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TCU’s Chandler Morris: “I’ve never been so driven, so hungry to just get out there”

The TCU players returning from the historic season have set the tone in spring practices and offseason workouts.

Linebacker Johnny Hodges, who transferred to TCU from Navy last season and made an immediate impact leading the team in tackles and earned a second team All-Big-12 selection, is among them.

“For those who are coming back, we just know what it takes, you know what it takes when you play the best team,” Hodges said after Friday’s practice, the third spring session this week. “Just looking at that [loss to Georgia in the national championship game] in the back of our minds, it’s motivated us in workouts.”

A sentiment echoed by returning quarterback Chandler Morris.

“I think it’s kinda more professional this year,” he said. “Really, the guys coming back, we have set that standard that we’re not here to just mess around. We’re not here to be happy to be there; we’re expecting to be there in that situation [College Football Playoff] and that’s gotta be the motto around the locker room.”

Chandler Morris is hungrier than ever

Morris is ready to show what he can do. Coming off a season where injuries and a historic performance by Max Duggan left him in a backup role, he’s eyeing a return to the the starting unit.

“It brings a different hunger, I thought last year was the most driven I’ve been,” he said. “Then I got to this offseason and it’s this year. I’ve never been so driven so hungry to get out there and show all the stuff I’ve been doing in the dark.”

Briles’ offensive fit with Chandler Morris

Morris has enjoyed learning coordinator Ken Briles’ new offense and said it lends itself to his play style which is a more uptempo attack and focuses on keeping defenses off balance.

“Coach Dykes and I actually talked about it the other day and I’m excited. I feel very comfortable in this offense I just feel like it’s made for me.”

TCU is ready for every team’s best

Last season TCU shocked the college football world with the season they had, but this year teams will be circling the Horned Frogs on their schedule. That excites Alabama transfer JoJo Earle.

“That makes the competition even better you know what I’m saying. You’ll get everybody’s best game so there’s nothing wrong with that.”

TCU’s spring practices will continue on Saturday at 8 a.m. and continue for the next three weeks, leading up to the spring game on April 14 at 7 p.m.

After Saturday’s practice, TCU will host a free youth football clinic at 10:30 a.m. CT in Amon G. Carter Stadium