PREVIEW
TCU is ranked in the preseason polls for the fifth time since 2000. The Horned Frogs are No. 17 in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches' polls, marking their highest preseason ranking since 1960, when they were 11th. Ninth-year head coach Gary Patterson returns four starters from a defensive unit that led the nation in total defense (217.8 ypg) for the third time in nine seasons, making the Horned Frogs the only team to accomplish that feat. TCU also ranked first nationally in rushing defense (47.1 ypg) and second in scoring defense (11.3 ppg) in 2008. TCU is the only team to lead the nation in total defense three of the last nine years. Heading up that group is consensus All-American DE Jerry Hughes, who led the nation with 15 sacks and tied for the national lead in forced fumbles (six) a year ago. The Horned Frogs also return a strong nucleus on offense with seven starters back on a unit that ranked among the top 25 nationally in scoring (33.6 ppg), rushing (220.2 ypg) and total (421.3 ypg) offense a year ago.

HORNED FROG LINKS

• Head Coach Gary Patterson
• Depth Chart Coming Soon!
• Media Guide
• Roster
• 2009 MWC Football Media Day Press Conference
• TCU Football Home Page

QUICK FACTS

• 2008: 11-2 Overall, 7-1 MWC (2nd)
• 2008 Postseason: San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (def. Boise State, 17-16)
• 2009 MWC Preseason Pick: 1st
• 2009 Preseason National Ranking: 17/17 (AP/Coaches)
• Starters Returning: 13 (7 Off., 4 Def., 2 Spec.)
• Starters Lost: 13 (5 Off., 7 Def., 1 Spec.)
• Offense: Multiple
• Defense: 4-2-5

WATCH LIST CANDIDATES

• Jerry Hughes, Sr., DE - Bednarik Award; Walter Camp Award; Hendricks Award; Rotary Lombardi Award; Lott Trophy; Nagurski Award
• Daryl Washington, Sr., LB - Butkus Award; Lombardi Award; Nagurski Award
• Andy Dalton, Jr., QB - Manning Award
• Ross Evans, So., PK - Lou Groza Award
• Marshall Newhouse, Sr., OL - Rotary Lombardi Award
• Joseph Turner, Sr., TB - Doak Walker Award

NEWS FROM CAMP:

• Two-time bowl MVP Andy Dalton returns at quarterback. The dual-threat junior was one of just 17 quarterbacks nationally to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 400 in 2008. Backing him up will be senior Marcus Jackson, who stepped in for an injured Dalton last season, leading the Horned Frogs to victories over Colorado State and San Diego State.
• TCU returns all but one wide receiver from last year's roster and still has no seniors at the position. Headlining the group is junior Jimmy Young, who fell just 12 yards short of a 1,000-yard campaign in 2008.
• Senior DE Jerry Hughes was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Ted Hendricks Award in 2008. He has been named to nine preseason All-America teams and six watch lists for major awards heading into the 2009 campaign.
• TCU is the only team in the nation to have two cornerbacks - seniors Rafael Priest and Nick Sanders - who have started every game the last three seasons (39). Only LSU OL Ciron Black (40) has stared more consecutive games, among active players.
• Sophomore placekicker Ross Evans will add kickoff duties to his list of responsibilities in 2009. Last season, Evans was the lone freshman on the list of semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award as the nation's top placekicker.