the retooling of the tcu defense by joe gillespie -long

[Eight]

shortly after sonny dykes named joe gillespie as his defensive co-ordinator at tcu, there was discussion on this site and in many other places as to how the remaining pieces, new recruits, and new transfers would fit in gillespie's 3-3-5 formation and his defensive scheme.

copied and pasted below is the frogs' defensive depth chart for gary patterson's 4-2-5 defensive formation from the 2021 season opener against duquesne to provide a bit of perspective of where this program was in 2021 in terms of defensive personnel. this isn't about which scheme was better, which staff recruited better, etc.. but merely comparing the change in physical profile of the players on the defensive side of the ball and the work gillespie and his staff have done in retooling that side of the ball to fit his scheme. the players bolded are players who are still on the roster 2 years later.

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART 2021 Duquesne
Left Defensive End
32 Ochaun Mathis 6-5 257 Jr.
44 Colt Ellison 6-4 255 Jr.

Defensive Tackle
97 Earl Barquet 6-3 277 So.
91 Patrick Jenkins 6-2 287 So.
95 Terrell Cooper 6-2 283 Sr.

Nose Tackle
94 Corey Bethley 6-2 313 Sr.
12 Kenny Turnier 6-4 283 Sr.
99 Soni Misi 6-2 312 Jr.

Right Defensive End
98 Dylan Horton 6-4 250 Sr.
0 Landyn Watson 6-3 242 Fr.

Middle Linebacker
13 Dee Winters 6-1 230 Jr.
19 Shadrach Banks 6-1 250 Fr.

Strongside Linebacker
25 Wyatt Harris 6-3 229 Jr.
6 Jamoi Hodge 6-2 224 So.
34 Zach Marcheselli 6-2 217 So.

Strong Safety
20 La’Kendrick Van Zandt 6-1 206 Sr.
15 Josh Foster 6-2 190 Jr.
16 D’Arco Perkins-McAllister 6-1 185 Fr.

Free Safety
26 Bud Clark 6-2 189 So.
4 Michael Onyemaobi 6-1 194 Sr.
10 Da’Veawn Armstead 6-1 174 Fr.

Weak Safety
7 T.J. Carter 5-11 193 Sr.
28 Nook Bradford 5-11 186 Jr.
14 Abraham Camara 6-0 186 So.

Cornerback
9 C.J. Ceasar II 5-11 166 Jr.
23 Keontae Jenkins 5-10 169 So.
3 Donavann Collins 5-11 188 So.

Cornerback
1 Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson 5-9 177 Jr.
48 Zimbalist Odhams 5-9 146 Fr.
22 Ahmonte Watkins 5-10 186 Fr.

after the coaching changes, defensive formation and scheme changes, players transferring out, players transferring in, new recruits, position changes, and time with the new strength and conditioning program this was the frogs defensive depth chart from last year's season opener against colorado.

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART 2022 Colorado

Defensive End
98 Dylan Horton 6-4 275 Sr.
90 Caleb Fox 6-3 295 So.
44 Colt Ellison 6-4 260 Sr.

Nose Tackle
52 Damonic Williams 6-2 320 Fr.
99 Soni Misi 6-2 320 Sr.
91 Tymon Mitchell 6-3 315 So.

Defensive End
95 Terrell Cooper 6-2 280 Sr.
93 George Ellis 6-2 290 Sr.
96 Lwal Uguak 6-5 271 Sr.

Strongside Linebacker
13 Dee Winters 6-1 230 Sr.
34 Zach Marcheselli 6-2 219 Jr.

Middle Linebacker
6 Jamoi Hodge 6-2 245 Jr.
19 Shadrach Banks 6-1 250 So.

Weakside Linebacker
57 Johnny Hodges 6-2 240 Jr.
33 Thomas Armstrong 6-3 235 Jr.

Cornerback
24 Josh Newton 6-0 195 Jr.
21 Noah Daniels 6-0 210 Sr.
18 Ish Burdine 6-1 200 Jr.

