Pro Frogs: TCU Horned Frogs shine in Week 1 of 2024 NFL season

Dallas Cowboys speedster KaVontae Turpin starred with his punt return touchdown against the Browns.

The NFL season has begun and several Horned Frogs alumni have already made their mark. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and return man KaVontae Turpin returned five punts and a kick-off this past Sunday. The former Horned Frog totaled 130 return yards on the day. Turpin ranks first in the NFL in punt return yardage and second in yards per return. Of Turpin’s 120 return yards, half came on one punt return. At the beginning of the third quarter, the Cleveland Browns punted from within their own territory after an abbreviated drive. Turpin caught the ball at the 40-yard line and accelerated through a big hole. The speedster made his way to the sideline before weaving in and out near the 20-yard line to score his first professional punt return touchdown.

Continuing with returners, Los Angeles Chargers’ second-year pro Derius Davis totaled 44 all-purpose yards against the Las Vegas Raiders. The former TCU standout took a kick-off 35 yards and returned his only punt of the day for nine yards. Davis’ teammate, Quentin Johnston, recorded the second-most receptions and receiving yards on the Chargers. The 6-foot-4 receiver caught three passes for 38 yards. Across from Johnston was Tre’Von Moehrig, the fourth-year safety. Moehrig totaled three tackles and almost came away with an interception in week one.

Keeping it in the Pacific Time Zone, former TCU running back Emari Demercado didn’t receive a carry for the Arizona Cardinals, but he did catch two passes for 26 yards against the Buffalo Bills. Aside from the statistical contributors, Steve Avila and Joe Noteboom started for along the offensive line for the Los Angeles Rams during their Sunday night affair against the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately for both linemen, they were placed on injured reserve following lower body injuries suffered in week one. Both players will be eligible to return in week six.

Fellow offensive lineman and 2023 draftee Brandon Coleman shined in limited reps. The third-rounder played only 14 snaps against the Tampa Buccaneers, however, the Commanders scored touchdowns on both the drives Coleman was a part of. Even though offensive linemen don’t often possess the best collection of highlight reels, Coleman put his athleticism on display, keeping up with super-athlete Jayden Daniels on a quarterback scramble.

All in all, it was a successful week one in the books for the Pro Frogs. Several TCU alumni showed flashes, while others found the endzone. It’s only a matter of time before another former Horned Frog finds paydirt.