Thoughts and Observations from TCU Spring Practice Number 6

The TCU Horned Frogs are nearly halfway through spring camp, working to identify players on their roster who they feel will be able to give them the best chance against the competition next season.

As they work through their roster turnover from last season, losing some of their talented players due to the draft or eligibility, one of those areas is the secondary, specifically the corners.

Here's a breakdown on that position group, as well as other thoughts and observations from the sixth practice of the spring.

A Unicorn in the Group

TCU Horned Frogs Safety Bud Clark — Southern California Trojans running back Bryan Jackson (21) attempts to catch the ball against TCU Horned Frogs safety Bud Clark (21) in the first half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The secondary is one of the most vital positions on the field for the defense. For the Frogs, under defensive coordinator Andy Avalos, that theme isn't going to change anytime soon. He's a corner's best friend; he lets them play the style of football they want, putting them in positions where they're comfortable on the field.

That stems from confidence in his group, one that is surely helped by having a unicorn in that position. Gil Jackson can be one of the most talked-about corners in the country this upcoming season, and show that he is one of the best players in the country. Standing at 6-foot-3, an unheard of height for a corner, is just one of many of his strong suits.

"Gil is a unicorn," Frogs' new defensive coordinator Benny Boyd said. "Having a 6-foot-3 cornerback that can move like that, that is physical, and the best part about Gil is how coachable he is, he's just a unicorn, you don't just find guys like that."

For Jackson, though, this isn't anything new or a shock to him, given the hype level he's had during spring camp. He has put in the time, and even more time, to hone his abilities to make him one of the most dynamic defensive players on the team this upcoming season.

"It's a lot of work. It's a lot of nights coming up here by myself, nobody in here," Jackson said about what he has done to have the speed, with the size, he does. "A lot of days with my trainers back home in Houston. It's just like I've been working hard since a young age. So work, work, work, it's gonna pay off someday."

Veteran Guidance: The Glover Influence

Jackson hasn't learned it all on his own, though, and has gotten guidance from Vernon Glover, a redshirt junior who now enters his fourth season in Fort Worth. With a ton of promise heading into 2024, he suffered an injury in fall camp that saw him sidelined, but he bounced back last season to start every game. Now that experience is something he leans on and teaches the younger guys in the group.

"I'm learning how to take care of my body a lot better now than I used to," Glover said of his preparations for the season. "I'm way faster, way stronger, than what I have been previously."

There have been plenty of times throughout spring that I have seen Glover running drills with the younger guys and coaching them up in between reps to give them a leg up. He's not just playing to build on a good 2025 season; he's also contributing to the program's future. His time is now, though, and he has the chance to be a great piece in the cornerback room.

For Vern," Boyd said about his veteran in the group. "It's about being able to home in on his skills and being able to tap into his leadership as the guy who has played the most football here. We have some transfers that have played football in different places, but he's the guy who has run out in the Carter and got it done before."

Jackson and Glover give the Frogs a legitimate one-two punch, but there is also quality depth in the room. Kalen Carroll has a lot of experience, Devondre McGee has been in Fort Worth for multiple seasons, and Teon Parks has shown flashes during camp.

For a room with a ton of talent, and even the unicorn that stands out, expectations are high, and they will need to be for the season; they have the abilities to be successful this year.

Quick Hits & Who or What Stood Out During Practice

TCU Horned Frogs Head Coach Sonny Dykes — TCU Head Coach Sonny Dykes on the first day of fall camp, 08/01/2025 | Brian McClean, OnAssignment/TCU On SI

As always, I will preface this with: These are observations, and are not meant to be taken as the overall characteristics that will define a play, just simply what happened during the sixth spring practice of the year.

Jeremy Payne continues to show flashes of being a dominant running back. He's involved in the passing game, makes good decisions running the ball, and has the ability to cut when needed, too. Great touchdown run from him on the day.
Dozie Ezukanma continues to fly under the radar. Big, physical target that will pair well surrounded by Terry Shelton and Jordan Dwyer
Jaden Craig is good. His ability to throw on the run is masterful; he just makes it look so easy. I really like his decision-making and his ability to throw in tight windows.
Gil Jackson is flat-out dominant at times on the field
The offensive line had a really good pass-blocking day

With just six practices in the book and a few weeks still to go, things will continue to change, and nothing will be final based on what is shown during these few practices. As always, check back here for more observations and thoughts after practices (to read practice three, four, or five), and if you have any questions or thoughts of your own, feel free to tag me or message me on X at @Jdandress11.