Horned Frogs report: Notes, quotes

March 26, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Inside slant · Strategy and personnel

SPRING OBJECTIVES
The Horned Frogs must find a go-to wide receiver, although they never have been a program to rely on one player extensively for receptions. Senior Walter Bryant could emerge as the leader of the group, but all eyes are on true sophomore Jeremy Kerley. He had nine receptions in the 2007 season, five coming in the last two games.

TCU also must find an offensive lineman. Defensively, the Frogs are trying to uncover pass-rushing ends to pick up the slack left by Chase Ortiz and Tommy Blake. Senior Matt Panfil did a good job filling in for Blake throughout last season.

BUILDING BLOCKS
QB Andy Dalton set single-season records for pass attempts (371) and completions (222) at TCU. The Frogs are hoping they don't have to use his passing skills as much this season; they were 7-0 in 2007 when they attempted 34 or fewer passes. He has a couple of backfield threats in RBs Aaron Brown and Joseph Turner, provided they regain their health. TE Shae Reagan is a big-play threat, averaging 19.7 yards per reception during his career. LB Jason Phillips led the team last season with 87 tackles, and he and SS Stephen Hodge tied for second on the team with 10.5 tackles for losses. CBs Rafael Priest and Nick Sanders could be the fastest tandem in the country.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
TCU's Sept. 27 date at Oklahoma could determine how far the Horned Frogs could go in the MWC in 2008. The Frogs have three manageable games leading up to the Sooners game, unless a talked-about season opener at conference rival New Mexico in August comes to fruition. Then, the timetable to get ready for the season speeds up. At least TCU hasn't lost to the Lobos in the three games that the two have been MWC rivals.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"If I'm too stiff, it'll kind of freeze up on me. But other than that, I can't tell you which ankle I broke. I did a few moves that I didn't think I could pull off. T didn't feel any tweaks or pains." -- running back Aaron Brown, commenting on his injured ankle from last season, to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.