TCU Football

After Saturday's upset loss against Colorado, TCU's players are feeling the weight of the disappointment this week.

"I guess you could say it's a wakeup call. I don't know how losing in the national championship by 60 isn't a wakeup call, but right now we're definitely the laughingstock of college football," junior linebacker Johnny Hodges told reporters on Tuesday.

TCU linebacker Johnny Hodges: "I guess you could say it's a wakeup call. I don't know how losing in the national championship by 60 isn't a wakeup call... but right now we're definitely the laughingstock of college football." pic.twitter.com/QY3k7mQlbv

— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) September 5, 2023

Hodges, who was last season's Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, was referring to TCU's 65-7 loss to Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Horned Frogs put forth a better effort in Saturday's 45-42 loss, but it was still a demoralizing way to start the 2023 campaign nonetheless.

TCU surrendered 565 yards of offense to Colorado and 510 passing yards to quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Hodges, who lamented the team's "22 missed tackles," defended defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie, saying he had the team properly prepared despite the lack of execution.

"It's very, very upsetting that our defensive coordinator has to take all this slack when he did nothing but tell us exactly what was going to happen and put us in situations in practice that mocked the game and we weren't able to take what he told us and bring it on the field on Saturday," Hodges said.

The Horned Frogs fell from No. 17 to unranked in the AP Top 25 following Saturday's loss. Hodges said he plans to ensure the TCU defense doesn't perform that poorly again.

"I don't think it's too hard to go find videos on social media of people just not willing to put their bodies on the line," he said. "That's something that we will not let happen again at the school as long as I'm here."

The Horned Frogs will look to bounce back on Saturday night against Nicholls.

More than a decade since he last played college football, Andy Dalton is now looking to give back to the athletes of TCU, his alma mater.

Dalton, 35, is about to enter his 13th season in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and is hopping on the NIL wave, planning on giving money to every single one of TCU's 450-plus athletes.

He's planning on doing so by using an app called myNILpay, which allows users to tip their favorite college athlete at any time in exchange for a signed, digital collectible.

"I think it is wonderful that college athletes can take advantage of their name, image and likeness to make some money," Dalton said in a statement. "When I learned about the myNILpay app and saw how easy it was to support any college athlete, it gave me an avenue to show my appreciation for every current athlete at TCU. I hope fans across the nation take advantage of this great app and support collegiate athletes of their choice."

The company was launched on Thursday and Dalton and his wife are two of the first big donors to sign on to the new venture.

The myNILapp creates a profile for every single athlete that's registered with the NCAA and essentially cuts out any sort of go-between or booster. The company said it keeps four percent of each transaction, while the athletes retain 90 percent.

Dalton was one of the greatest players in TCU football's history and left the program as the record holder for most major statistical categories wins (42), passing yards (10,314), pass attempts (1,317), completions (812), and completion percentage (61.6).

Trevone Boykin eventually surpassed most of those records for the Horned Frogs.

HEIGHT: 5'8"

WEIGHT: 178

HAND: 8 ⅝"

ARM: 29"

WINGSPAN: TBD

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40-YARD DASH: 4.41

3-CONE: TBD

SHUTTLE: TBD

VERTICAL: 39"

BROAD: 11'0"

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POSITIVES

—Physical, high-motor player

—Elite-level athletic traits

—Sticky, man-coverage corner who mirrors wideouts

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NEGATIVES

—Very undersized

—Struggles to track the ball in coverage

—Can be a tad overphysical at times, taking him out of position

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2022 STATISTICS

—50 TKL (40 SOLO), 3 INT, 15 PBU, 1 FF

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NOTES

DOB: 1/10/2001

39 Starts

East-West Shrine Bowl

2022 Jim Thorpe Award Recipient

2022 First Team All-American (AP)

2022 First Team All-Big 12

2021 First Team All-Big 12

2020 First Team All-Big 12

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Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, the nephew of legendary TCU RB LaDainian Tomlinson, was a key piece for the Horned Frogs defense during their miraculous 2022 season. The 5'8", 178-pound cornerback was a cornerstone in TCU's heavy man coverage scheme, lining up outside and thriving in the process. While his testing numbers and obvious athletic gifts will draw attention, there are certainly areas for concern.

