Next man up: 2017 recruiting class could become TCU cornerstones this fall

There are silver linings to having players too banged up to participate in spring practice.

It gives younger or less experienced players a chance to learn, and in some cases, climb the depth chart. If they impress enough, they might even eclipse the penciled in starter by the time the season rolls around.

The TCU defense, for instance, was still missing more than 10 players because of various stages of injury during the fifth spring practice Thursday afternoon, the team's first with full pads.

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