No matter how many injuries TCU suffers, the one constant in life seems to be strong defense.

Despite having multiple starters go in and out of the lineup, TCU finished No. 1 in the Big 12 in total defense and passing defense, No. 2 in scoring defense and No. 3 in rushing defense. The group finished No. 16 nationally in S&P and held seven opponents to fewer than 20 points.

Simply put, TCU’s defense is the reason the program eked out a bowl trip. Heading into 2019, experience is back at key positions. The scariest part? With all the injuries, what should be a roster full of raw, young players suddenly becomes quality depth.

“Everybody here had more reps and had to do a lot more teams,” Gary Patterson said. “All that does is grow your football team up in a way that probably wouldn’t happen if you had all those guys back. For us, it makes us better.”

As with most TCU squads, it starts up front. The interior defensive line will be the best in the Big 12.

Corey Bethley shined as a featured piece last season, posting 29 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss. Ross Blacklock is back from injury and should step right back in at defensive tackle.

Defensive end is dicier. Of course, two years ago, no one knew who Ben Banogu or L.J. Collier were and this past April, both were high NFL draft picks so Patterson’s staff deserves benefit of the doubt. South Carolina transfer Shameik Blackshear will help the unit. Junior Brandon Bowen and redshirt freshman Ochaun Mathis are expected to be next in line.

Cornerbacks Jeff Gladney and Julius Lewis should be the Big 12’s best, and Innis Gaines showed flashes of brilliance at safety. Losing Ridwan Issahaku and Niko Small will be tough, but Trevon Moehrig and La’Kendrick Van Zandt are ready. Garret Wallow should shift back over to linebacker full time, and Montrel Wilson is back to man the other position. Ben Wilson will make a case for playing time too.

TCU has a defensive culture in place that other programs would kill for and has the depth to match. As long as Patterson can find a few defensive ends to add a pass rush, the Horned Frogs should lead the Big 12 in defensive prowess once again.