Pro Frogs: Former TCU stars make their mark in the NFL

TCU saw standout performances from five alumni.

Although the TCU Horned Frogs fell to the Baylor Bears on Saturday, TCU football fans had much to behold on Sunday as numerous Horned Frog alumni enjoyed career days.

Starting in Cincinnati, Tre’von Moehrig, a 2021 draftee, recorded a career-high 13 tackles for the Las Vegas Raiders. Moehrig also added half a sack and a quarterback hit. According to Raiders PR, it’s been over 10 years since a Raider defensive back had accumulated 10-plus tackles and 0.5-plus sacks in a game.

Keeping it in the state of Ohio, former TCU wide receiver and return man Derius Davis continues to excel in the punt return game. Davis returned two punts for 64 yards against the Cleveland Browns, including a field-flipping 53-yard return to set up the Los Angeles Chargers first score of the game. Davis wasn’t the only standout Chargers, fellow 2023 draft-mate Quentin Johnston played the best game of his young career.

Quentin Johnston sets a career-high in receiving yards

Prior to Sunday’s tilt against the Browns, Johnston had missed nearly a month of action due to an ankle injury. Upon returning from injury, Johnston suited up for nearly 70 percent of the Chargers offensive snaps and impressed. The 6-foot-4 receiver hauled in four receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown. Johnston’s return was highlighted by a 66-yard touchdown reception from Justin Herbert in the second quarter. The TCU sprinted past the defense to make the catch near the 30-yard line before racing to the end zone to score his fourth touchdown of the season.

Emari Demercado breaks off career long run

In a 20-point win over the Chicago Bears, running back Emari Demercado broke off the longest rush of the Arizona Cardinals’ season and his career. On a 3rd and five with less than 20 second remaining in the first half, the Cardinals called Demercado’s name. Set in a prevent defense, the Bears were unable to contain the former TCU back as Demercado ran past the first level before using his breakaway speed to find paydirt. The 25-year-old running back rushed 59 yards and a touchdown on only four attempts. He added two receptions and 21 yards in the pass game to total 80 all-purpose yards on the day—a career-high. Demercado now ranks first in the NFL in yards per rush (10.3) among players to receive 15 or more attempts on the year.

Ar’Darius Washington records first career interception

Somewhat buried behind a deep safety platoon, Ar’Darius Washington has continued to shine in a limited role. Sans week one, Washington has recorded a tackle in every game and has seen an increased snap count as the season progresses. While playing 60 percent of the Ravens defensive snaps in week nine, the 25-year-old safety recorded four tackles and an early, tone-setting interception. Washington’s interception came on the second play from scrimmage. Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix rolled right, tossing a short pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey. Although the pass was relatively on-target, Humphrey bobbled the pass, leading to an opportunistic interception from Washington.