Blacklock is a big loss for the Frogs' defensive front

TCU sophomore defensive tackle Ross Blacklock is out for the 2018 season sources confirmed to HornedFrogBlitz on Wednesday night. Rumors of an injury surfaced after Blacklock posted an update from his Instagram account on Wednesday from Ft. Worth Orthopedics. HFB confirmed the news shortly after that Blacklock was indeed injured.

Sources told HFB that Blacklock was injured during a non-contact drill during the Frogs' practice on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-4, 330-pounder was considered one of the top defensive linemen in the Big 12 conference a year ago. Blacklock recorded 27 tackles with 2 sacks. He was named the Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2017 and Freshman All-American by FWAA. Some folks around the program consider Blacklock a big NFL talent with his size and athleticism.

Blacklock was a big reason the Frogs finished first in the Big 12 in total defense and in rush defense. In addition to his two sacks, Blacklock recorded 6.5 tackles for loss on the season; including a season-best 2.0 against Stanford in the Valero Alamo Bowl. He started all 14 games for the Frogs last season.

In Blacklock's absence, HFB has learned that redshirt freshman Terrell Cooper has stepped in and had good practices. The former under the radar recruit out of Lindale, Texas had a good spring camp and was mentioned several times as a player to watch by TCU head coach Gary Patterson.

Blacklock came to TCU as one of the nation's top defensive tackle prospects from the 2016 class. Blacklock was rated a four-star and No. 18 defensive tackle in the nation according to the 247Sports composite rankings. He was rated as the No. 22 overall player in Texas and No. 139 overall player in the nation according to 247Sports. He chose TCU over Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M among others.

TCU opens the season on September 1st at Amon G. Carter Stadium against Southern.