The annual TCU Football Spring Game is this Saturday at 11:00 am at Amon G. Carter Stadium. While spring football games don't often tell who is going to be the starting eleven on each side in the fall, they are often a good chance to see some players on the two-deep that don't get many game reps, and with that, a chance to make a statement. Billy and I have talked about which players we expect to have an impact on Saturday and possibly going forward into the fall and regular season. Here are three players from each of us that you should watch on Saturday and why they are so important.
Billy's Picks
Ben Banogu - Defensive End #15
This will be the first time we get to see the addition to the Killer B's defensive line. He was the defensive scout team player of the year last year so he wants to be back on the field badly. Last year Mat Boesen shined in the spring game, this year it's going to be Banogu on the defensive line.
Shawn Robinson - Quarterback #12
I'm still in the camp that if we see him this fall, it won't be until the second half of the season. So we better relish this time we get to see him Saturday. Word from Gary Patterson is that he's come a long way in just the few weeks of spring practice so I can't wait to see how he handles these game-like situations.
Jonathan Song - Kicker #46
TCU lost three games last year due to the kicking game and Song was forced to miss the season with a leg injury. His performance this year will be pivotal and a strong showing Saturday may rest plenty of fans' minds.
Geoff's Picks
Innis Gaines - Safety #6
Gaines has the size (6-2 190 pounds) that reminds you of former TCU greats Chris Hackett, Tejay Johnson and Jeremy Modkins and a similar mentality too. He's a ball-hawk in coverage and has no problem laying the wood to offensive players when they have the ball. Gaines earned a letter last year as a true freshman because of his special teams play. This year he's looking to be the starting strong safety.
Wes Harris - Offensive Guard #78
Offensive line seems like a strange place to focus, but the play of the early enrollee freshman could be pivotal to the success of the offense this season. Harris comes from a tradition of hard work and winning at Aledo HS and he brings that mentality to the offensive line in 2017. All spring he's been getting first team reps at right guard and could be a staple on the line for the next four years.
Darius Anderson - Running Back #6
Anderson burst onto the scene in Austin last season with a 70-yard touchdown run. He had seen the field in spurts, but by the UT game, he had entrenched himself as the number two back for the Frogs. Since the end of the season Anderson has worked on his route running and pass catching while bulking up to 210 pounds. He should be the number two back entering the fall behind Kyle Hicks.
Keep your eyes peeled for these guys this Saturday and see if they are making plays. If they are, they just may be the next wave of stars to play for the Horned Frogs.
