Local teams had plenty of firepower when it came to returning kicks this Fall.  Coaches know that special teams can be the difference in a game, and all three DFW college football teams had plenty of weapons.

Kick Returner

Greg McCoy ,5-10, 181 lbs, Dallas, TX, TCU

TCU’s Greg McCoy was named the Mountain West Conference Special Teams Player of the Year and have received All-American rewards from SI.com, CBSSports.com and Yahoo! Sports.  The Graduate Student from Dallas’ Woodrow Wilson High School had 2 kickoff returns for a touchdown, one for 99 and another one for 94 yards as he averaged 31.6 yards per return for the Horned Frogs.

Greg McCoy returns a kick against Baylor -- Photo by Keith Robinson

Punt Returner

Richard Crawford, 5-11, 191 lbs, Mission Viejo, CA,  SMU

Richard Crawford fielded the punt returns for the SMU Mustangs, and his numbers were just as impressive.  The Junior from Mission Viejo, CA averaged 12.7 yards per return including one return for a touchdown of 92 yards. Crawford’s effort made him an Honorable Mention All-CUSA in addition to being First Team All-CUSA for defensive back.

Kicker

Chase Hover, K, 6-2, 190 lbs., Dallas, TX, SMU

Chase Hover wasn’t even on the team in early August, but the Junior transfer from Blinn College walked on at SMU and earned the starting place kicker spot for the Mustangs and was named to the All-DFW College Football Special Teams.  Overall, he was 80% for the Ponies including a perfect 4 for 4 from 1-29 yards and 3 of 5 from 30-49 yards. Hover was also 34-36 on PAT’s giving him a total of 58 points, second in scoring on the team.

Punter

Will Artterberry, 5-11, 199 lbs, Lewisville, TX  UNT

Will Atterberry was, by far, the most effective punter in the Dallas/Fort Worth area this season for the UNT Mean Green. The Junior from Lewisville averaged 43.5 yards with 26 punts inside the 20 yard line and one 70 yard punt. Atterberry also booted 16 50 plus-yard punts for the Mean Green.  Atterberry was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award for the nation’s top punter.  Atterberry was also named First Team All-Sun Belt Conference.

Honorable Mention Special Teams

Brelan Chancellor  All Purpose  UNT
Margus Hunt, Kick Blocker SMU

By Chase Rader

Chase Rader

Tank Carder, who has one of the coolest names in all of football, leads our All-DFW College Football defensive team this year.  Carder, who has tallied 224 career tackles, was selected as the Mountain West Defensive Player of the year and landed on the 2^nd team All-American team by CBSSports.com with more accolades on their way.  The senior from Sweeny, Texas produced another solid year from his linebacker spot with his 66 total tackles and two interceptions for touchdowns.  He is first all-time at TCU with 3 interceptions returned for scores.

Carder, last year’s Rose Bowl MVP, will lead the Mountain West champions TCU Horned Frogs (10-2, 8-0 Mountain West) against the Western Athletic Conference Champions, Louisiana Tech (8-4, 6-1 WAC), in the Poinsettia Bowl on December 21^st at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

The two other linebackers on our selection are Ja’Gared Davis of SMU and Zachary Orr of UNT.  Davis not only tallied 74 tackles, he intercepted 2 passes, and broke up 6 more.  Despite only playing in 9 games, UNT sophomore LB Zachary Orr led his team in tackles with 74.  SMU leading tackler Taylor Reed racked up 93 total tackles this year and garnered the honorable mention on our list.

TCU totaled two defensive linemen on the list, sophomore Stansly Maponga and junior DJ Yendrey.

Maponga notched 9 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.  Yendrey was a big body who plugged the line and got in on 41 tackles.  SMU and UNT also had a defensive lineman each on our team.  SMU senior defensive end Taylor Thompson forced 6 fumbles and had 7 sacks.  Brandon Akpunku (AK47), the senior from UNT, had 10 tackles for loss to compliment his 55 total tackles.

Richard Crawford, a junior from SMU, led his team with breaking up 10 passes and defending 12 more to go with his 2 interceptions. Crawford’s teammate, Chris Banjo, tallied 77 total tackles.  UNT senior Royce Hill broke up 13 passes and defended 15.  Johnny Fobbs, a senior from TCU, racked up 61 total tackles from his safety spot.

