The last few weeks have brought plenty of change to not only TCU’s football program, but all across the college football landscape. With the passing of National Signing Day, the 2014-2015 college football season is officially in the books. TCU’s 2015 recruiting class saw 21 players commit and sign their letter of intent. Even with Daylon Mack and TCU going separate ways, this class will still have stars. Gary Patterson and his coaching staff are great at finding underrated players who become recruiting gems. Here are the players that I believe will outperform their listed recruiting grade.
Tipa Galeai: Listed at 6 “6” and 206 pound this local recruit from Trinity High School could really grow into a defensive nightmare. Rated as a three star recruit and holding offers from two other Big12 schools, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, he could become a steal for TCU. Galeai will need some time in the weight room, but this is one recruit who should develop over time into a great defensive end. What I personally like about Galeai is his high motor. He always gives everything he has to get after the quarterback and you will see him in the future collapsing the pocket against TCU’s opponents.
Semaj Thomas: Another player who is a local recruit and should develop into a solid linebacker. Coming out of high school, right in Fort Worth from Southwest High School, Thomas is an early enrollee who should see the field sooner than later. With both Paul Dawson and Marcus Mallet off to the NFL, Thomas could come in and compete for one of the starting linebacker spots. Even if Thomas doesn’t win a starting role he should be able to see time on special teams and as a backup. Semaj Thomas’ recruiting list was shorter than most, but he did get offers from Oklahoma, A&M, and Texas. To his credit, Thomas committed to the Frogs early and never wavered. He will be looking to make an impact immediately and bring a tough nasty demeanor reminiscent of Daryl Washington.
Kavontae Turpin: The Monroe, Louisiana native will prove the theory that recruiting “stars” are merely for entertainment. The 5 “8” explosive wide receiver is going to bring speed, speed, and more speed to TCU’s potent offense. His elusiveness in the open field and his ability to make the home run plays in the passing game and running game should remind fans of B.J. Catalon. Like Catalon, Turpin can help out TCU in the passing game, the running game and the return game. It would not surprise me if TCU elected to use Turpin on kick returns and punt returns this season. Kavontae Turpin should be able to continue the pipeline of great players to come from Louisiana and help TCU win ball games.
There are really a lot more players in this recruiting class that could help make this one of TCU’s best ever. From Deshawn Raymond, Arico Evans, Niko Small, to Darrion Flowers, and Jarrsion Stewart, there is potential just waiting to explode This will be another class where Gary Patterson and his staff prove the recruiting sites wrong. As far as Daylon Mack goes, it would have been awesome for TCU to land a 5 star recruit. However, like the saying goes, “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”, and this class is ready to go to work.