Against the run, Hodges-Tomlinson is an average, willing tackler who is not afraid to come up and make a play. His high-level athleticism and fluidity allow him to thrive in the open field against ball carriers, yet his overall size and strength limit him. These limitations make him quite an easy block for receivers, often resulting in him being taken out of the play.

Although undersized, Hodges-Tomlinson is a very physical corner who is consistently draped over receivers in man coverage. His lack of size creates quite a mismatch with bigger receivers in jump ball situations, which teams often look to attack. While his size is a great hindrance against bigger wideouts, he's able to rely on his elite athletic traits to mirror receivers and put himself in good positions.

At the next level, Hodges-Tomlinson would likely be better suited to sliding inside and matching himself up with the game's quicker, shorter slot receivers that better fit his game. His fluidity in man coverage and ability to mirror pass catchers will help his stock greatly. Ultimately, these traits, paired with Hodges-Tomlinson's elite overall athletic ability, will certainly find him a role within the league.

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GRADE: 6.9 (Potential Role Player/Round 4)

OVERALL RANK: 101

POSITION RANK: CB13

PRO COMPARISON: Marcus Jones

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 227

HAND: 8⅝"

ARM: 31⅝"

WINGSPAN: 75⅜"

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40-YARD DASH: 4.49

3-CONE: TBD

SHUTTLE: 4.46

VERTICAL: 30.5"

BROAD: 9'8"

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POSITIVES

– Impressive speed for a linebacker.

– Comes downhill in a hurry when blitzing and has some pop at the point of contact.

– Has good sideline-to-sideline range and can chase down running backs to save touchdowns.

– In zone coverage, he doesn't take the cheese and is decent at reading the quarterback's eyes.

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NEGATIVES

– Undersized for an NFL linebacker.

– Instincts aren't up to snuff, as he'll often fit to the wrong gap against the run and has mental lapses in coverage that leave his man open.

– Gets kicked out of his gap by offensive linemen working up to the second level and against good blocking tight ends.

– Doesn't throttle and break down when tackling in space or against athletic quarterbacks in the backfield, leading to misses.

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2022 STATS

– 15 G, 79 total tackles (48 solo), 14.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 1 INT (1 TD), 2 PD

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NOTES

– Born October 17, 2000

– A 3-star recruit in the 2019 class, No. 693 overall, No. 38 athlete, per 247 Sports composite rankings

– No major injuries

– 38 career starts

– 2022 Honors: Team captain, First-Team All-Big 12 (coaches, AP)

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OVERALL

Dee Winters' game is primarily based on speed. Against the run, he can come downhill and shoot gaps to make tackles for loss as well as show off some impressive sideline-to-sideline range and make chase-down tackles. He won't get beat deep in coverage and could be effective in playing Tampa 2.

However, Winters' instincts and football IQ appears to be an issue. Far too often, he'd end up covering grass when playing zone and struggled with his run fits. It also doesn't help that he's undersized and gets stuck on blocks against the run, leading to him getting kicked out of his gap.

The TCU product does have some experience playing special teams and has the profile of someone who could carve out a role there, given his linear speed and physicality, as that's going to be his best chance at making a 53-man roster as a rookie. He also showed up in big moments, having his best game of the season against Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

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GRADE: 5.5 (Backup/Draftable, 6th-7th rounder)

OVERALL RANK: 253

POSITION RANK: LB17

PRO COMPARISON: Wesley Woodyard

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Written by B/R NFL Draft Scout Matt Holder

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 257

HAND: 9 1/2"

ARM: 33 1/8"

WINGSPAN: 78 7/8"

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40-YARD DASH: 4.74

3-CONE: 74.3

SHUTTLE: 4.53

VERTICAL: 34"

BROAD: 10'0"

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POSITIVES

– Accelerates off the ball well. Has some spring to his get-off.

