For the first time in four months, there will be a Texas A&M football game.
Yes, I know it is the spring game. No, I don’t care. Football is football, and this spring game might be the most exciting one yet since I’ve been in college, at least.
Not only is it not scuffed anymore (thank god), but with so many new faces, new systems, and new storylines to keep track of, it only brings that much more intrigue heading into this afternoon. Ever since the hire of Mike Elko, the turnover this program has seen has been pretty high, but the Aggies still look to be highly competitive entering 2024, with an influx of experienced, interesting talent joining the existing guys and a solid transition freshman class to create a roster that is honestly pretty stacked, and I swear I’m not trying to be biased. Headlined by a massive transfer haul this winter, A&M has done a good job of retooling, and that sort of first look at the “new guys” on campus is a major driving force in why I’m so excited about this game (more on that soon).
With a Maroon and White game draft as well conducted by the two team captains in Trey Zuhn and Taurean York, it should be an interesting mishmash of players and matchups as opposed to “first-team offense against first-team defense, and so on”. The level of competition has been fierce throughout spring ball, and this game could really see some guys emerge as potential breakouts to keep an eye on while altering numerous position battles throughout the roster.
The fresh start around the program has left the 12th Man with renewed optimism, but it feels like it’s for good reason this time. There is genuine excitement around this team’s chances this year, even if they’re kinda flying under the radar nationally. Honestly, I like that not many are heavily hyping up Texas A&M this offseason. For a squad that I genuinely think has the chance to make some serious noise next fall, staying lowkey is kinda nice. But the public’s first chance at getting to see this group will be this afternoon, and we’re here to preview some interesting stories and faces to keep an eye on throughout the exhibition.
Good to be back in Kyle. Been too long.
STORYLINES TO WATCH
The Portaling Payoff
As many of y’all know at this point, Texas A&M were major players in the transfer portal this offseason to combat the “exodus” as national media loves to call it, replenishing plenty of roster spots with high-impact additions all over the depth chart. With one of the largest portal classes (20+ new Ags!) and second highest-rated group of players (only behind Ole Miss) according to 247Sports’ Transfer Portal rankings, there are many, many new players that have their first opportunity to endear themselves to the 12th Man on Saturday. After hearing how some guys have made waves in practice, I’m super excited to see if that can translate to a “game” setting.
From standout defensive lineman Nic Scourton and the hype he’s brought in his homecoming to new, yet potentially lesser-known faces like Ar’Maj Reed-Adams and Dorian Hinton to add to an offensive line group that mightily struggled last year, there are so many dudes that have the chance to showcase what they can do for the first time in the Maroon and White. Mike Elko and Co. brought them to Aggieland for a reason - it’s time to see who has established themselves as major players early on in the offseason.
The Defensive Backs
For all the hype the defense got last year, the weakness in that unit by far was defensive back play. There were too many times where DBs just got torched or when there were blown coverages, and that killed A&M against good QBs (Jayden Daniels, Jalen Milroe, Tyler Van Dyke say hello). This offseason, many notable players in that unit departed, whether it was to life after college (Demani Richardson) or searching for greener pastures in the portal (Jacoby Mathews, Deuce Harmon, Sam McCall, Jardin Gilbert, Tony Grimes).
Mike Elko and his staff, though, have completely revamped the unit, and all of a sudden, from a pure talent perspective, a weakness has arguably become a strength for this Aggie team. Keeping Tyreek Chappell, who was A&M’s best corner by a mile last season, was huge. Same with Bryce Anderson, who’s making the move back to full-time safety after the nickel experiment didn’t really work. But the competition to start at defensive back is serious, with numerous players being able to make cases for themselves.
Starting with corner, Will Lee was Kansas State’s highest-graded defender last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Dezz Ricks is an uber-athletic former five-star from Alabama that technically should be a freshman this year, but reclassified to the 2023 class. BJ Mayes is an aggressive man corner from UAB that has NFL upside. Jayvon Thomas and Bravion Rogers are two sophomores that have the chance to take a big step forward. Even Bobby Taylor was a former four-star.
