TCU is fighting for a return to glory in Big 12 and the Horned Frogs appear to have a secret weapon in Nagurski Trophy hopeful Jamel Johnson.
As TCU nears the beginning of a pivotal season in Fort Worth, one Horned Frog has caught the attention of those in the national sphere.
The imminent season brings about a cycle of preseason award watch lists, ranging from offense to defense at nearly every position on the field.
And one of the most prestigious of these awards is the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is presented to the nation's most outstanding defense player starring anywhere on the field.
Those in charge of the initial watch list honored senior safety Jamel Johnson, as he looks to bring the award back to Fort Worth.
While much is uncertain for the Horned Frogs heading into year number five under Sonny Dykes, Johnson is anything but a question mark for the program. The sensational defensive back posted 96 tackles and an astounding five interceptions this prior year.
Spending all of his career with TCU, the longtime staple is taking over the reins as one of the leaders on the defensive front in his final outing.
And he is making quite the impression ahead of the upcoming season, with a preseason All-Big 12 selection before being tabbed for the Nagurski Trophy.
On a list with only 10 selections from the Big 12, Johnson rose to the upper echelon of the conference. Joined alongside multiple names from Texas Tech and BYU, the senior is hoping to lead his Horned Frogs to the forefront of the league that the pair shared last season.
Following back-to-back nine-win campaigns, TCU has shown the ability to compete week after week in the new era of the Big 12, but the Horned Frogs have consistently struggled to reach the pinnacle.
Bolstered by several standout veterans, namely Johnson, this newest team has been through the growing pains that come with the climb toward the sport's highest peaks.
On a personal note, Johnson would also be vying for the first-ever Nagurski Trophy win in program history. The last time the Horned Frogs had a finalist for the award came all the back in 2008 with defensive end Jerry Hughes.
Although it is a rival, Texas Tech proved that there is always a first time for a victory after linebacker Jacob Rodriguez took home the title to become the lone Red Raider to ever hoist the trophy.
If this latest season turns into the type that TCU experienced back in 2022, it will undoubtedly have the fingerprints of Johnson all over it.