TCU's Carder sets his sites on Heisman Trophy Winner Robert Griffin III -- Photo by Keith Robinson

DL

Stansly Maponga DE TCU (6’2”, 265 lbs) SO. Carrollton, TX, Hebron H.S. – 30 solo tackles, 51 total tackles.  12.5 tackles for loss totaling 61 yards.  9 sacks for 54 yards.  2 passes broken up, and 2 deflected.  5 forced fumbles to go with 2 fumble recoveries.  Best game against UNLV – 2 sacks, 3 TFL, 9 total tackles.

Taylor Thompson DE SMU (6’6”, 287 lbs) SR. Prosper, TX, Prosper H.S. – 18 solo tackles, 41 total tackles.  7.5 TFL for 41 yards.  7 sacks for 40 yards.  6 forced fumbles with 1 fumble recovery.  Best game against Tulane – 3 solo tackles, 4 total tackles, 2 FF, 1 sack, 1 TFL.

DJ Yendrey DT TCU (6’4”, 273 lbs) JR.  Edna, TX, Edna H.S. – 16 solo tackles, 37 total tackles.  5.5 TFL for 19 yards.  3 sacks for 14 yards.  1 fumble recovery.  Best game against San Diego State – 2 TFL, 5 total tackles.

Brandon Akpunku DE UNT (6’1”, 240 lbs) SR. Cedar Hill, TX, Cedar Hill H.S. – 30 solo tackles, 55 total.  10 TFL for 47 yards.  7.5 sacks for 43 yards.  3 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.  Best game against Indiana – 7 tackles and 2 sacks.

LB

Ja’Gared Davis SMU (6’1”, 220 lbs) JR. Crockett, TX, Crockett H.S. – 41 solo tackles, 74 total tackles.  11 TFL for 52 yards.  4.5 sacks for 26 yards.  2 Ints for 14 yards.  6 passes broken up, 8 passes defended.  1 FF, 1 FR.  Best game against Houston – 8 solo tackles, 11 total tackles.

Zachary Orr, UNT (6’0”, 231 lbs) SO. Desoto, TX, Desoto H.S. – 39 solo tackles, 74 total tackles.  7 TFL for 21 yards.  2 sacks for 13 yards.  1 Int, 3 pass BU, 4 PD. 2 FR, 1 FF.  Best game against FAU – 12 tackles and a sack.

Tank Carder TCU (6’3”, 237 lbs) SR. Sweeny, TX, Sweeny H.S. – 41 solo tackles, 66 total tackles.  4.5 TFL for 10 yards. 2 int’s returned for TD’s, 95 yards.  2 BU, 2 PD. Best Game against CSU, 9 total tackles and a pick 6.

DB

Richard Crawford, SMU (5’11”, 191 lbs) JR. Mission Viejo, CA, Saddleback C.C. – 29 solo tackles, 42 total tackles.  2.5 TFL for 9 yards.  2 int’s for 22 yards.  10 pass BU and 12 PD. 1 FF.  Best game against TCU – 6 solo tackles, 7 total tackles.

Johnny Fobbs S TCU (6’1”, 203 lbs) SR. Fort Worth, TX, Everman H.S. – 37 solo tackles, 61 total.  1 INT, 5 BU, 6 PD.  Best game against New Mexico – 3 solo tackles, 4 total tackles, 2 FF, .5 TFL.

Royce Hill CB, UNT (6’0”, 187 lbs) SR. Houston, TX, Cypress Ridge H.S. – 30 solo tackles, 46 total tackles.  1 TFL for 2 yards.  2 INT’s for 88 yards.  13 pass BU, 15 PD. 1 FR.  Best game against FAU – Returned an INT 85 yards for a TD

Chris Banjo, SMU (5’11”, 192 lbs) SR. Sugar Land, TX, Kempner H.S. – 46 solo tackles, 77 total.  .5 TFL for 1 yard.  2 pass BU, 2 PD.  2 fumble recoveries for 3 yards. Best game – Navy 5 solo tackles, 11 total tackles, 1 FR.