Free Safety
26 Bud Clark 6-2 190 So.
14 Abe Camara 6-0 190 Jr.

Nickle Back
28 Millard Bradford 5-11 190 Sr.
15 Josh Foster 6-2 200 Sr.

Strong Safety
3 Mark Perry 6-0 215 Jr.
4 Namdi Obiazor 6-3 210 Jr.

Cornerback
1 Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson 5-9 180 Sr.
2 Kee’yon Stewart 6-0 185 Jr.

finally, the frogs defensive depth chart after two recruiting classes, two groups of players transferring out, two groups of players transferring in, and two full off-seasons with the new strength and conditioning program. please note that the heights, weights, and eligibility classifications are from the frogs' roster on gofrogs.com. i linked the roster after the depth chart so for those who want to know why i have bud clark listed as a sophomore yet again here is my source. actually, there are a number of players whose eligibility seemed a bit off to me (i.e. how in the world is marcel brooks a junior) but that sounds like a $9.95 question so remember what you paid for here

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART 2023 Colorado

Defensive End
90 Caleb Fox 6-3 295 Jr.
44 Rick D'Abreu 6-2 280 Sr.
98 Avion Carter 6-4 285 Fr.

Nose Tackle
52 Dam Williams 6-2 320 So.
91 Ty Mitchell 6-3 310 Jr.
95 Markis Deal 6-5 315 Fr.

Defensive End
97 Paul Oyewale 6-4 275 RS-Fr.
94 Michael Ibunkun-Okeyode 6-6 265 RS-Fr.
42 Zachary Chapman 6-5 260 Fr.

Weakside Linebacker
57 Johnny Hodges 6-2 240 Jr.
17 Johnathan Bax 6-3 235 Fr.
12 Terrence Cooks, Jr. 6-2 230 So.
33 Max Carroll 6-3 220 Fr.

Middle Linebacker
6 Jamoi Hodges 6-2 235 Sr.
0 Shad Banks, Jr. 6-1 250 Jr.
37 Hudson Hooper 6-2 230 Fr.

Star
4 Namdi Obiazor 6-3 225 Jr.
34 Zach Marcheselli 6-2 220 Jr.
9 Marcel Brooks 6-2 215 Jr.

Cornerback
2 Josh Newton 6 180 Sr.
7 Channing Canada 6-1 190 So.
16 Jaionte Mc Millian 5-11 190 So.

Free Safety
21 Bud Clark 6-2 190 So.
1 Abe Camara 6 190 Jr.
22 Jordan Lester 6-2 190 Fr.
23 Javeon Wilcox 6-1 200 Fr.

Strong Safety
3 Mark Perry 6 215 Sr.
11 Chace Biddle 6 207 So.
25 Jamel Johnson 6-1 200 Fr.

Nickle Back
15 Josh Foster 6-2 200 Sr.
28 Millard Bradford 5-11 200 Sr.
14 Randon Fontenette 6-3 215 Fr.

Cornerback
24 Avery Helm 6-1 185 Jr.
13 Mason White 6-1 185 Jr.
20 Champ Lewis 6-1 180 RS-Fr.
26 Vernon Glover 6-1 170 Fr.

https://gofrogs.com/sports/football/roster?view=2

first, only 9 of the 36 players on the frogs 2023 depth chart were with the program in 2021 which goes to show in roughly 2 years times how much this side of the ball and to some degree the roster has been turned over.

second, the defensive depth chart has a split of experienced starters in 10 of 11 positions as paul oyewale is the only starter who hasn't started a game before, but there is a great deal of youth in reserve positions. the class breakdown of the depth chart is 6 seniors, 10 juniors, 6 sophomores, 3 red-shirt freshmen, and 11 true freshmen

finally, there has been a definite change in the physical traits that gillespie wants in his defenders as opposed to patterson. my point again is not that one way of doing things is better than another, but instead to show the change that has taken place in this program and on the defensive side of the ball. the easy response for some is that gary wanted speed, speed, and more speed from his defenders, but it isn't as if gillespie is willing to take plodders who have size. merely that he has said and shown that he has a preference for long rangy athletes. especially in his secondary and on the edge of his defensive front.