– Good block recognition to put himself in a good position to take on blocks and stay in his gap. This plus decent agility allows him to avoid getting reached.

– Decent at holding his ground versus one-on-one blocks from offensive tackles.

– Has a solid rip move to escape blocks.

– Flashes quickness as a pass-rusher to develop a few moves if he gets his use of hands down.

– Effort player with a good pass-rushing motor. Will factor into gang tackles down the field.

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NEGATIVES

– Has a habit of standing up out of his stance, causing issues against double-teams and combo blocks from tackles and tight ends.

– When unblocked on the frontside of gap runs, late to get his eyes inside and see/get under pullers as the spill player in run fits.

– Wide hand placement and a lack of upper-body strength make getting extension difficult for him against offensive linemen.

– Still learning how to use his hands as a pass-rusher. Allows blockers to make the first significant contact and gets washed down when working inside moves.

– Doesn't rush with a plan.

– Rough bend, stiff ankles and struggles to run a tight hoop at the top of the rush, leading to an inefficient path to the quarterback.

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2022 STATS

– 15 G, 51 TOT (32 SOLO), 15 TFL, 10.5 SK, 4 PD, 1 FF

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NOTES

– Born August 21, 2000

– New Mexico transfer

– A 3-star recruit in the 2018 class, No. 1,999 overall, No. 148 safety, per 247Sports' composite rankings

– Injuries: 2019 (Ankle, missed 7 games)

– 23 career starts

– 2022 Honors: Honorable Mention All-Big 12, team captain

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OVERALL

Dylan Horton was a safety recruit coming out of high school and originally played linebacker at New Mexico before transferring to TCU and switching positions again, this time to the defensive line. He's shown some athletic potential that NFL coaching staffs can work with, but he's a project, especially as a pass-rusher.

Despite posting double-digit sacks last season, Horton lacks a pass-rushing move that he can win with in the NFL. He gets caught with his hands down by his waist and seems to lack a plan far too often. He will occasionally not work a move and just tries to bull rush. And while he's solid against the run, he isn't good enough to hold a roster spot and be a non-factor as a rusher.

Schematically, Horton would be best as a standup outside linebacker in odd fronts. He does have experience playing special teams, which could make him more attractive to teams in the later rounds or as an undrafted free agent.

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GRADE: 5.3 (Backup or UDFA with Roster Potential/UDFA)

OVERALL RANK: 283

POSITION RANK: EDGE29

PRO COMPARISON: Michael Danna

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Written by B/R NFL Draft Scout Matt Holder

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has so far fulfilled on his promise of wanting to make a "splash on offense" this offseason after trading for Texans star receiver Brandin Cooks.

But he may not be done yet.

Jones and the Cowboys are expected to welcome highly-regarded TCU receiver Quentin Johnston for a visit. Johnston announced Dallas would be one of his 30 visits following his pro day workout Thursday.

A two-time All-Big 12 selection, Johnston has been one of the most productive college receivers in the country over the past few years and was a key piece of the Horned Frogs run to the national championship game this past season.

In 2022 he racked up 60 receptions for 1069 yards and six touchdowns as quarterback Max Duggan's favorite target. Standing at 6-foot-3 with a 40.5-inch vertical, the 21-year-old could be an ideal red zone target at the next level, but he also has game-breaking speed.

When he ran the 40-yard dash Thursday, Johnston clocked in times of 4.51 and 4.45, impressive for someone with his size.

While his tangibles are impressive, there are some concerns regarding Johnston's drops in college, as he finished with the second-highest drop rate of any receiver in this draft class at 8.5 percent.

Johnston is still highly sought-after. however, and if Jones wants to keep him in North Texas he'll have plenty of competition. The pass catcher already met with the Giants, Titans and Patriots at his pro day, all of which are receiver-needy teams going into the draft.

