These two transfer cornerbacks already standing out in TCU’s preseason training camp

There are certain athletes who can’t just be replaced with one player, and TCU understood that when seeking players to fill the void left by cornerback Josh Newton.

A fifth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL Draft in April, Newton was a key piece to TCU’s 2022 national runner-up squad and was the best player on its defense last season. Beyond his production on the field were his leadership and intangibles in the locker room.

When Newton spoke, the whole team listened, but now that he’s gone, who will fill the massive void at corner? The Horned Frogs return starter Avery Helm, but who gets to start alongside him will be one of the biggest questions to answer throughout camp.

So far, TCU looks like it may have multiple candidates out of the transfer portal with Utah transfer JaTravis Broughton and Old Dominion transfer LaMareon James. Both players come from very different programs, but one thing has been consistent about the two since the spring: they are constantly making plays.

After being two of the standouts during spring practice, the duo has continued competing in fall camp with Broughton getting the initial reps with the first team defense while James has been the second team’s leading corner.

Broughton has a ton of experience at the Power Four level with 29 starts in 47 games during his career with the Utes. Utah has a well-earned reputation as one of the best defensive programs in the nation, and Broughton has brought some of those lessons with him to Fort Worth.

“The boys see me and they know I’m competitive,” Broughton said after TCU’s fourth practice of the fall on Saturday. “It’s about everyday going to get it. Back there we called it 20 square feet there and it was just the little things. Taking care of your business on and off the field. Everyday getting extra work, it adds up in the grand scheme of things.”

The 5-foot-11 corner is stocky and physical on the line of scrimmage as he isn’t afraid to get into the chests of bigger receivers like Savion Williams and Dylan Wright. Broughton also has impressive ball skills with multiple interceptions during spring practice, plus 11 deflections and an interception during his stint with the Utes.

Why would a former all-conference corner depart a successful program to come to a TCU team coming off a 5-7 season?

“It was just a big decision, I had other offers besides TCU,” Broughton said. “But as soon as I touched down on campus I felt the atmosphere and the family and the culture really. The bleed purple (motto), you can really buy into it and I’m all bought in.”

Meanwhile James’ story shares some similarities with Newton’s start in Fort Worth. Newton came from Louisiana Monroe, while James was at ODU in the Sun Belt.

James brings a wide receiver-type mindset to corner with his electric athleticism. James became just the seventh player in FBS history to return an interception and a fumble for a touchdown in a game, last season against Wake Forest.

“Growing up I was really an offensive guy,” James said. “I played corner, but I wasn’t really working on my technique skills at corner, I was really a receiver. I played slot a lot in high school, so my ball skills are just natural for me. When I go on defense and catch an interception I can turn it into offense.”

The opportunity to show his versatility on a larger stage than the Sun Belt is what initially attracted James to TCU.

“I felt like TCU was perfect for me and the perfect opportunity,” James said. “It was a family atmosphere here too. There’s great people around here and they care about you, that’s what brought me here.”

The two corners have quickly grown closer along with the rest of the room that includes Helm, Channing Canada and rising sophomore Vernon Glover.

Competition is intense, especially between James and Broughton for the other starting spot, but both players are more concerned about the team’s success than how many snaps they get with the first team.

“Me and JT are really cool. We don’t care who goes with ones, who goes with the twos,” James said. “We know one of us is going to make a play, there’s no animosity between us. We just competing against each other, but at the same time we’re brothers.”

The depth of the cornerback room seems to be in a better place compared to last season with two players that have over 40 combined starts at the FBS level.

Now it’s just a matter of seeing who can fill the massive shoes left behind by Newton.