With the college football season right around the corner, let's take a look at which players TCU fans will want to keep an eye on.

Star watch

Kyle Hicks, RB: Despite impressive production in his junior season, Hicks hasn't gotten huge national recognition. That oversight could change this season with similar numbers. In 2016, Hicks led TCU in rushing (1,042 yards, 12 touchdowns) and receiving (47 catches for 412 yards), becoming the first player to lead the Horned Frogs in both categories since 1996. The former Arlington Martin standout had his biggest game against Baylor, posting career highs in rushing yards (192) and touchdowns (five).

Austin Schlottmann, C: TCU's Jake Kirkpatrick won the 2010 Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center and Schlottmann could contend after being a second-team all-Big 12 selection last season. While playing in 752 snaps and starting 11 games before being injured, Schlottmann allowed just one pressure and no sacks, according to TCU numbers. He's expected to anchor an offensive line that returns four starters and should be one of the team's strongest units.

Travin Howard, LB/S: The TCU defense wasn't great last season but that wasn't Howard's fault. Howard recorded a Big 12 best 130 tackles last season, the third highest season total in the Gary Patterson era. A first-team all-Big 12 selection and two-year starter, Howard posted double-digit tackles in eight of 13 games in 2016.

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