TCU DB Jamel Johnson Reveals Championship-Level Expectations for Defense

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Expectations are rising around the TCU football program heading into the upcoming season, and one of the biggest areas of confidence comes from a defense that believes it can compete at the highest level in the Big 12.

Horned Frogs defensive back Jamel Johnson recently made it clear that the team's defensive goals are not simply about improvement. TCU believes it has the talent, experience and mindset needed to become the best defensive unit in the conference.

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Per a report by Steven M. Johnson, who is a TCU beat writer for the the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Johnson expressed that the Horned Frogs have"expectations of having the best defense in the Big 12."

The confidence comes from a group that has continued to develop under head coach Sonny Dykes and defensive coordinator Andy Avalos. The Horned Frogs have focused on building more consistency, improving fundamentals, and creating a more physical identity defensively.

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For Johnson, the belief that TCU can be the conference's top defense comes from the work being put in behind the scenes. The safety understands that expectations mean little without the preparation to back them up, but he believes the roster has the pieces needed to make that goal realistic.

This past season, TCU was middle of the road in the Big 12 in terms of their defense. They ranked ninth out of 16 teams in terms of points allowed per game, and they allowed 40 touchdowns, which was tied for sixth most in the conference.

A strong defense would be a major boost for TCU as it looks to return to the upper tier of the Big 12. The Horned Frogs have shown they can compete nationally when all three phases of the game are clicking, most notably during their run to the College Football Playoff following the 2022 season. Re-establishing themselves as a defensive powerhouse could be the next step in their pursuit of another championship opportunity.

The Big 12 features plenty of talented offenses, meaning TCU's defense will be tested throughout the season.

Johnson will be a big part of that, as he finished with 96 tackles and five interceptions last season, and is going into this year as one of the best defensive backs in all of college football.

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