The Cowboys have the No. 26 pick in the first round, behind all three of those teams.

TCU quarterback Max Duggan isn't in the same category as C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis, but he's still expected to be one of the top signal-callers selected in the 2023 NFL draft.

But before teams hit the draft room, they're out scouting some of the most notable prospects, and that included a stop at TCU's pro day Thursday to catch a glimpse of Duggan and wide receiver Quentin Johnston, among others.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll were among those in attendance, and it certainly sounds like Duggan made a good impression:

Max Duggan is throwing dimes right now in front of Bill Belichick and Brian Daboll

— S. Johnson (@StevenMJohnson_) March 30, 2023

With Bill Belichick (blue shirt) watching Max Duggan completes a pass to Quentin Johnston. He’s completed 15 of 17 thus far. pic.twitter.com/KZVOCyGWH0

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) March 30, 2023

Please put me down as “interested” in Max Duggan as an NFL prospect. https://t.co/x1RRKkKnNp

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoATH) March 30, 2023

More Pro Day routes: TCU QB Max Duggan to WR Quentin Johnston over the middle. pic.twitter.com/EA4L0RZnXB

— Garrett Podell (@garrettpodell) March 30, 2023

TCU QB Max Duggan his WR Quentin Johnston on a stop route at Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/ouqlb2DVxZ

— Garrett Podell (@garrettpodell) March 30, 2023

TCU QB Max Duggan enthusiastically cheering on teammates today during the bench press #TCUProDay pic.twitter.com/acd34u3PTs

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) March 30, 2023

#TCU’s Max Duggan and Quentin Johnston getting warm at #TCUProDay pic.twitter.com/F3nTG25DVr

— Davis Wilson (@Davis_Wilson41) March 30, 2023

#TCU QB @MaxDuggan_10 warming up here at Frogs pro day pic.twitter.com/xXhhmdex1T

— Jeremy Clark (@JClarkHFB247) March 30, 2023

Max Duggan deep ball to Derius Davis #TCUProDay pic.twitter.com/z27gxFiCli

— Davis Wilson (@Davis_Wilson41) March 30, 2023

Throwing from his own 20, TCU QB Max Duggan hit WR Quentin Johnston near the goal line for pass right around 75-80 yards at Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/Y5lLjidX4G

— Garrett Podell (@garrettpodell) March 30, 2023

Quentin Johnston has had some drops today in his workout but by far the two worst have been on consecutive, accurate deep balls from Max Duggan. Both went right thru his hands.

— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) March 30, 2023

Duggan also took the field for the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month. He measured in at 6'1½'' and 207 pounds and ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash.

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote of Duggan:

"Scrappy quarterback possessing the attitude, toughness and leadership that teams love. Duggan has proven himself to be capable of overcoming adversity and finding ways to help his team win with his arm or legs. However, he has limited arm strength and frequently forces receivers to break stride on deep balls and crossing routes. Duggan's intangibles give him a chance to become an NFL backup but his limitations as a passer cap his ceiling."

Duggan had an impressive senior season with TCU, completing 63.7 percent of his passes for 3,698 yards and 32 touchdowns against eight interceptions in 15 games. He also rushed for 423 yards and nine scores.

While Duggan is unlikely to be selected in the first round, it's clear he has the tools and talent to succeed at the next level.

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 215

HAND: 9⅜"

ARM: 32⅜"

WINGSPAN: TBD

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40-YARD DASH: N/A

3-CONE: N/A

SHUTTLE: N/A

VERTICAL: N/A

BROAD: N/A

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POSITIVES

— Good, strong build; can handle an NFL workload.

— Great acceleration and top-end speed. Will be a home run threat.

— Above-average lateral quickness. Flashes ability to juke and sidestep defenders.

— Above-average toughness as a runner.

