Geoff Stephens
Scott Taft
July, 1996
Of TCU's current linebacking matters, Pat Henderson says, "Our first three are probably the best we have had at the point of contact. I know they are the three hardest hitters we have had there at one time. Plus, I am not so sure that our next three aren't the best group of backups we have had." That's pretty strong, considering there is no one player with previous all-honors acclaim.
The Horned Frogs, basically three-deep at these positions, are expected to offer, collectively, a stable of linebackers in 1996 of first-rate quality. The "first three" of whom Henderson speaks are Scott Taft (middle linebacker), Geoff Stephens (outside linebacker) and Jay Davern (strongside linebacker). Stephens is a senior while the other two are preparing for their junior campaigns, and, as the TCU coach indicated, they are contact-conscious competitors.
The "next three" middle man Marvin Mullins, outside linebacker Kam Hunt and strongside backer Jason Illian - though younger, are exceptional on the athletic scale.
The same could be said about a fourth sophomore, Cody Mortensen, providing he can snap back from off-season knee surgery. Likewise, of talented senior Tony Brown is scheduled to provide backup support as a swing operative.
Geoff StephensScott Taft
Most of the time down the stretch of the '95 season, Stephens (6-0 215) was the Frogs' most productive linebacker. Generally, when he wasn't, Taft (6-2, 228) was. The rugged Davern (6-1, 218), who missed last year's action while recovering from knee surgery, left some indelible marks in both 1993 and 1994.
While the Frogs appear to be well-fortified at all three linebacking positions, there are a few other points to consider. This TCU staff has displayed an affinity for utilizing a lot of linebackers both at the positions and on specialty units. For example, a year ago 11 Horned Frogs were involved in enough action to earn letters. However, over the course of the '95 campaign - injuries took a toll here - Davern, Mortensen and Hunt among them.
That also underscores why the Frogs are intent on remaining well-stocked at these positions and also why most of them are adept at more than one of the linebacking spots. They can expect additional support from Shannon Brazzell, Terrance Maiden and Aaron Schobel, a trio of bright-looking incoming freshmen.
| 41 | Terry Beudine | 5-11 | 190 | Fr-RS |
| 56 | Shannon Brazzell | 6-0 | 210 | Fr-HS |
| 42 | Tony Brown | 6-2 | 215 | Sr-3L |
| 43 | Jay Davern | 6-1 | 215 | Jr-2L |
| 40 | Kam Hunt | 6-3 | 210 | So-1L |
| 87 | Jason Illian | 6-2 | 220 | So-1L |
| 39 | Billy King | 5-11 | 205 | Fr-RS |
| 47 | Terrance Maiden | 6-1 | 220 | Fr-HS |
| 46 | Cody Mortensen | 6-1 | 210 | So-1L |
| 49 | Marvin Mullins | 5-11 | 233 | So-1L |
| 14 | Aaron Schobel | 6-4 | 230 | Fr-RS |
| 7 | Geoff Stephens | 6-0 | 215 | Sr-3L |
| 51 | Scott Taft | 6-3 | 228 | Jr-2L |