Honorable Mention Defense

Taylor Reed, LB, SMU (6’0”, 230 lbs) JR. Beaumont, TX, West Brook H.S. – 51 solo tackles, 93 total tackles.  7.5 TFL for 28 yards.  3 sacks for 19 yards.  3 pass BU, 3 PD and 1 FF.  Best game against Memphis – 5 solo tackles, 10 total, 2.5 TFL.

Ryan Boutwell, DT UNT (6’3”, 261 lbs) SO. China Spring, TX, China Spring H.S. – 16 solo tackles, 28 total tackles.  2.5 TFL for 16 yards.  1.5 sacks for 12 yards.  Best game against Houston – 4 tackles, 1 TFL.

TFL – tackles for loss

Pass BU – passes broken up

PD – passes defended

FF – forced fumble

FR – fumble recovery

INT – interception

Daniel Durany

The Horned Frogs finished with an undefeated season and became Rose Bowl Champions.  TCU now has played in two consecutive BCS (Bowl Championship Series) games.  This upcoming season is their final year in the Mountain West Conference.  Big East Conference welcomes TCU starting July 2012.  Recently many changes occurred around the Mountain West with Brigham Young University and Utah dismantling from the conference and addition to Boise State joining this year.   The Cougars of BYU became the fourth team in NCAA Division I football joining as independent conference and Utah moves to Pac-12, previously known as Pac-10.  The 12^th and final team joining with Utah is the Colorado Buffaloes from the Big XII Conference. With TCU leaving the conference next year, Nevada, Hawaii and Fresno State join the Mountain West Conference.  However, Hawaii joins the Mountain West Conference for only football.

TCU starts their season ranked #15 in the USA Today Polls. The Frogs have several key games throughout their season.  Key Road Games against Baylor in their season opener, September 2^nd, against San Diego State Aztecs in October, and the biggest challenge against Boise State on November 12^th.  Boise State hasn’t lost a home game since September of 2001.  The last two times Boise State and TCU faced each other occurred in bowl games.

Key home games against DFW rival, SMU Mustangs on October 1^st.  The Frogs only appearance at Cowboys Stadium occurs Friday, October 28^th against the BYU Cougars.  The rest of their conference home games are against University of Nevada-Las Vegas, New Mexico, and Colorado State.

Offense

Offensively, the Frogs will several new faces including everyone from their offensive line and quarterback. This year’s starting quarterback is Casey Pachall whose sophomore from Brownwood, TX.  Pachall became a Top 30 recruit from the Lone Star State. Last year’s regular season finale against New Mexico became first significant amount of playing time completing 6 for 9 passes for 78 yards and touchdown.

Pachall’s returning starters and main support are at the running back position. Keeping the running game intact signifies major reducing load and pressure off of Pachall. Running game is likely their focal point when TCU has the ball offensively.  The Frogs rely on the three head monster of Ed Wesley, Matthew Tucker, and Waymon James at the running back position.  The three running backs rushed exactly for combined of 2300 yards and 23 touchdowns. Last year, Wesley rushed for nearly 1,100 yards and 6.5 yards per carry with 11 touchdowns.  While Matthew Tucker rushed for another 700 yards with nearly close to five yards per carry.  Waymon James rushed tad over 500 yards.   Both Tucker and James were instrumental with each rushing for over 100 yards when Wesley wasn’t able to play much against San Diego State.  The Frogs rushed for nearly 250 yards/game ranking them 10^th NCAA Division I Football.

Defense

Frogs open with a new Amon G. Carter Stadium in 2011--Courtesy of TCU

If the running game isn’t working well in certain games, the Frogs benefit from stout defense finishing #1 in the nation.  With the Frogs running 4-2-5 Defense, their core strength of their defense occurs at the linebacker position of Tank Carder and Tanner Brock.  Carder became the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year and forever known in Fort Worth for his Rose Bowl heroics knocking down the pass for the 2-point conversion. He also had 3.5 tackles for loss and sack in the Rose Bowl game.  Carder’s linebacker partner, Tanner Brock recorded over 100 tackles last year.  Instrumental with nine tackles during the Rose Bowl victory.  Brock finished 1^st Team Mountain West Conference and 3^rd All-Team All-American as sophomore last year.  In addition to those two linebackers, Frogs rely on cornerback Greg McCoy for leadership in the secondary as well for Special Teams as kick returner for Jeremy Kerley who went into the NFL.  McCoy’s past experience returning kicks including an 81-yard return for touchdown against Wyoming during the 2009 season.

