Standout three-star Crowley offensive lineman Alexander Herrera announced he is backing out of his commitment to TCU on Thursday on social media.
“Due to recent coaching staff changes, I have decided to decommit from TCU,” Herrera wrote. “I feel the program and I are heading in different directions, and I believe this is the best decision for my future. With that, my recruitment is officially reopened.”
Herrera, a senior, is apparently referring to the firing on Sunday of longtime assistant coach A.J. Ricker, who was serving as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. The move was made after the Horned Frogs’ 24-20 loss to West Virginia on Saturday.
TCU is last in the Big 12 in sacks allowed and total rushing. Offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis now oversees the position group; he previously coached the position at UConn before being promoted to the Huskies’ offensive coordinator in 2024.
Ricker had been with TCU since 2021 and developed multiple NFL draft picks, including Steve Avila in 2023. The Horned Frogs have regressed in recent years with offensive lines ranking near the bottom of the Big 12 in 2024 and 2025.
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes explained the move Tuesday:
“We just felt like we needed to improve. We wanted to get on the same page. I’ve been with Coach Ricker for a long time. He’s been with me, he’s been part of great offenses. He’s been part of an offense in a program that played in a national championship game. Has won a lot of football games, done an outstanding job. Just a great person, great family. Love him like a brother, I really do.”
TCU’s offense ranks 101st nationwide in scoring and is averaging 110.3 rushing yards per game.
Herrera, 247Sports No. 274-ranked recruit in Texas, has a 6-foot-6, 330-pound frame. Crowley has a 3-5 overall and 2-3 district record in a group that includes state powers North Crowley, Waxahachie and Duncanville.
The Horned Frogs have three other three-star offensive line recruits committed to their class of 2027: Round Rock’s Colton Steed, Houston Stratford’s Ty Greene and North Crowley’s Gabriel Brooks.
This story was originally published October 29, 2026 at 3:42 PM.
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Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Charles Baggarly is a high school sports editor and reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. He graduated from TCU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and served as TCU 360’s sports editor. Connect with Charles on Twitter or via email.