No. 3 – Sonny Cumbie and the QB’s
August 27, 2014
We’re three days from kickoff, so a tip of the cap to three of my favorite TCU 3s:
- No. 3 QB/FB Kevin Haney (the Decatur Flash – see TCU vs Tulsa 1979 for a 77-yard touchdown run);
- No. 3 Kicker Ken Ozee from Amarillo (who never kicked my hand in three years of holding for him);
- No. 3 WR John Washington, who helped the Frogs to a share of the 1994 SWC Championship.
By the way, that ’94 team will be honored at halftime this Saturday. Their coach? Current Samford head coach Pat Sullivan. There’s much discussion and guessing over who will
be the starter Saturday, but one thing’s for sure. No matter who it is, Joeckel or Boykin, they have been coached and prepared by a guy who knows the position, co-offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie.
Know it? He’s lived it! Under Mike Leach at Texas Tech. Cumbie once hung 70 on the Frogs in 2004 – the longest day of my broadcasting career.
Sonny brings an approach not unlike that of former TCU quarterbacks coach Justin Fuente, who once tutored Andy Dalton and now is the head man at Memphis.
With a keen eye for fundamentals and an emphasis on footwork and accuracy, Cumbie will have Joeckel and Boykin well prepared for this week’s game. Cumbie also brings an element of “been there/done that” and “I understand” that only a former quarterback can possess.
It’s a higher level of communication and an appreciation for the most difficult position in football. And it could be a huge difference-maker as Cumbie and Doug Meacham launch this new TCU offense on Saturday.
Joeckel has a complete knowledge of this offense, and Boykin has worked hard to slim down, improve his mechanics and prepare under Cumbie’s tutelage.
Sure, there’s a new, bigger offensive line and a fleet of wideouts that should provide ample targets on every play. But a higher level of understanding and communication between the QBs and their mentor mean more production by the offense.
I liken it to a Major League baseball team. You have to have a pitching coach. It’s an ultra-specialized position that demands it. And TCU has it.
Tomorrow, Reason No. 2.
Kick ‘Em High!
Ten reasons you’re going to love these Frogs
Aug. 20: No. 10 – The schedule
Aug. 21: No. 9 – The defensive line
Aug. 23: No. 7 – The secondary
Aug. 24: No. 6 – A new offense
Aug. 25: No. 5 – The wide receivers
Aug. 25: No. 4 – A huge offensive line
About Extra Points with John Denton
John Denton has been the color analyst for the TCU Sports Network from IMG since 1988. A former standout for the Horned Frog football team, Denton went from walk-on to a four-year lettermen as a kicker and punter for the Purple and White from 1981-84 and completed his career at the 1984 Bluebonnet Bowl. Shown here with his former coach, the late Jim Wacker, Denton currently serves as the Associate Athletics Director for Athletics Alumni Relations & Executive Director of the Block T Association.
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