DEFENSE
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| Bob Lilly- Before he was Mr. Cowboy |
Backup: Tommy Blake (pre nervous breakdown)
DT- Bob Lilly: Before he was the Dallas Cowboys' first ever draft pick, he was the "Purple Cloud" at TCU and a one man wrecking crew. This Consensus All-American (1960) had impressive quickness to complement his 6'5" 260 frame. He was virtually unblockable. He is a member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and the Cowboys' Ring of Honor. He is a SuperBowl Champion and is included on the NFL's All-Time team and two All-Decade teams. He is also the only Dallas Cowboy to have his number retired.
Backup: Royal West
DT- Don Floyd: Floyd was Lilly's partner in crime on the Frogs' interior line, only he was a two-time All-American in 1958 and 1959. Floyd did not have as illustrious a Pro career as Lilly did, but he still helped the Oilers win the first ever AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961. He was an AFL All-Star and is on the Oilers' All-Time team. He possessed a similar combination of speed and strength to Lilly.
Backup: Fred Washington
RE- Aaron Schobel: Out of the four Schobels that played for TCU, Aaron was the greatest. A two-time first team All-WAC player, he was just as good at defending the run as he was the pass. He earned WAC POTY honors in 2000. He was part of the TCU team that beat USC, winning its first Bowl game in 41 years. He went on to play for the Buffalo Bills, where he was the only consistent talent on an often dismal team. He went to two Pro Bowls in his time with the Bills.
Backup: Rags Matthews
OLB- LaMarcus McDonald: Although undersized at 6'1" 227, McDonald was characterized by tenacity and ferocity, especially behind the line of scrimmage. Not only was he not big, but he wasn't fast either, running a 4.98 in the 40. He was instinctive though and made a huge impact on defense. His most impressive season statistically was 2002, when he captained the Frogs to a 10-2 record and Liberty Bowl victory. In '02 he led the team with 118 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 30 tackles for a loss (which broke the record he set the previous year). His 30 TFLs also set a school record for most yards lost on TFLs at 120. He also garnered first team All-American honors in 2002. He did not pan out as a pro, but had an outstanding career at TCU.
Backup: Daryl Washington
ILB- Tank Carder: I know there's probably some unwritten rule about putting players still in college on an All-Time college team, but heading into his Senior season, Tank is already the best MLB in TCU history. He is incredibly athletic and fast. He played LB, RB, TE, QB, and kicked in high school. He is a ball-hawk and has a great grasp of the 4-2-5. He earned All-American honors in 2010 and Defensive POTG honors for his commanding performance in the 2010 Rose Bowl, in which he batted down a 2-point conversion to preserve a TCU win. If he continues to improve, he will undoubtably have a stellar senior season and potentially very successful pro career.
Backup: Jason Phillips
WS- Brian Bonner: An athletic high school QB, Bonner was perfect for Patterson's 4-2-5. In 2005, he led the team with 4 INTs and was a key part of a defense that carried TCU to a historic 11-1 season, including a win over #7 Oklahoma and the first outright conference championship since 1958 in TCUs inaugural MWC season. When Cory Rodgers left, Bonner took over as return specialist, where he earned All-Conference honors in addition to his All-Conference status as a Safety. He remained consistent as the defense collapsed around him in 2007.
Backup: Jimmy Lawrence
SS- Stephen Hodge: Hodge was a late bloomer, but when he did he was outstanding. As a junior, he led the nation in sacks for a DB with 8, despite seeing limited PT. He racked up 81 tackles in his senior season, gaining him All-MWC honors. His finest hour came in the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl against Boise State. He took over the game with 11 tackles, one sack, and an interception to win the game at the end. He had the speed of a safety and the body of a linebacker (6'0" 243) which made for one legit SS.
Backup: Curtis Fuller
CB- Jason Goss: Goss was a very physical cover corner. He was twice All-C-USA in 2001 and 2002 and was always matched up with the opponents primary receiver. He went on to have a successful career in the CFL.
Backup: Jim Shofner
CB- Larry Brown: Although he put up fairly pedestrian statistics, Brown was a good corner on generally bad teams. His glory came as a pro, where he started for the Dallas Cowboys during their dynastic years of the 90s. He was the MVP of the 1995 SuperBowl, when he snagged two Interceptions in the Cowboys' victory over Pittsburgh.
Backup: Drew Coleman
FS- Marvin White: Yes, Marvin White did play SS not FS at TCU, but I simply had to include him in my All-Time starting lineup. He was a two time All-MWC selection in 2005 and 2006. In '06 he led the team in tackles and INTs. One cannot mention Marvin White, however, without talking about his hitting. He was a ferocious hitter and made his presence felt on the field. His most memorable hit, victimized Robert Johnson of Texas Tech in 2006. White knocked out Johnson cold, causing him to leave the game in TCUs 12-3 victory. He now plays in the NFL.
Backup: Teejay Johnson
And you people thought I forgot about SPECIAL TEAMS!
SPECIAL TEAMS (because kickers are people too):
K- Michael Reeder: Many people will argue for Nick Browne as TCU's best ever Kicker, but I am partial to Reeder myself. He is the only TCU kicker to win the Lou Groza Award. Reeder frequently made FGs of 50+ yards and was always accurate. He would have gone pro, but could not punt to save his life and pro scouts in the mid-90s valued versatile kickers.
P- Chris Becker: Becker holds the TCU record for career punting average at 43 yards. What else can you say about a punter. The boy done kicked the ball far.
KR- Cory Rodgers
PR- Jeremy Kerley
And no, I did not include a spot for the All-Time greatest holder. Sorry Reeves Dalton fans. What a joke.
GO FROGS!!
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