And now, our second recruiting smorgasborg.
Sam Carter. Dual-Threat QB, 6'0", 205. Alief (Hastings HS).
Despite being the state's 23rd ranked dual-threat QB, Sam Carter sure had a rough time finally making it to Fort Worth. After transferring from Sharpstown High to Katy Morton Ranch, Carter immediately picked up and moved again after the entire KMR coaching staff was fired, landing at Alief Hastings. While his vagabond status may have scared off a few potential schools, Carter still didn't have problems attracting some major offers, including Miami, FL and Oklahoma State. Still, Carter wanted to be a Frog, and by not wavering on his commitment on our end, he landed in Fort Worth. Initially, Carter was under the impression that he would be lining up under center for the Frogs, but with late addition Matt Brown in this class, and Casey Pachall more than likely being Dalton's immediate successor, word now is that Sam will be lining up out wide. Watching his highlights, and noting his position, the initial comparison is naturally going to be Jeremy Kerley, and who doesn't want another Kerley on the team? Carter has good size, decent speed - 4.58 - and tons of athleticism. He also has a very solid arm - in his video, he hits a wide open receiver 60 yards in stride - so I see him definitely having the potential to fill in as the WildFrog QB once Kerley and Antoine Hicks have finished their time in FW. While it's always an adjustment to switch from QB to WR, unless Sam has some attitude issues with being told he will not be playing under center, I see no reason why he can't be a major playmaker for the Frogs down the line.
Chris Hawkins. WR, 6'2", 175. Channelview, TX (Channelview HS).
Another of our late class steals, Hawkins was a solid commit to the University of Minnesota before switching his allegiance to the Frogs. Apparently he must not have done his due diligence on the Golden Gophers until after the fact because that program is clearly going nowhere AND now, thanks to a new outdoor stadium, players are treated to sub freezing temperatures for most home games. But I digress...
For those of you who wonder who will be Pachall's go-to deep threat receiver for his career, worry no more: Carter brings sub 4.5 speed, size and great hands to an already loaded TCU offense. If you're able to watch his highlights, just note his stride - I know it's cliche to say that someone "runs like a gazelle" and honestly I have no idea how a gazelle runs, because if a gazelle runs like this kid, those things really shouldn't be getting eaten by lions so often. I'm drooling thinking about this guy running by slow defensive backs from BYU for four seasons. They may actually resort to Tetch tactics and stop recruiting defensive players altogether and just hope to outscore all of their opponents after the humiliation he's sure to lay on them. He's also very strong and will able to squeeze his body through tight coverage and outrun defenders once he makes his break. Minnesota's biggest Horned Frog related bitchslap was easily Patterson's refusal of their contract offer, but losing out on Hawkins is a close second.
Marcus Mallett. OLB, 6'1", 216. Cleveland, TX (Cleveland HS).
While it's no question he has the best name of anyone in the class of 2010, Mallett also has the talent to back it up. A long time TCU commit - almost a full year ago - Mallett is a hard hitter who should thrive under Patterson's much respected guidance as a linebacking counselor. Mallett is also very fast for his position and although he will definitely need to put on a few pounds in order to make an impact in D-I, I would still look for him to be able to blast into the backfield from the outside and drag down most quarterbacks. However, don't let all of this talk about "outside linebacker" and "pass rusher" give the wrong impression; Mallett is fully capable of stacking up runners in the middle of the field and controlling the line of scrimmage. Already the kid is getting comparisons to Robert Henson and David Hawthorne, and if he lives up to expectations, I think we can officially anoint him the LeBron James of Cleveland, TX.
Clifton Murphy. DE, 6'4", 230. Little Elm, TX (Little Elm).
Defensive end and
noted SMU Hater Clifton Murphy is the last athlete I want to take a look at in today's belated recruiting recap. The last addition to the 2010 class, Murphy, if you'll recall, was actually slated to grey shirt and become a part of the 2011 class despite TCU's typically firm stance against such practices. However, they obviously wanted him bad enough to make an exception and, as good things come to those who wait, with Josh Huff's late defection, Murphy was able to sneak in this year. Murphy comes on campus already being touted as TCU's next great edge rusher, and seeing as how he actually played the position in high school, I'd say he has a pretty big leg up on the competition. While he may not be as fast as Jerry Hughes, he's still pretty quick and should fit our defensive scheme well.
Tune in Thursday when I finally finish out the class... and perhaps even have some insight from a special guest.
Leonard Gruca of HornedFrogSports.com went to the Diamond Club meeting last night and registered this report today. Among the highlights of the info shared:
