TCU will have their first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday as they complete their first week. Frogs head coach Gary Patterson says his team has had a good week but will know more about where his team stands after Saturday.

The team had several question marks heading into camp and Patterson acknowledged some of those problem areas last Saturday at the media luncheon. Among the biggest questions was at kicker; who would step up.

Patterson said on Friday that he’s been happy with his kicking game with a few of them elevating their game. The coach mentioned one in particular.

“Jonathan Song has kicked really good so far and the snapper has really made a difference with all of them.”

Another big question for fall camp is the play at quarterback. Some have speculated that there could be a real competition between returning starter Kenny Hill and true freshman Shawn Robinson. Patterson said Hill had his best practice he’s seen since arriving to TCU.

“On Tuesday or Wednesday he had the best day since he’s been here of all the practices with just how he was running around and commanding things,” Patterson said of Hill.

Defensively, Patterson says it’s about finding more depth and nailing down a starter at strong safety. Patterson says the strong safety spot is wide open.

“On defense we’ve got to find some backup defensive ends. If we move guys there we’ll decide after Saturday. And we’ve got to find a starting strong safety.”

“I’m really happy with all four defensive tackles and Dennis Collins. Along with Tu’ua they were all good takes. We’re a lot more physical; you can really tell in our middle drills.”

NEWCOMERS CATCHING GP’s EYE

Van Zandt is battling at strong safety

The Frogs signed one of their top classes under Patterson in 2017; in fact it was the second-highest rated class since Patterson became head coach.

It should come as no surprise that a few are catching the coach’s eyes. Among them are safeties Lakendrick Van Zandt and Garret Wallow. Patterson says the two freshmen are in the mix for the starting strong safety position along with Ridwan Issahaku and Innis Gaines.

“Right now Van Zandt and our young guy from John Curtis (Wallow) are doing a great job at strong safety.”

Patterson also noted that he’s excited about Jalen Reagor’s future and with his young defensive linemen.

“Jalen Reagor has tremendous upside and I think those defensive linemen are going to step up,” he said. “The two strong safeties have a chance. On offense you only lost two guys so it’s really hard to see the young guys get a lot of reps over there.”

SLANINA IMPRESSIVE IN FIRST WEEK

Senior Ty Slanina seems like he’s been around TCU’s program for years; and he has. After a promising true freshman season, Slanina has battled injuries the past two seasons; including a season-ending one in 2015.

Patterson said on Friday that Slanina looks like a new player and that he may be in the best shape he’s been in since he arrived on campus in 2013. Patterson even joked that he doesn’t want to ruin Slanina’s progress by talking about him.

“Slanina has looked as good as I’ve ever seen him; I don’t want to jinx him,” Patterson said. “He lost weight and thinned down and is running better and is healthier than we’ve seen him here.”

LONG DAY AHEAD FOR GP

Following Saturday’s scrimmage, Patterson will watch film and get on a plane to Canton, OH for Ladainian Tomlinson’s Hall of Fame enshrinement. He will then hop on a plane and head back to Ft. Worth with expected time arrival around 2 a.m. in the morning.

Patterson initially didn’t know if he’d have the chance to make the former TCU star’s biggest moment but glad he is able to now.

"Right now I’m going. I text him and told him I’d be there. It’s going to make for a long turnaround because I’ve got to get back on Saturday night too,” he said. “I’ve got to work on Sunday to prepare for Monday and Tuesday.”

“I just knew not to make promises not knowing where this team would be. I told him I felt badly if I wasn’t able to go but it looks like if everything goes okay I can leave about 1:30 and get there by 6:00 and it starts at 7:00. Welcome to my world.”

Despite the long night ahead, Patterson said L.T. is definitely worth it.

“No doubt about it; no doubt it,” he said. “All of my guys are.”