here is a comparison of the average height and weight of frog defenders from the 2021 depth chart and the 2023 depth chart

2021 defensive end 6-4 251
2023 defensive end 6-4 277

2021 defensive tackle 6-2.5 293
2023 defensive tackle 6-3.25 315

2021 linebacker 6-1.75 230
2023 linebacker 6-2.25 230

2021 cornerback 5-10 171.5
2023 cornerback 6 182.5

2021 safety 6-0.5 189.5
2023 safety 6-1 201

again, this isn't about which is the better way to build a defensive roster. merely showing the changes that have taken place over the last 24 months in gillespie and his staff going out and finding the athletes, turning them over to the s&c program and then plugging them into his scheme

a few final points.

the biggest corner on the 2021 depth chart for the opener was donavan collins at 5-11 and 188. the SMALLEST corner on the 2023 depth chart is jaionte mcmillan at 5-11 and 190. the other 6 corners on the 2023 depth chart are 6 foot or taller. the two tallest corners on the 2021 depth chart were 5-11.

there was no defensive end on the frogs 2021 depth chart over 260 and they were lighter and smaller to play on the outside of the offensive tackle. only one of the frogs 2023 defensive ends weighs as little as 260 and only two weigh under 270 as they now play for the most part head up with the offensive tackle

the frogs had 9 safeties on the 2021 depth chart and only 1 was over 200 lbs. the average weight of a frog safety on the 2023 depth chart is over 200 lbs and 7 of the 10 listed weigh 200 or more

so what does this mean on the field? that remains to be seen. as i have mentioned before i do believe some are going to be surprised at the size and length of this defense when they see them this year.

does that mean they will be better than last year? hopefully yes, but remember that a big advantage this year is the players aren't having to learn a new scheme so they can play with more confidence.

what i do believe though, is that over the course of the year when some of the younger players begin to grow in the scheme, we will start to see why gillespie values certain physical traits and depth in his defense

 

[Limey Frog]

I hope we're a lot better than last year, and I expect we will be. The defense performed admirably last year, all things considered. But it was something of a mirror image to the offense--which excelled at explosive plays and long TDs--in that we lived on very timely turnovers (Baylor at the end of the 1st half, pick in the end zone was a game-winner in the end; 2 pick-sixes in the Fiesta Bowl, etc.). You can't rely on that kind of thing every year, obviously. (Not saying that Gillespie is relying on it, just pointing out the obvious: you can't do that.)

Also, this is over-simplifying a lot, but I find it interesting that it was GP's defensive unit that needed a total personnel overhaul where it was the offense that, comparatively, seems to have only needed a change in scheme and culture. If someone had have told you circa 2014 that this was how the post-GP succession would go in 2022 you'd probably have laughed at them.

 

[Big Frog II]

He had tough defenses at Tulsa. It takes a little time to get your guys in place. Thankfully our offense carried the team last year for the most part. I will say the defense against Texas last year was outstanding.

 

[Limey Frog]

He had tough defenses at Tulsa. It takes a little time to get your guys in place. Thankfully our offense carried the team last year for the most part. I will say the defense against Texas last year was outstanding.

True, though Bud Clark and Dee Winters might argue that the defense did its share vs. Michigan as well. Defensive touchdowns are defensive plays*, after all.

*Except by implication in Brian Ferentz's employment contract.

 

[Eight]

I hope we're a lot better than last year, and I expect we will be. The defense performed admirably last year, all things considered. But it was something of a mirror image to the offense--which excelled at explosive plays and long TDs--in that we lived on very timely turnovers (Baylor at the end of the 1st half, pick in the end zone was a game-winner in the end; 2 pick-sixes in the Fiesta Bowl, etc.). You can't rely on that kind of thing every year, obviously. (Not saying that Gillespie is relying on it, just pointing out the obvious: you can't do that.)

