TCU football preview: Horned Frogs have high hopes for freshman kicker

Special teams was supposed to be an area of strength for TCU last season with Griffin Kell and Jordy Sandy returning for another season.

Instead, the kicking game went from being consistently reliable to erratic. Kell made 89.5% of his kicks in 2022 only to watch his average plummet to 66.7%. The Horned Frogs also didn’t generate as many big plays in the return game like they did in 2022 with Derius Davis.

The lack of efficiency in kicking game and a less potent return game were some of the many reasons TCU took a step back last season, but there will be new faces on special teams for the Horned Frogs this season including a local standout that was one of the most decorated high school kickers in the country.

Ahead of TCU’s season opener at Stanford, here’s a look at special teams for TCU this season:

The starters

Kicker: Kyle Lemmerman

Punter: Ethan Craw

Punt return: JP Richardson

Kick return: Major Everhart, Jordyn Bailey

More names to know: Nate McCashland, Easton Black, Jack Bech

Breakdown: It can less than ideal to start a true freshman at kicker, but if there’s one that’s ready for the moment it’s Lemmerman. The former Southlake Carroll standout was rated the top kicker in last year’s class and was selected to the All-American Bowl. He was impressive during training camp with his displays of power and accuracy. Craw follows in the footsteps of Sandy as an Australian punter. Craw even attended the same kicking academy as Sandy and there’s confidence in what he can do.

At punt return Richardson’s reliability helped him separate from other contenders. He has the best hands in terms of fielding punts and the staff trusts in his ability to make good decisions about when to return or let the ball roll. He also has more than enough speed to break off a big return with the right blocking.

At kick return Everhart could be a major factor and had a number of good returns last season. He had a 86-yard kickoff return against Colorado, a 40-yard return against Iowa State and 32 against Oklahoma. When the ball is in Everhart’s hands, good things are bound to happen. Bailey has a similar build and style to Everhart and might be the most elusive receiver on the roster.

Best case scenario: Lemmerman isn’t forced to kick many field goals as TCU’s offense is much more efficient in the red zone. The return game still isn’t as spectacular as it was in 2022, but Richardson and Everhart make a number of key returns that help the Horned Frogs win games.

Worst case scenario: Lemmerman is forced to attempt difficult field goals as the offense struggles to score once it gets inside the opponents’ 30-yard line. The return game leaves something to be desired as TCU tries different options at punt return over the course of the season.