FWST: TCU position outlook: McFarland-Carraway pairing may boost rush

The Star-Telegram takes a look at the 2016 TCU football team position-by-position as the season approaches. The first game is at 7 p.m. Sept. 3 vs. South Dakota State at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

Two of the most experienced players at TCU are on the defensive line, ends James McFarland and Josh Carraway. The seniors are the base for a position group that expects to provide more pass rush this season. The Horned Frogs dipped from 40 sacks in 2014 to 32 in 2015. Sophomore end Tipa Galeai caught coach Gary Patterson’s eye early in fall practice. Junior Mat Boesen, a promising player at Boise State as a freshman, missed some of fall practice but was strong in the spring scrimmage. Inside, senior Aaron Curry has been the most consistent tackle. Breylin Mitchell, Joseph Broadnax, LJ Collier and Chris Bradley, who started nine games last year, are in the mix at defensive tackle. Freshman Ross Blacklock has been “showing signs,” coach Gary Patterson said.