Five storylines to watch during fall camp for TCU

The start of first-year head coach Sonny Dykes’ inaugural fall camp with TCU is finally here with the first press conference scheduled for Monday.

From position battles to cementing the culture around the program, Dykes says this is a crucial moment for him as a new head coach.

“To me it’s the most important time of the year in so many ways. There are so many things that can happen. You take almost a season’s worth of practices and you cram them into four weeks,” Dykes said. “You’re getting 27 practices in 33 days or whatever it is. It’s critically important to the development of your program and the younger players.”

While understanding how serious camp will be for laying the foundation for a successful season, Dykes is also excited to see who on the roster can build off the work they did in the spring and summer.

“The big thing is to see how all the pieces fit together and see who has emerged off of spring practice and has really taken advantage of their time over the summer to improve. We’ve got a lot of new faces, so that’s going to be interesting to see,” Dykes said. “I’m excited to see what some of the freshmen can do. It’s always fun because you don’t really know who’s going to make that big jump.”

The quarterback battle between Chandler Morris and Max Duggan is going to be the top storyline. Dykes broke down where the race stood earlier this week, but there’s also plenty of intrigue across the roster.

Here are five storylines to watch as fall camp is set to begin on Monday.

Offensive line impressing early

Whether it’s Morris or Duggan emerging as QB1, the key for either to have success is a strong unit upfront. Dykes says the offensive line has been one of the most impressive groups early.

“I thought those guys had improved tremendously in the spring from what I had seen on film in the fall. I was surprised at the depth we had and the number of guys that can fill a role for us. I like our size, I think we’re big. I like the physical mentality that we have,” Dykes said.

The Horned Frogs return key pieces like guard Brandon Coleman, who started eight games last year, along with right tackle Andrew Coker. Coker was one of two linemen to start all 12 games last year. Senior Steve Avila started 11 games at center. SMU transfer Alan Ali was an All-AAC lineman. John Lanz started five games at left guard and former Top 100 prospect Garrett Hayes is looking to find a bigger role after playing in nine games last year.

TCU also added Ezra Dotson-Oyetade from Arizona State and Robby Rochester from Connecticut through the transfer portal.

The receiver room outside of Quentin Johnston

After leading the Horned Frogs in receiving yards and touchdowns, Johnston has found his name listed pretty high on early 2023 NFL mock drafts. He could build off his 634-yard season by topping a 1,000 yards. He has the talent to do so. The more intriguing thing to watch will be who lines out wide with him.

Seniors Taye Barber and Derius Davis are back after producing more than 500 yards each. Blair Conwright was the fourth-leading receiver with 257 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. The returning experience helps and Dykes also believes the receiver room is deeper than the four returning receivers.

“I think it’s really good. I think we have a good combination of proven commodities with Taye Barber and Derius Davis, then we have guys that have really big potential. Guys like Quincy Brown and Savion Williams,” Dykes said.

Williams is 6-5 and Brown 6-4, giving Dykes potentially bigger options on the outside if he chooses to go that route. There’s one receiver in particular he’s excited to see perform in camp.

“Gunnar Henderson had about as good a spring as anybody. He was such a good player in the spring, I’m excited to see if he can carry that over to the fall,” Dykes said. He also mentioned Conwright as another player that could take another step.

New defensive scheme

The TCU defense struggled in 2021, allowing almost 35 points per game. Dykes brought in former Tulsa defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie to right the ship. How quickly the roster gets acclimated to Gillespie’s 3-3-5 scheme will be key.

Despite the struggles last year, the Horned Frogs have solid pieces to build around in All-Big 12 corner Tre’Vious Hodges-Tomlinson, leading tackler Dee Winters and team sack leader Dylan Horton. Dykes said the new system will be a benefit for the players.

“The biggest thing is building confidence. I love our scheme, I love what we do,” Dykes said. “I love our defensive coaches, I think we have some really good teachers over there. I think Joe’s scheme defensively looks very complicated, it looks like there’s a lot going on.

“But the beauty of it is its simplicity. I think our guys are really going to like knowing what to do all the time and being able to play free and play with confidence.”

Which newcomers emerge?

TCU hit the transfer portal hard with the 13th-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Coaches use the portal to add depth and to find new starters.

The portal has given new coaches the ability to jump start their rebuilds and Dykes is hoping that’s the case for TCU. Ali figures to be a factor on the offensive line. Another name to watch as a potential starter is Colorado transfer Mark Perry. He led the Buffaloes in interceptions and was a leading tackler. His leadership has garnered praise from those around the program.

Navy transfer Johnny Hodges could compete for immediate playing time at linebacker. TCU returns Kendre Miller and Emari Demercado in the backfield, but don’t be surprised if Louisiana transfer Emani Bailey pushes the two for touches.

Morris or Duggan at QB?

Duggan and Morris will be the primary contenders, though it could be possible for Sam Jackson’s athleticism to be used in certain packages.

Duggan is the bigger player with more experience. His numbers have been respectable, but unspectacular as he’s completed 58.3 percent of his passes and has 41 touchdowns to 20 interceptions in three seasons. He’s rushed for over 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns in his career as well.

Morris is smaller and just a redshirt freshman, but he could be the most natural fit for what Dykes likes to do offensively. He also gives the offense a running threat and showed his potential by leading the Horned Frogs to an upset over Baylor last season. It’ll be a tough decision for Dykes either way.