Patterson focuses on team chemistry
By Jordan Blum
Opinion Editor

Coach Gary Patterson said the team is moving along schedule to be “hitting on all cylinders” by the time the season opens Sept. 2 with a nationally-televised game against the Cincinnati Bearcats.

“The defense is playing very well but needs to get healthy,” Patterson said. “And offensively, we’re improving in terms of being more physical.”

The offense and defense both have chemistry and so does the team as a whole, Patterson said. He also said he is impressed with the leadership the seniors have displayed on the team.

“With guys like (John) Turntine, (LaMarcus) McDonald, (Sean) Stilley and (Jason) Goss too, this team has a lot of leadership,” he said. “We have 18 seniors and there’s more guys stepping up than we had a year ago.”
Patterson said one of the main keys to the team’s unity is that the players are buying into his philosophy.

“When I first came here and the team was 1-10 the players are willing to believe everything a new staff tells them,” he said. “But when a new coach takes over a 10-1 team it’s more difficult to gain the players’ trusts.

“This year we don’t have that and the two new coaches (Dick Winder and Kyle Wistrom) fit in great and know how to work team chemistry.”

Patterson admitted the defense is ahead of the offense, but said the offensive unit is showing positive signs.

“Stilley is throwing the ball well,” he said. “I don’t believe in putting the team in position to win because of the quarterback, but we are going to win with the quarterback.”

Patterson also said he envisions the running back and offensive line positions being improved from last season.

“(Texas-transfer) Kenny Hayter has been running with the one’s some and Frank Montgomery is better than he’s ever been,” he said. “Corey (Connally) will be in the mix too when he’s healthy.”

However, Patterson said Ricky Madison would be the starting tailback if the season started tomorrow.

Patterson said the offensive line has a lot more depth than last season and is beginning to come together.

“We have guys like (offensive linemen) Jamal Powell and John Glud who can play center and guard or guard and tackle,” he said. “We have seven to nine guys that can play and I don’t know if we even had five I trusted last year. Now we just need to find a starting five.”

The Horned Frogs will return to practice today and will also have an afternoon scrimmage at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

“At this time we just need to play, move the chains and see what we can do,” Patterson said.

Jordan Blum
j.d.blum@student.tcu.edu

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