Sonny Dykes, Jared Wiley reveal the impact Alabama transfers have made at TCU

TCU added an exciting pair of offensive playmakers from Alabama this offseason through the transfer portal, as running back Trey Sanders and wide receiver JoJo Earle joined the Horned Frogs following their national championship run.

At Big 12 Media Day, TCU tight end Jared Wiley was asked about his new Crimson Tide teammates, revealing what they’ve brought to the table so far this offseason.

“They’re just different, they come from a dynasty program in Alabama,” Wiley said. “So really in my opinion it’s just their mindset going into the game and kind of approaching the game of football and the team, that’s just helped us grow as a unit.”

Head coach Sonny Dykes elaborated on the impact he expects Sanders to have on TCU’s offense, as the former highly touted recruit didn’t wait for the season to begin to have a positive effect on the Horned Frogs.

“He’s been a great addition to our team, our players love him, they respect him, he’s a tremendous leader,” Dykes said. “He’s a veteran, he’s a business-like approach, and so I’m excited about him, I really am. I mean he brings some toughness and some physicality to that position. Kendre Miller was that guy for us last year and we think Trey has the opportunity to be the same kind of guy.”

In three seasons Sanders racked up 528 yards and three touchdowns in his limited carries with the Crimson Tide, but could see a much bigger workload as he follows in the footsteps of Miller, who rushed for 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns last season for TCU.

Sanders was a five-star prospect out of high school, ranked the No. 1 running back in the nation for the 2019 class according to On3’s Industry Ranking. The expectations for him have always been high, but his journey to Fort Worth was not an easy one and came with its fair share of adversity.

“He’s been on a journey, he was the number one running back in the country coming out of high school. Went to Alabama, had great expectations, was probably gonna play as a freshman, and got a little banged up,” Dykes said. “Then he had a really bad car accident that he wasn’t sure he was every gonna really recover from, so his story is pretty unique and pretty different and just shows you what kind of guy he is.”

Earle also faced some injury struggles of his own during his time with the Crimson Tide, recording just 12 catches in each of his two seasons at Alabama. And hopefully for both him and Sanders, the obstacles they’ve overcome will culminate in a breakout, debut season for the Horned Frogs in 2023.