Friday was a banner day for TCU football as the Horned Frogs added a blue-chip edge rusher to the 2027 recruiting class.
Just minutes after a contract extension was announced for Sonny Dykes, Dykes landed a commitment from Drake Carroll. A San Antonio native, Carroll is ranked a four-star prospect, the No. 402 recruit nationally, and the No. 56 prospect in the state in the 247Sports composite rankings.
He said the relationships he built at TCU helped the Horned Frogs come out on top during his recruitment.
“The biggest thing was the family aspect for me,” Carroll said. “It’s a really good program, and they don’t just care about you, they care about your family too. It’s like a brotherhood here, one big brotherhood.”
Carroll had 36 tackles, tied for a team-high five sacks and an interception during his junior season at San Antonio Cornerstone Christian. Carroll will play his senior season at Alamo Heights.
His versatility as an edge rusher is something he takes pride in.
“I can drop into coverage, but I can also rush the passer,” Carroll said.
Listed at 6-5, 220 pounds, Carroll expects to play the stud position, which is defensive coordinator Andy Avalos’ hybrid defensive end and linebacker position. Devean Deal previously played that position and became an All-Big 12 selection last season.
Carroll said Avalos’ scheme and their relationship also played a factor in his decision.
“It’s a very attractive (scheme), that’s one of the main reasons I committed,” Carroll said. “I really like the scheme and all the different fronts. (Avalos) has been great, he has like a big group chat with me and my whole family. He hits us up regularly checking, which was very important to me.”
Northwestern, Duke and Minnesota were some of the other programs seriously pursuing Carroll, but ultimately he decided to stay in state.
Carroll is the second commitment for TCU in the 2027 recruiting cycle, joining Waco Robinson quarterback Bryce McCurdy.