July, 1996
Interestingly, TCU's defense, a unit that has made dramatic strides since, say, the beginning of the 1994 season, is for the most part a "no name" group - no high-profile stars -just a collection of intense athletes who can run to the ball and take great pride in delivering solid blows.
The fact that the Horned Frog defenders dominated during 1996 spring workouts was not exactly telling since defenses often find themselves further along at that juncture than their offensive brethren. However, the manner in which TCU's defensive folks most often ruled superior was meaningful, indeed.
"If nothing else, it was a good indication that we have some athletes capable of making the plays at their respective positions." offered TCU defensive coordinator Pat Henderson. "Plus, it is a good indication that we have a lot of players competing with confidence."
One of the most encouraging aspects of TCU's improved defense has been the competition brought about by increased depth fighting for playing time. It certainly has been awhile since a football program at Texas Christian University has enjoyed as much depth up front, defensively, as the one projected by the '96 ballclub.
Similarly, no fewer than eight players, all previous letter winners, are involved in tight battles for first- or second-team roles at linebackers. Though thinner in proven numbers, the Frogs' secondary is accented by several versatile athletes including a trio of ultra-hard hitters - Chris Staten, Godfrey White and Barry Browning.
Perhaps equal to, or exceeding, any personnel concern that Henderson and defensive associates may foster is the unsettling notion of competing against WAC teams, ball clubs which will offer new, and a variety of different, challenges for TCU's defenders in '96.