Many new faces on this year’s team, but expectations to succeed and demand for excellence aren’t new for the Frogs.  Expect the Frogs to finish in the Top 20 and maybe higher.  A possible third consecutive year as Mountain West Conference Champions looms mainly on November 12^th game against the Boise State Broncos.

Work on the renovation, which is funded by donor support, will begin immediately following this year’s football season and be fully completed in 2012.

Courtesy of TCU

“We must continually provide students the best possible university experience,” TCU chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr. said. “This includes building facilities to support a vibrant living experience and an outstanding learning environment. I am pleased that over the past five years we have successfully raised funds to improve academics, athletics and student living.

“This stadium renovation, which would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors for which we are very grateful, will propel us to yet another level of excellence that will positively impact our university as well as the city of Fort Worth. We also are extremely grateful to the Amon G. Carter Foundation for their initial gift of $15 million that made this entire project possible, one that will result in a significantly improved game day experience for all fans.”

Construction will begin immediately following TCU’s final home game (Nov. 13 versus San Diego State) in the 2010 season. After construction, Amon G. Carter Stadium will have a seating capacity of 40,000 that can be expanded to more than 50,000 seats.

“We are very grateful to our donors for making this possible,” TCU director of intercollegiate athletics Chris Del Conte said. “Having a first-class stadium with all the modern amenities is key in enhancing the student-athlete experience and providing our community with a fabulous venue to enjoy football games.

“I also would like to thank Chancellor Boschini and our Board of Trustees who are truly the wind beneath our wings on this project. They were behind us every step of the way. Special thanks also go to associate athletics director Davis Babb and head football coach Gary Patterson for their unbelievable fundraising efforts. They are true leaders and team players. We are incredibly appreciative of the tremendous support we received on this historic project from TCU and Fort Worth.”

TCU began examining the possibility of renovating its stadium in 2006 when Luther King, chairman of TCU’s Board of Trustees (BOT), appointed Clarence Scharbauer, vice chair of the BOT, to lead a stadium renovation committee. The committee’s invaluable work, along with that of TCU administrators, led to a stadium renovation that will lift the historical icon to a level of national visibility on par with the University’s championship-winning football team.

Courtesy of TCU

“Having a new stadium will have a great impact on our recruiting efforts,” Patterson said. “It helps us take the next step in what we’re trying to accomplish as a program, and that’s winning a national championship. We want to thank all of our friends for making this stadium possible.”

This is the first major renovation to Amon G. Carter Stadium, built in 1930, since the upper deck was added in 1956.

Designed by HKS Sports & Entertainment Group, who most recently completed work on the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, the renovation greatly enhances the fan experience by improving stadium accessibility, seating and views of the playing field.

The renovation consists of:

• Significantly upgraded and new concession stands for better access and reduced wait times
• Elevators and escalators to better facilitate stadium accessibility and crowd flow
• A new, raised seating bowl on the west and north end for enhanced field views
• Upgraded and additional men’s and women’s restrooms
• Suites, club seating and lounges on the west side of the stadium
• A new press box

Dan Phillips, AIA, senior designer with HKS, said the design references the 1930s style of Southwestern art deco prevalent throughout Fort Worth and the surrounding region.

“Through research, we discovered that Amon G. Carter Stadium’s original design intent incorporated this architectural style,” Phillips added. “However, it was not fully realized. The new design blends seamlessly with the Meyer–Martin Athletic Complex, the TCU campus and the city of Fort Worth.”

Suites and lounges also will reflect the Southwestern art deco as well as the graphics and way-finding signage throughout the stadium. By integrating the University colors, HKS has created a unique look and feel for the renovated Amon G. Carter Stadium. In addition, the north concourse will mirror the south concourse and fans will be able to see the field while walking through either concourse.

“Unlike the majority of major college football facilities in the country, which tuck fan amenities under the seating bowl, the new Amon G. Carter Stadium brings the action on the field into the main concourse – allowing fans to always be connected to the game,” Phillips said.

