One of the reasons people had high expectations for TCU this season was that a strong Horned Frogs defense had nine starters returning from 2012. Well, that number is down to eight now.
TCU coach Gary Patterson announced on Monday that linebacker Joel Hasley has left the football team.
“I'd like to thank Joel for everything he's done for TCU and his commitment to our program,” Patterson said. “We will miss him and wish him the best."
Hasley started ten games for the Frogs as a walk-on last season, finishing the year with 79 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. He was given a scholarship this spring, but he's also close to finishing his second degree at the school and, according to Patterson, Hasley "decided it was time to move on from football."
Hasley's absence in 2013 will mean that TCU is without its two leading tacklers from last season, as Kenny Cain graduated.
Hasley is also the second starter the Horned Frogs have lost in the last week as offensive tackle Tayo Fabuluje left the team for personal reasons last week.
TCU opens its season against LSU in Arlington, Texas on August 31.