TCU got some good news on the team front on Tuesday night as defensive tackle Ross Blacklock reported that he was cleared to return to action. Blacklock suffered an achilles injury in fall camp prior to the 2018 season. He of course missed the entire season.

Blacklock broke the news via his Twitter account.

"My God is a awesome God, Officially cleared for football again. Today marks 9 months post surgery. Time to pick up where I left off," Blacklock tweeted.

The 6-foot-4, 326-pounder is regarded as one of the Frogs' top defensive players and as one of the top defensive tackles in the Big 12. As a redshirt freshman in 2017, Blacklock recorded 27 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. He was named the Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year and was named FWAA Freshman All-American.

TCU head coach Gary Patterson mentioned during the spring that Blacklock was on the road to recovery.

“With that size and weight it’s about an 8-10 month ordeal; you just want to be smart. He’s back running and doing all the things. He’s pushing on bags, he’s just not doing this," Patterson said about Blacklock during spring camp.

Blacklock was rated as a four-star in the 2016 recruiting class and regarded as one of the top defensive tackles in the nation. Despite his injury last season, Blacklock is considered a top prospect at his position by some NFL experts.

In addition to Blacklock, safety Innis Gaines announced earlier in the week that he was also cleared to return. Gaines suffered a knee injury in the Frogs' loss against Texas Tech last season. He recorded 31 tackles on the year with 6.5 tackles for loss. Gaines had 9 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss in the Frogs' game against Ohio State last season.

TCU's defense still managed to finish first in the Big 12 in total defense in 2018, giving up only 338 yards per game. The Frogs also finished third in rush defense and was second in the conference in sacks with 35.