All-Time TCU (Offense)

Because no one that I know of has ever done it, and because I just really want to write it down, I have put together an All-Time TCU football team. For those of you who don't know how this works, this is a roster of the greatest players in TCU history at every position. I also list some backups simply because they can't be left out entirely. And away we go! GO FROGS!

OFFENSE

Ladainian Tomlinson- My eternal man-crush

QB- Sam Baugh: Although Andy Dalton surpassed him in career victories, nothing can surpass the legendary Slingin' Sammy Baugh. Baugh revolutionized the passing game in both college and pro football. In a time where the forward pass was a trick play at best, Baugh's talent allowed for it to become a regular occurrence in games. At a then towering 6'2" 182 lbs, he was a two time All-American and runner up for the Heisman Trophy. He led TCU to its first National Championship against LSU in 1935 and a victory in the first ever Cotton Bowl in 1936. He also played basketball and baseball at TCU and is in the College and Pro football Halls of Fame. 

Backups: Davey O'Brien, Andy Dalton, Max Knake

RB 1- Ladainian Tomlinson: Hands down the greatest RB in TCU history and one of the greatest in NFL history. LT sets records out of habit. The most noteworthy would be his NCAA single-game rushing record set in 1999 against UTEP, when he ran for 406 yards and 6 TDs. FSU's Chris Weinke (look how he turned out) robbed LT of the Heisman in 2000, but LT did come away with the Doak Walker Award that year. He led the NCAA in rushing in 1999 and 2000. His vision is incredible and he runs with an amazing combination of speed and power. Not to mention he is an awesome Christian man and the hardest worker I've ever seen. 

Backups: Kenneth Davis, Ed Wesley

RB 2- Jim Swink: The "Rusk Rambler" was a two-time All American and led TCU to consecutive SWC titles in 1955 and 1956. Yet another Frog that was robbed of the Heisman, he ranked second in the nation in rushing and first in scoring his junior year. He led TCU to two consecutive Cotton Bowl victories, including a classic win over Jim Brown and Syracuse. Swink had a particular hay-day every time he played Texas. He is, in fact, the reason Texas came up with their slogan Hook 'em, as they surmised that was the only way they could tackle the elusive Jim Swink.

Backups: Andre Davis, Tony Jeffrey

WR1- Jeremy Kerley: Arguably the most electrifying player in TCU history. What was so incredible about Kerley was his versatility. He was a two-time All American Return Specialist and was a surprisingly good passer as he quarterbacked the Wildfrog formation (similar to the single-wing). He was a regular on SportsCenter's Top 10. He had sure hands and was a stellar route-runner. One can't say enough about his return abilities. He had the uncanny ability to make things happen when it seemed he had nowhere to run.

Backup: Stanley Washington

WR2- Cory Rodgers: Another fantastic return specialist, although not on the same level as Kerley. Rodgers played with a visible chip on his shoulder. He wasn't afraid to go across the middle and take a hit; he also wasn't afraid to talk a little trash after taking said hit. Rodgers could always be counted on when the game was on the line. He always seemed to come up with the big play right when the Frogs needed it most. There's no telling how much better he could have become had he not left after his junior year for an unsuccessful venture to the NFL. 

Backup: LaTarence Dunbar

WR3- Mike Renfro: In a dismal time for TCU football during the 70s, Renfro was a bright spot. A clutch possession receiver. Renfro would catch virtually any ball thrown in his vicinity. He didn't have blazing speed, but made up for it with his hands. He went on to have a very successful pro career with the Cowboys and Oilers, and made the controversial TD catch against the Steelers in the '78 AFC Championship that led to the use of instant replay when it was called incomplete.

Backup: Kelly Blackwell (TE)

LT- Marcus Cannon: Cannon was a force at 6'6" 350. An All-American in 2010, he played both Tackles in his career. Played against some great defensive talent in his career including Ricky Sapp and JJ Watt. Didn't allow any Sacks his Junior season. On his way to the NFL.
Backup: Marshall Newhouse

LG- WC Nix: All-SWC in 1985 and 1986, Nix was easily the best player on both of those TCU teams. He is one of only four players in TCU history to win the team's MVP award twice.
Backup: Lon Evans

C- Jake Kirkpatrick: After much deliberation, I have decided to move Jake above Ki Aldrich and Darrell Lester as the best Center ever at TCU. Kirkpatrick started two seasons at C and both he was First team All-American. He won the Rimington Award in 2010 and anchored the lines of 12-1 and 13-0 TCU teams. Although he will not be the NFL Draft's first overall pick as Aldrich was, Kirkpatrick's skills and knowledge of the game are unrivaled and the two players achievements are strikingly similar. It's worth noting that Kirkpatrick didn't even play football until halfway through High School.
Backups: Ki Aldrich, Darrell Lester

RG- Johnny Vaught: An All-American OL at TCU, Vaught
Backup: Herb Taylor (technically a tackle, but plays guard in NFL)

RT- Ryan Tucker: He was 6'6" 315 and had anger issues, which was great on the field but not so great off it. Despite his run-ins with the law for aggravated assault, Tucker was a two-time All Conference Tackle. He went on to start in the NFL for 8 years.
Backup: IB Hale

Tune in tomorrow for the All-Time Defense! For the sake of time and space I am making it a separate post. GO FROGS!