Courtesy of TCU

TCU Horned Frogs

09/04/10
vs. Oregon State TV, Arlington, TX, 6:45 p.m. CT

09/11/10
vs. Tennessee Tech, Fort Worth, TX, 6:00 p.m. CT

09/18/10
vs. Baylor, Fort Worth, TX, 3:30 p.m. CT

09/24/10
at SMU, Dallas, TX, 7:00 p.m. CT

10/02/10
at Colorado State, Fort Collins, CO, 1:00 p.m. CT

10/09/10
vs. Wyoming, Fort Worth, TX, 2:30 p.m. CT

10/16/10
vs. BYU, Fort Worth, TX, 3:00 p.m. CT

10/23/10
vs. Air Force, Fort Worth, TX, 7:00 p.m. CT

10/30/10
at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV, 10:00 p.m. CT

11/06/10
at Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 2:30 p.m. CT

11/13/10
vs. San Diego State, Fort Worth, TX, 3:00 p.m. CT

11/27/10
at New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 3:00 p.m. CT

Dalton is on several watch lists including the Davey O'Brien

TCU, Fort Worth, TX–Seven TCU football players have received preseason All-America honors with six Horned Frogs appearing on watch lists for national awards.

Included below is an updated TCU preseason honor roll, as of July 16:

Gary Patterson, Head Coach

• Preseason Coach of the Year, Playboy

Marcus Cannon, OT

• Outland Trophy Watch List
• Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List
• Preseason All-American, Playboy
• Preseason Second-Team All-American, Rivals.com/Yahoo! Sports
• Preseason Third-Team All-American, Phil Steele’s College Football Preview
• Preseason Honorable-Mention All-American, NationalChamps.net
• Best Offensive Lineman in Texas, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
• Preseason First-Team All-Texas College, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
• All-Texas Team, Sporting News
• Ranked third among offensive tackles for the 2011 NFL Draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
• Ranked fifth in the nation among offensive tackles, Lindy’s

Tank Carder, LB

• Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
• Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List
• Preseason Third-Team All-American, Sporting News
• Preseason Fourth-Team All-American, Phil Steele’s College Football Preview
• Best Linebacker in Texas, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
• Preseason First-Team All-Texas College, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
• All-Texas Team, Sporting News
• Ranked 10th in the nation among inside linebackers, Lindy’s
• One of 12 “New stars you must know” in 2010, CollegeFootballNews.com

Andy Dalton, QB

• Davey O’Brien Award Watch List
• Johnny Unitas Award Watch List
• Preseason Honorable-Mention All-American, NationalChamps.net
• Ranked 12th in the nation among quarterbacks, Lindy’s
• One of 10 “Players who will take their game to the next level” in 2010, CollegeFootballNews.com

Wayne Daniels, DE

• Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List
• Preseason Second-Team All-Texas College, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
• One of 10 “Fresh new faces” in 2010, CBSSports.com

Ross Evans, PK

• Preseason Honorable-Mention All-American, NationalChamps.net
• Preseason First-Team All-Texas College, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
• All-Texas Team, Sporting News

Cory Grant, DT

• All-Texas Team, Sporting News

Kelly Griffin, NT

• Preseason Second-Team All-Texas College, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

Tejay Johnson, S

• Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
• Lott Trophy Watch List
• Preseason Second-Team All-American, Rivals.com/Yahoo! Sports
• Preseason Third-Team All-American, Phil Steele’s College Football Preview
• Preseason Second-Team All-Texas College, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
• Ranked 10th in the nation among safeties, Lindy’s

Jeremy Kerley, PR

• Preseason First-Team All-American, Phil Steele’s College Football Preview
• Preseason First-Team All-American, Rivals.com/Yahoo! Sports
• Preseason First-Team All-American, NationalChamps.net
• Preseason Second-Team All-American, Sporting News
• Preseason Third-Team All-American, Athlon
• Preseason First-Team All-Texas College, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
• All-Texas Team, Sporting News

Jake Kirkpatrick, C

• Outland Trophy Watch List
• Rimington Trophy Watch List
• Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List
• Preseason First-Team All-American, Sporting News
• Preseason First-Team All-American, Rivals.com/Yahoo! Sports
• Preseason Second-Team All-American, NationalChamps.net
• Preseason First-Team All-Texas College, Dave Campbell’s 2010 Texas Football
• Ranked third in the nation among centers, Lindy’s

Jason Teague, CB

• Named an “Under-the-radar difference-maker to watch” in 2010, Rivals.com

TCU Offensive Backfield

• Ranked fifth in the nation, Lindy’s

The announcement was made at Clarke Elementary in Fort Worth, where four groups of 10-to-12 students have undertaken community projects.

