July, 1996
There is little argument that this is the deepest, in terms proven talent, that the Frogs have been in years at their two interior defensive positions. To begin with both starters from 1995 - nose tackle Bernard Oldham and tackle Gaylon Hyder - are back. Plus, they most are capably supported by veteran swingman Michael Janak and talented sophomore Marcus Anderson. Also, the ability of strong ends Billy Thompson and Akili Johnson to move inside lends further credence to the strength of these two positions.
Oldham (6-2, 285), who benches over 550 pounds, is considered the strongest footballer ever at Frogland and he does an impressive job of jamming up the middle for the Purple defense.
Hyder (6-5 285) is slated to begin his third year as a starter. A relentless pass rusher, he heads into his final campaign with six quarterback sacks and 32 career QB pressures.
TCU's defensive staff is also high on incoming freshmen - Stuart Ashley and Reuben Vaughn - as promising defensive trenchmen.
| 66 | Marcus Anderson | 6-1 | 250 | So-1L |
| 97 | Stuart Ashley | 6-4 | 255 | Fr-HS |
| 62 | Joe Briggs | 6-4 | 260 | Fr-RS |
| 76 | Bo Gross | 6-6 | 250 | Fr-RS |
| 92 | Gaylon Hyder | 6-5 | 285 | Sr-3L |
| 95 | Michael Janak | 6-3 | 260 | Sr-3L |
| 57 | Bernard Oldham | 6-2 | 280 | Sr-1L |
| 72 | Thea Teaford | 6-0 | 250 | So-RS |
| 96 | Reuben Vaughn | 6-4 | 270 | Fr-HS |
| 75 | J.W. Wilson | 6-3 | 250 | Fr-HS |