How did Derius Davis, other ex-TCU Horned Frogs perform against the Dallas Cowboys?

Former TCU Horned Frog and current Los Angeles Charger Derius Davis returned to Dallas-Fort Worth to play the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.

How did he and other former Horned Frogs perform in the Chargers’ preseason 26-19 win over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium?

Davis is in his second season with the Chargers after a strong rookie season in which he earned an Associated Press Second Team All-Pro selection as a punt returner. Davis was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

In Saturday’s game, Davis had one carry for 70 yards that went for a touchdown. He also returned one punt for 4 yards.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh lauded Davis for the TD run after the game.

“He’s been a great contributor. We can count on DD. He’s been outstanding, as you saw tonight. Lesser man, would have not made that play he did, not too many people on the planet would have been able to do that. He’s a trusted agent, known friend.”

Davis had 15 catches for 66 yards in 2023 and scored his lone touchdown of the season on an 87-yard punt return and had the fourth-highest (16.0 yards) punt return average.

Davis is not the only ex-Horned Frog on the Chargers. Quentin Johnston also plays for the Chargers and is looking for a better season after a tough rookie campaign.

Davis and Johnston talked about the benefits of playing with former college teammates.

“It’s a great experience. It makes the transition way easier. I’m just thankful to have some familiar faces here with me, just to go out there and ball with,” said Davis.

“It’s always good. You kind of just run some of that chemistry that you guys had in college and just bring it to the league. So it’s fun, it’s always easy and cool to get just connected with them, and sometimes just kind of reminisce on, quote, unquote, college days. I’m not trying to say that like I’m 30 years old or something,” said Johnston. “So it’s always fun to have those guys around.”

Johnston had 38 catches for 431 yards with two touchdowns on the season after being drafted No. 21 in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Harbaugh talked about what has impressed him about Johnston during the preseason and training camp.

“He is just elevating his game every week. It is fun to watch,” said Harbaugh, “I’ve been using the word “attacking.” You know, he attacks it and attacks meetings, training and football practice. But I think the better word is “engaged.” I love that word “engaged,” and I see him engaged in meetings, practice, games and training environment, and just watching him get better. Better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today and he’s on a great track.”

This preseason, Johnston is the Chargers’ second-leading receiver with eight catches for 62 yards with a touchdown.

Willis Patrick is another former Horned Frog who saw action against the Cowboys for the Chargers after signing an undrafted free-agent contract with the team during the offseason.

The Chargers previously had ex-TCU quarterback Max Duggan who they released on Monday after drafting him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

All four players were a part of the last college team to beat current Chargers head coach Harbaugh when he was at Michigan. The Horned Frogs upset the Wolverines 51-45 in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl on their way to the College Football National Championship.

Johnston said he hasn’t been back to TCU since arriving in the Metroplex but planned to and was excited for the upcoming season.

“Nah, I haven’t yet, but I called my home boys that I went [to TCU] with almost every day,” said Johnston, “So hopefully trying to make it to the first game. So, I got high hopes for them, still got all my coaching stuff over there, and also my homeboys. So, you know, best of luck to them.”