TCU head coach Gary Patterson announced the signing of 23 recruits Wednesday.

The Frogs' 2012 recruiting class includes four-star defensive end Devonte Fields from Arlington and four-star quarterback Tyler Matthews, a Mcpherson, Kan. native, who is already enrolled in classes.

Patterson said TCU's upcoming move to the Big 12 was a valuable incentive to offer to recruits and was something that prevented some of the Frogs' more prized prospects from opting elsewhere.

"It helped us hold onto a lot of our class," Patterson said.

Running back B.J. Catalon, cornerback Keivon Gamble and athlete Kolby Listenbee were TCU's other three early enrollees.

TCU's other two four-star recruits are safety Jordan Moore and tight end Griffin Gilbert, whose brother, Garrett, recently transferred from Texas to SMU after starting 13 games at quarterback over three seasons with the Longhorns. Moore, a Georgia native, who verbally committed to TCU Tuesday night, runs a 4.37 40-yard dash and was offered a track scholarship to LSU.

Catalon and Kilgore native Ladarius Anthony, who was ranked as the no. 42 running back in the country and fifth in Texas, will bolster a running back position that will see the graduation of three seniors next year — Ed Wesley, Aundre Dean and Matthew Tucker.

Patterson emphasized the need for depth, especially with the Frogs joining the Big 12 next season.

"You have to have depth," Patterson said. "You have to be able to do it every week. You're only as good as your weakest link."

Rivals.com ranked TCU's class 36th in the country with an average star rating of 3.05, while ESPN.com ranked the Frogs' class 24th.

TCU begins spring practice Feb. 25.