aspect when the Frogs bring prospects to campus. Coach Patterson says it's great to have an indoor facility and new facilities around campus.
"There's no doubt about it. I don't think you could ask for anymore at any place."
PLAY OF THE DAY: PART 1
During full team drills safety Stephen Hodge came full blast on a safety blitz. Tailback Justin Watts saw him coming but it was too late as Hodge blistered Watts and knocked off his helmet.
PLAY OF THE DAY: PART 2
One player who has remained a consistent player from the spring into fall is receiver Curtis Clay. The walk-on receiver has worked his way into the starting rotation and showed why on Tuesday afternoon. Clay hauled in a spectacular diving catch on a deep ball that drew several cheers.
BRIEFLY
Senior linebacker Jason Phillips was held out of practice Tuesday afternoon but Coach Patterson said "he could've gone if I would've let him."
True freshman receiver Antoine Hicks missed Tuesday's practice for freshman orientation. Since he arrived late to campus he missed the first orientation.
True freshman quarterback Yogi Gallegos worked with the two's today and received most of the reps. No battle with Marcus Jackson however, just getting the youngster some reps.
For more practice notes from Tuesday and other practices visit inside Hell's Half Acre.