TCU Football: 9 Horned Frog Players Headed to The NFL Combine
The NFL Combine is a big deal. You have to be selected by the player's committee to receive an invitation to participate. The Combine is a week-long showcase of these collegiate athletes soon to turn pro. They do this ahead of the draft so they can see each player and see who they will select in the draft.
This season the TCU Horned Frogs have nine players that have been invited to the 2023 NFL Combine. The Combine is set to be held from February 28 to March 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The players that were selected to participate from TCU are:
Offensive linemen Alan Ali and Steve Avila, wide receivers Derius Davis and Quentin Johnston, quarterback Max Duggan, defensive back Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, defensive lineman Dylan Horton, running back Kendre Miller, and linebacker Dee Winters.
Here is a little more about each player:
OL #56 Alan Ali
Three-star Offensive Lineman from Keller, Texas.
The 6-5 300 lb. offensive lineman impacted the Horned Frogs in his first season at TCU. Ali transferred to TCU, where he was a fifth-year senior. He saw action in 13 games and played 895 snaps for the Horned Frogs. He was one of the many reasons Quarterback Max Duggan had more protection this season. He is a hard worker and will be a great addition to any NFL roster.
C #79 Steve Avila
Three-star Center from Arlington, Texas.
The 6-4 330 lb. is one of the best centers in the nation. He may be one of the most significant players on and off the field. Avila proved just how good he was throughout the playoffs, where he stood up against big Defensive lines like Michigan. Avila is a hardworking and selfless teammate. He would be a fantastic addition to any roster out there.
WR #11 Derius Davis
Three-star Wide Receiver from Saint Francisville, Louisiana.
The 5-10 175 lb. receiver was one of the fastest people in college football. He was an excellent punt and kickoff returner for TCU and a very talented receiver. TCU used him in many ways, and he was always a person to target on the field. In his last season at TCU, Davis recorded 35 catches for 418 yards. This is an average of 11.9 per catch. Davis plays a similar game as former TCU product and Dallas Cowboys player Kavontae Turpin. Derius Davis will be looking to show NFL teams what he is about at the Combine in hopes of getting drafted.
| Derius Davis | 2022 Season Statistics |
|---|---|
Receptions | 42 |
Reception Yards | 531 |
Receiving Touchdowns | 5 |
Receiving Average | 12.6 |
Punt Return Attempts/Yards | 18/268 |
Punt Return Touchdowns | 2 |
Kickoff Return Attempts/Yards | 29/575 |
Kickoff Return Touchdowns | 0 |
WR #1 Quentin Johnson
Four-star Wide Receiver from Temple, Texas.
The 6-4 215 lb. receiver is one of the highest talked about receivers and players in this draft class. Rightfully so, as Johnson was TCU's lead receiver. His talent is unlimited, and he is one of the nation's most impressive, if not the most impressive, receiver. Quentin Johnson is one of the most precise route runners, creating separation from defensive backs. His acceleration and jumping ability is also very impressive. He is a quarterback's best friend. Johnson will likely go first round in the draft, but him shining out in the NFL Combine will only improve his chances.
| Quentin Johnson | 2022 Season |
|---|---|
Receptions | 60 |
Yards | 1,069 |
Touchdowns | 6 |
Average | 17.8 |
QB #15 Max Duggan
Four-star Quarterback from Council Bluffs, Iowa.
The 6-2 190 lb. Heisman runner-up has already sparked attention from NFL teams and owners such as the Dallas Cowboys, where Owner Jerry Jones said Max Duggan was "the most impressive QB at the senior bowl." Max is one of the hardest-working and selfless players in this draft, and any team will be lucky to have him on their roster. Duggan is a dual-threat quarterback who can throw and run the ball well. He needs to do well at the NFL Combine. However, I think he will be drafted in this draft. He deserves to be drafted by someone.
| Max Duggan | 2022 Season |
|---|---|
Passing Yards | 3,698 |
Passing Touchdowns | 32 |
Interceptions | 8 |
Quarterback Rating | 78.2 |
Rushing Yards | 423 |
Rushing Touchdowns | 9 |
CB #1 Tre'vius Hodges-Tomlinson
Three-star Cornerback from Waco, Texas.
The 5-9 180 lb. cornerback is not the largest cornerback by no means. However, he is one of the most talented in this draft class. Hodges-Tomlinson was this year's winner of the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the best defensive back in college football. This season he logged 42 tackles, three assists, and 21 stops. He is a very talented defensive back who can change directions quickly to close gaps between receivers. He is speedy and strong; however, his height is only concerning for some teams. I think Hodges- Tomlinson can fit the mold of the NFL. He just needs to show teams his size does not define him.
| Tre'vius Hodges-Tomlinson | 2022 Season |
|---|---|
Solo Tackles | 40 |
Forced Fumble | 1 |
Interceptions | 3 |
Pass Deflections | 15 |
DL #98 Dylan Horton
Three-star Defensive Lineman from Frisco, Texas.
The 6-4 275 lb. defensive linemen has been one of TCU's most impactful defensive players. He served as one of the team captains and is loved by his teammates. Horton is a speedy and athletic defensive lineman who can win many battles with the offensive lines. His spin move is his best move; he uses it to break through lines quickly. Horton's specialty is slowing down the run. There is a lot of great defensive lineman in the drafts. However, Dylan Horton has what it takes to shine at the combine to get the attention of the NFL teams.
| Dylan Horton | 2022 Season |
|---|---|
Solo Tackles | 31 |
Sacks | 10 |
Forced Fumbles | 1 |
Interceptions | 0 |
RB #33 Kendre Miller
Three-star Running Back from Mount Enterprise, Texas.
The 6-0 220 lb. running back was a pivotal piece to TCU's success this season. Kendre Miller made defenses work and was very hard to stop. This season Miller rushed 216 times for 1,342 yards. Miller has a good blend of size, speed, and strength and a vision of the playing field. He has sparked an interest in teams. However, he is coming out of college a year early, so he will have to work hard at the combine so that he can hear his name called in the draft.
| Kendre Miller | 2022 Season |
|---|---|
Attempts | 224 |
Yards | 1,399 |
Touchdowns | 17 |
Average | 6.2 |
LB #33 Dee Winters
Three-star Linebacker from Burton, Texas.
The 6-1 230 lb. linebacker was one of the biggest, most talented, and explosive players on this defensive roster. He had an awe-inspiring season. Winters had 51 tackles, ten assists, 33 stops, and nine sacks. Dee Winters plays on instincts and is very aware of the playing field. He plays much bigger than his list size. Winters was one of the scariest players in college football. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be drafted. However, he needs to continue to show what he is about to the teams over the next few weeks.
| Dee Winters | 2022 Season |
|---|---|
Solo Tackles | 48 |
Sacks | 7.5 |
Forced Fumbles | 0 |
Interceptions | 1 |
The Horned Frogs' nine invitations top the Big 12 Conference and tie for third-most nationally.
TCU became the first program from the state of Texas to reach the College Football Playoff. With their victory over Michigan in the CFP Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, the Horned Frogs were the first Big 12 member to play in the CFP National Championship.
Good luck to each Horned Frog participating in this years combine. We wish you all the best!
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