Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Replacing a star player is never an easy task. However, that is exactly what TCU has to do now that wide receiver Josh Boyce is three weeks away from having his name called at the NFL Draft. Boyce left the Horned Frogs for the NFL despite having one year of eligibility left.
Boyce spend the majority of the 2012 season trying to track down passes from sophomore quarterback Trevone Boykin, who only became the starter after Casey Pachall infamously left the team to enter a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. Despite the appearance of a down year, Boyce managed to set the TCU single-season record for most receptions with 66.
For his career, Boyce caught 161 passes for 2,535 yards, good for second most all-time for a TCU receiver. His 22 receiving touchdowns are the most ever for a TCU receiver.
Now that Pachall is back with the team, folks feel that Boyce could have exponentially increased his draft stock had he stayed. However, that is not the case.
So the story turns to finding a replacement for the record-setting receiver. Junior Brandon Carter seems to be the clear front runner to take over the role of being Pachall’s go-to-guy, as he’s been one of the most dynamic receivers on the team the past two seasons.
So far for his career, Carter has 942 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, including 590 yards and six touchdowns in 2012. However, reports out of spring practice are that he needs to work on his game.
In fact, Gary Patterson told the Fort Worth Star Telegram that Carter has been working with the second-string receivers for the past few days, a fact that should raise some concerns for Frog fans.
Behind Carter, there are a few other options to fill Boyce’s shoes, including LaDarius Brown. As a freshman, Brown had 385 yards receiving and five touchdowns. His unique combination of size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and speed (ran a 4.42 40 coming out of high school) make him an incredible threat when he steps on the field.
Also looking to earn some playing time are transfers Josh Doctson, from Wyoming, and Ja’Juan Story from Florida. Both sat out during the 2012 season due to NCAA transfer rules and are ready to make an impact in 2013.
It’s clear the talent is in place to replace Boyce. Now it’s just a matter of someone stepping up and taking over.
You can follow Jamie on Twitter at @thedsportsrant.