The Clarke Elementary student involvement includes painting over gang graffiti prevalent in the neighborhood as well as a recycling program through which SLANT 45 donates the funds to SafeHaven of Tarrant County, a women and children’s shelter. Other projects involve a campus beautification program that features planting flowers and improving the overall appearance of their school, and an anti-gang campaign inviting police officers to campus to discuss gangs in the neighborhood.

“Gary and I are excited about the SLANT 45 program because it energizes the youth of our communities,” said Kelsey Patterson, wife of TCU football coach Gary Patterson and the Foundation’s secretary and treasurer.

“Through SLANT 45, Super Bowl XLV will leave behind a legacy, something positive in our communities. I think we’ll be seeing the effects of Super Bowl XLV for years to come.”

With TCU, the Gary Patterson Foundation also introduced an incentive program for students to participate in SLANT 45. Elementary­ aged students in the Fort Worth Independent School District and throughout Tarrant County can
submit their service-learning ideas into a competition for funding and awards.

Any team that registers for the program by July 2 will be entered for a chance to receive a private tour of the TCU campus, a meet and greet during practice and a Horned Frog football game-day experience.

More than 5,000 elementary school students in the North Texas region have signed up for SLANT 45. The goal is 20,000.

To learn more and register, visit www.slant45.org or call (469) 621-8989.

Ryan Christian eludes the tackle and scores

A four-year letterman for the Horned Frogs who also saw significant time at tailback, Christian totaled 74 career receptions for 750 yards (10.1 average) and three touchdowns. He added 777 career yards rushing on a 4.0 per carry mark with six scores.

Christian averaged 23.6 yards on 14 kickoff returns. He played in 47 career games with eight starts.

Christian was the 2009 recipient of TCU football’s Davey O’Brien Fightin’est Frog Award.

An Aledo, Texas, native, Christian recorded his first career 100-yard receiving game with three catches for 106 yards in a 55-10 win at San Diego State. He also had his first career receiving scores with touchdown grabs of 44 and 29 yards. Christian came back the next week with a 16-yard scoring reception against Utah. It was part of a season-best five grabs for 48 yards
against the Utes.

As a junior, Christian tied a career-high with six catches for 53 yards in the Poinsettia Bowl victory over Boise State. He rushed for a career-best 82 yards on 19 carries while adding four receptions in a 31-14 win over Stanford.

Photo Credit: Dirk Hansen

(TCU Athletics, Fort Worth, TX)–TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes was a first-team selection. Jeremy Kerley was a second-team choice at punt returner, while center Jake Kirkpatrick, offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse and linebacker Daryl Washington were third-team picks.

Seven Horned Frogs have been named All-Americans this season. Quarterback Andy Dalton was cited by SI.com with cornerback Rafael Priest garnering honors from Sporting News.

Hughes is only the second two-time consensus All-American in TCU history (Darrell Lester, 1934-35). Hughes is the 2009 recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award and Lott Trophy. He has 15 tackles for loss, including 11 1/2 sacks, among a career-high 54 stops this season.

Kerley has returned two punts for touchdowns. He tops the Mountain West Conference in both punt return (14.3 yards) and kickoff return (26.9 yards) average. He’s one of only two players in the country (Javier Arenas,
Alabama) to rank in the top 20 nationally in both categories.

Kirkpatrick and Newhouse help anchor a TCU offensive line that paves the way for the Horned Frogs to rank in the top five nationally in scoring offense (40.7 points per game), total offense (469.1 yards per game) and rushing offense (256.5 yards per game). The Horned Frogs have set single-season school records for points scored (488) and total offense (5,629 yards).

Kirkpatrick was one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to
the nation’s top center.

Washington tops TCU with 99 tackles, the most stops by a Horned Frog since 2004 (Martin Patterson, 131). A senior from Irving, Texas, Washington was a Dick Butkus Award semifinalist. He has 7 1/2 tackles for loss and is tied for the TCU lead with three interceptions.

A signature play for Washington was catching Clemson’s C.J. Spiller from behind to make a touchdown-saving tackle in TCU’s 14-10 win in Death Valley.