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NEGATIVES

— Patient to a fault. Struggles to run with conviction and get north.

— Too often stops his feet; loses momentum and doesn't have the raw strength to offset it.

— Runs upright and with tight hips; can struggle to maneuver smoothly between lanes and at the second level.

— Below-average pass protector. Needs to be stronger and more decisive.

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NOTES

— DOB: June 11, 2002

— 3-star recruit in 2020, per 247 Sports' composite rankings

— One-year starter

— 2022 first-team All-Big 12

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2022 STATISTICS

— 14 G, 224 ATT, 1,399 YDS (6.2 AVG), 1 TD; 16 REC, 116 YDS, 0 TD

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OVERALL

Kendre Miller has the size and speed of a difference-making running back but needs to fill in the finer parts of his game.

A 5'11" and 215-pounder, Miller does well to play to his size. Though not a true bulldozer, he showcases nice balance both at the line of scrimmage and at the second level. He's got just enough size and strength to move piles when he wants to, and he comes alive when he unleashes his skills near the goal line. Getting him to play downhill more consistently will be part of his development, but the tools are there.

The TCU product is quite a burner for his size, too. He excels when he is set loose on the perimeter. Miller's acceleration is devastating, both as he approaches the edge and during the first few steps when he cuts to get north.

Likewise, his top-end speed is more than enough to rip off explosive plays and even the occasional 50-plus-yard touchdown run. Miller earned a 50-plus-yard run in four different games in 2022.

However, he is not yet a complete back. For one, he is a hesitant runner. His vision is patient to a fault, and he rarely plunges forward with the tenacity you might expect of someone his size. He too often stops his feet and halts his own momentum. Miller's size/explosion combo could be devastating, yet he seldom plays up to it.

Additionally, Miller runs with a tight posture. He plays upright and with short, tight steps, often exposing his stiff hips even further. The 20-year-old can struggle to get low and change direction fluidly, which is a problem both behind the line of scrimmage and when navigating between the tackles at the second level.

Miller is a bet on potential. In terms of size, speed and explosion, he has everything you want from a lead back. However, his indecisiveness, stiff rushing style and underdeveloped third-down skills make him more of a project than a readymade starting running back.

Miller will fit best in an outside zone system that simplifies his reads and unlocks his speed on the perimeter.

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GRADE: 6.2 (High-Level Developmental Prospect/Round 5)

OVERALL RANK: 175

POSITION RANK: RB17

PRO COMPARISON: Jeff Wilson Jr.

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen

TCU will have to replace its leading rusher and leading receiver after Kendre Miller and Quentin Johnston both declared for the 2023 NFL draft.

Both players announced their decisions Monday on social media.

Miller ran for 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns, while Johnston caught 60 passes for 1,069 yards and six scores. They helped the Horned Frogs beat Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl to advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Johnston is the No. 7 overall player and top wideout on Bleacher Report's 2023 big board.

B/R's Derrik Klassen compared the 6'4" wideout to three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins, which is the kind of praise that speaks for itself:

For offenses looking for a big-bodied No. 1 to center the passing game around, Johnston is the player for the job. His ability down the field and with the ball in his hands should give him a reasonably high floor while he irons out his technique and consistency seeing the ball in.

Johnston has the makings of a Pro Bowl receiver, especially if paired with an aggressive quarterback.

TCU far exceeded everyone's expectations going 12-1 in the regular season and then taking down the Wolverines. Head coach Sonny Dykes is discovering how difficult maintaining that level can be.

Along with losing Johnston and Miller, leading passer and Heisman Trophy runner-up Max Duggan has declared for the draft. Dee Winters and Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, two key starters from the defense, and consensus All-American offensive lineman Steve Avila are graduating.

The departures aren't limited to the roster. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, who won the Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in college football, accepted the same job at Clemson.

At this point, hitting the transfer portal might not even be enough for Dykes to fill in all of the gaps. The 2023 season is shaping up to be a retooling year for the program.