Who's the next budding star at TCU?

As spring football begins across the state, we’re examining the big questions for each program as they begin their set of 15 offseason practices. Next up: TCU.1. When does Gary Patterson talk about the pending lawsuit, and what does he say? And does it mean changes in the program? TCU will be under the microscope all year as ex-receiver Kolby Listenbee's lawsuit alleging the program mistreated him and mismanaged his injury forcing him back on the field too early and costing him his shot at the NFL. A handful of other players added their stories to support Listenbee's lawsuit last week, too. Several players have spoken out in support of Patterson since the lawsuit was filed, but TCU's coach has stayed silent and declined interview requests from a variety of outlets. He also canceled his signing day press conference to undergo a root canal. We'll see if he addresses the suit at any point this spring, but he'll also be subject to a lot of examination of how he handles any injured players moving forward. 2. Who gets the edge in the quarterback derby? OC Sonny Cumbie didn't ask Shawn Robinson to do a lot in the road win over Texas Tech, his lone start of 2017. With Kenny Hill gone, TCU should feature one of the state's best quarterback competitions. There's Robinson, but Horned Frogs fans will be anxious to see what four-star signee and early enrollee quarterback Justin Rogers can offer immediately. He was the nation's No. 3 dual-threat quarterback and one of the highest-rated recruits in school history. 3. Who wins the position battles on the offensive line? Left tackle Joseph Noteboom, guard Austin Schlottman, center Patrick Morris and right guard/tackle Matt Pryor are gone. The Horned Frogs lost four offensive line starters and a pair of senior tight ends. Somebody else has to clear the way for Darius Anderson and protect a new quarterback. It might end up being the most important battles of the spring. It's certainly the most concerning question mark on the field. Four-star juco tackle Anthony McKinney, taking the field for the first time this spring, will be an intriguing player to watch as Noteboom's replacement, but sophomore Austin Myers will be entering his third year in the program and offense and will likely begin the spring atop the theoretical depth chart at left tackle. The roster doesn't have a true center ready to replace Schlottmann, so look for Patterson and offensive line coach Chris Thomsen to experiment to find a suitable replacement. 4.  Are promising young players ready to become every-week stars? Defensive lineman Corey Bethley all-purpose back Kenedy Snell all had their moments as freshmen in 2017. Sophomore Jeff Gladney also had a pair of interceptions and five pass breakups. We know Jalen Reagor is a budding star, but can Snell, Gladney and Bethley become reliable, household names by the time the season arrives? 5. Who else emerges as a factor on the depth chart? What about other players who'll be moving up the depth chart this spring and earning a bigger chunk of reps?  Can receivers Omar Manning or Tevailance Hunt step up without John Diarse and Desmon White soaking up targets in the passing game? Without tight ends Cole Hunt and Charlie Reid, juco transfer Pro Wells will have an opportunity to make an impact this spring, too. He was the nation's No. 3 tight end and picked TCU over Auburn. Defensive end Brandon Bowen has missed most of his first two seasons at TCU with injuries, but could finally make good on his potential. He was a top 100 national recruit and initially signed with Baylor before landing at TCU after Art Briles' firing. Senior corner Julius Lewis could be due for a breakout, too, after Ranthony Texada's exit. More big questions for spring football: