TCU Offensive Summary

We'll wrap up last week's offensive position breakdowns with a brief summary of the offense today.  If you missed any of the position breakdowns they are linked after the jump.  Coming tomorrow, the defensive ends.

*Returning starters in bold

QB- Andy Dalton (6-3, 220 Sr)
RB- Ed Wesley (5-9, 200 So) OR Matthew Tucker (6-1, 210 So)
WR- Antoine Hicks (6-2, 212 Jr)
WR- Jimmy Young (6-1, 208 Sr)
WR- Jeremy Kerley (5-10, 192 Sr)
TE- Evan Frosch (6-4, 265 Sr)
LT- Marcus Cannon (6-6, 350 Sr)
LG- Kyle Dooley (6-3, 315 Jr)
C- Jake Kirkpatrick (6-3, 305 Sr)
RG- Josh Vernon (6-2, 300 Sr)
RT- Jeff Olson (6-4, 282 Jr)

The Skinny:   During the Gary Patterson era at TCU the Horned Frog offense has traditionally been overshadowed by the Frog's dominating 4-2-5 defense, but last season Andy Dalton and company proved that is no longer the case in Fort Worth.  With 9 returning starters from a 2009 unit that ranked 7th nationally in total offense with 456.69 yards per game the offense looks to be the strength of the team in 2010. 

4th year starter and 2009 MWC Offensive Player of the Year, Andy Dalton, looks to poised to lead the most explosive Horned Frog offense in recent memory.  Dalton should have plenty of protection this season with 4 returning starters from an offensive line that allowed less than 1 sack (.92) per game in 2009.  Dalton will also have the luxury of having familiar faces on the recieving end of his spirals as everyone in the receiving core will be back with the exception of Ryan Christian.  Balance will also be a facet of this unit with two-thirds of the 3-man running back rotation returning in Wesley and Tucker, and with the additions of Aundre Dean, Waymon James, and Dwight Smith the running game looks to have even more pop in 2010. 

Bottom Line:  This offense looks like it's going to cruise in the fast lane all season unless it gets a flat-tire in the form of an injury to Andy Dalton.

Biggest Question Mark:  Right Tackle, who emerges as the starter on September 4th is anybody's guess right now, for the moment Jeff Olson has the edge.

Breakout Candidate:  RB Aundre Dean, the UCLA transfer has been chomping at the bit after sitting out last season and you better believe he is ready to run somebody over.

Strength of the Offense:  Balance and experience, this unit is going to be a nightmare for defensive coordinators to scheme for.

Weakness of the Offense:  Backup Quarterback, should Dalton go down all bets are off.

First to be Drafted:  Left Tackle Marcus Cannon looks to be a first or second rounder in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Biggest Playmaker:  WR Jeremy Kerley breaks more ankles than Sammy "The Bull" Gravano.

In-Depth Position Analysis:

-Quarterback Breakdown

-Tailback Breakdown

-Wide Receiver Breakdown

-Offensive Line Breakdown

-Tight End & Fullback Breakdown