the overhaul in the secondary to me in large part is gillespie wanting to move away from the smaller corners and wanting a specific physical profile at corner and at safety

gary favored specific physical skills (quickness, change of direction at corner) and the ability to make plays. consider players such as howard who was originally a safety, hackett, and washington. the latter two put up huge numbers in high school concerning tackles and to's yet they got little interest due to their lack of foot speed and for washington his size.

the last 3-4 years they tried to bring in bigger corners, but it never seemed to work out

defensive line there is no doubt gillespie wants a different type of player at the end position, but this is an area that the prior defensive staff struggled to fill for multiple years.

if you look at the defensive line recruiting for the last 3-4 years you will find a mess of flat misses, dice rolls such as turnier and the kid from vegas, and then a player like coleman who was basically a linebacker playing end

 

[froginaustin]

Thanks for putting this together.

 

[Eight]

Thanks for putting this together.

been told i am not capable of thought on my own and being overly dependent upon gif's so accordingly

​

 

[Limey Frog]

the overhaul in the secondary to me in large part is gillespie wanting to move away from the smaller corners and wanting a specific physical profile at corner and at safety

gary favored specific physical skills (quickness, change of direction at corner) and the ability to make plays. consider players such as howard who was originally a safety, hackett, and washington. the latter two put up huge numbers in high school concerning tackles and to's yet they got little interest due to their lack of foot speed and for washington his size.

the last 3-4 years they tried to bring in bigger corners, but it never seemed to work out

defensive line there is no doubt gillespie wants a different type of player at the end position, but this is an area that the prior defensive staff struggled to fill for multiple years.

if you look at the defensive line recruiting for the last 3-4 years you will find a mess of flat misses, dice rolls such as turnier and the kid from vegas, and then a player like coleman who was basically a linebacker playing end

Right; we aren't doing things too differently on offense that the same type of players can't work.

 

[Eight]

Right; we aren't doing things too differently on offense that the same type of players can't work.

the one position on offense i think we have seen the biggest change is the receivers

frogs have gotten bigger in that area as savion has been joined by russell, wright, bech, and thompson all are over 200 lbs and some of the slot guys are bigger and heavier

 

[fff91]

I never understood why, after the great early success at developing ends such as Tommy Blake and Jerry Hughes and th Schobels, that the last few years Patterson never seemed to get the Def End pass rush play. Likie he could never recruit players there.

 

[Toad Jones]

Have not seen this year's defence but have been told by many, this year's team, is the most athletic bunch ever at TCU.

 

[An-Cap Frog]

I was expecting this to be in iambic pentameter

 

[Eight]

I never understood why, after the great early success at developing ends such as Tommy Blake and Jerry Hughes and th Schobels, that the last few years Patterson never seemed to get the Def End pass rush play. Likie he could never recruit players there.

think that might have been another area in which dick bumpas was sorely missed by patterson

 

[Wexahu]

think that might have been another area in which dick bumpas was sorely missed by patterson

Anyone know where Bumpas is these days?

 

[westoverhillbilly]

Anyone know where Bumpas is these days?

Coach Bumpas is probably 72+ years old by now and retired from TCU. He played for Arkansas in the '69 shootout game vs UT when freshmen were ineligible, so it's reasonably safe to say he hung it up after making a pretty good salary here. He is/was a stud.

 

[Froggy Style]

I never understood why, after the great early success at developing ends such as Tommy Blake and Jerry Hughes and th Schobels, that the last few years Patterson never seemed to get the Def End pass rush play. Likie he could never recruit players there.

Busy writing amazing songs to get dozens of views

 

[tjcoffice]

Nice work. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Chongo94]

Damn, forgot we played Duquesne.

 

[Michael Milton's Jaw]

Coach Bumpas is probably 72+ years old by now and retired from TCU. He played for Arkansas in the '69 shootout game vs UT when freshmen were ineligible, so it's reasonably safe to say he hung it up after making a pretty good salary here. He is/was a stud.

Bumpas was an All American in 1970. Look that All American team up and that was a heck of a year for football players.

 

[CryptoMiner]

So a true freshman walk-on makes the three-deep

Thanks for the post Eight!