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The Horned Frogs brought in Kendal Briles from Arkansas to be their new offensive coordinator, with the expectation that his track record of guiding productive offenses continues in Fort Worth.

So, with Briles stepping in, what does Dykes expect out of his offense?

Like last season, a fast-paced group that does a ton of work on the ground.

“(Briles) wants to run the ball, he wants to be a physical offense that runs the football, and I think that’s what I want to be as well,” Dykes said. “I think we saw the value in having a tough, physical, hard-nosed run game last year and the success we had up front, and the success Kendre Miller had and Max (Duggan) running the ball.”

But with a ton of new faces on offense, there’s much more stability on defense. TCU returned multiple starters and increased its defensive depth through the transfer portal.

Key returners on defense include cornerback

Josh Newton, free safety Bud Clark and linebacker

Johnny Hodges.

Two key additions made from the portal include cornerback Avery Helm (Florida), who’s expected to start, and defensive end Rick D’Abreu (East Carolina), who brings added depth to the position.

Having kept experienced guys at different positions alongside his portal pickups, Dykes believes the defense will be improved next season.

“My hope is this year we take a big step defensively, like I think we will,” Dykes said.

“My hope is sooner than later, we become a dominant defensive football team, and like I said, it certainly makes my life a lot easier when that happens.”

Continued from 1 sports.ed@ocolly.com