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Depleted TCU defense could turn to walk-on to start at safety

Sep 17, 2015 at 1:00p ET

Sep 17, 2015 at 1:00p ET

Gary Patterson is down to a walk-on sophomore to fill out his defensive backfield.

With two converted safeties filling emergency duty at the depleted linebacker position, and safety Kenny Iloka gone with a knee injury last week, Michael Downing, a walk-on, is on top of the depth chart as the No. 3 TCU Horned Frogs welcome SMU on Saturday.

Downing played so well filling last week, which included his first career interception. But maybe his emergence under pressure shouldn't be a surprise.