At safety, Dalton Brooks has the chance to turn some heads after rave reviews from coaches this offseason. Trey Jones was being courted by numerous big programs out of Central Michigan. Marcus Ratcliffe shined as a true freshman at San Diego State. Donovan Saunders was a star at Cal Poly. Jarred Kerr has shown flashes at A&M for the last two years. Jaydon Hill has plenty of SEC experience at Florida and can play nickel too. Even true freshmen Jordan Pride and Myles Davis have looked solid in the early going.
The combinations of players that you can mix and match in that secondary are plentiful, and I’ll be watching who really begins to stand out as the competition in that unit starts up. It’s basically open season for a starting gig, and this is a damn good stage to deliver a positive first impression.
Save Us Collin Klein (and Mike Elko and Jay Bateman)
The biggest refresh was needed in the coaching staff, though. After Jimbo Fisher was ousted, Mike Elko decided to part ways with almost the entirety of Fisher’s previous coaching staff and brought in damn near a complete overhaul, with the exceptions of defensive line coach Tony Jerod-Eddie and defensive analyst Bryant Gross-Armiento. And it was needed. Fisher’s outdated offensive system was getting tired quick, and even DJ Durkin’s three-man fronts, even with a massive improvement last season, were ridiculed by fans.
So having a dynamic, young, up-and-comer like Collin Klein to head the offense next year? Yeah, I think that should be a nice upgrade. He turned down Notre Dame a year ago and headed to Texas A&M this winter, and is widely regarded as one of the better rising OCs in the country. From a more technical viewpoint, his ability to utilize tight ends (just look at K-State’s Ben Sinnott), create a sound power running game, implement pre-snap motion to throw off defenses, and use multiple personnel packages is a beautiful sight to see. It’s crafted around the players and their strengths as opposed to trying to force guys to fit the system.
Then there’s the return of the Mike Elko defense, and while Jay Bateman is the defensive coordinator, I expect Elko to call plays on that side of the ball. The return of consistent four-down defensive linemen is enough to make a grown man cry, especially considering the amount of talent the Aggies have on the d-line. Combine that with coaches like Jordan Peterson (safeties) and Ish Aristide (defensive backs) making their returns to Aggieland, the new talent on that side of the ball, and Elko’s patented second-half adjustments, and you’ve got the makings of a scary unit. We even have a special teams coordinator! FINALLY!
This game will be the fans’ first look at the new schemes and systems that these coaches have implemented throughout the spring and hopefully give a glimpse of refreshing and good things to come in the fall. Can’t wait to see the early returns.
Noted GMs Trey Zuhn and Taurean York
A new wrinkle that Mike Elko added this year to the Maroon and White Game has been the introduction of a player draft, where team captains Trey Zuhn and Taurean York hand-picked their squads to do battle in Kyle. It’s not just “oh, first-team offense plays first-team defense and so on” anymore. It’s a mishmash of different talent that will all coalesce together, and that’s something that pretty cool to me.
Therefore, here’s a rapid-fire analysis of the rosters constructed (the full rosters can be found here):
Trey Zuhn is leading the Maroon team, and as expected it is loaded on offense. Nabbing the projected top three wideouts (Noah Thomas, Moose Muhammad, and Jahdae Walker), three good tight ends (Theo Ohrstrom, Tre Watson, and Garrett Miller) and numerous guys that have very real chances of starting on the o-line (Dametrious Crownover, Chase Bisontis, Mark Nabou) is a pretty damn good haul. Jaylen Henderson and Marcel Reed splitting time at QB is a nice little cherry on top as well.
Maroon’s defense isn’t as good as the offense, but still has some pretty solid pieces. Scourton is a monster on the d-line and will almost undoubtedly be the best player on that side of the ball maybe out of everyone playing in this one. Albert Regis, Samu Taumanupepe, Solomon Williams, and Gabe Brownlow-Dindy round out a solid d-line group. Excited to see what the young duo of Jordan Lockhart and Daymion Sanford can do at linebacker. Secondary is intriguing! Lots of new and up-and-coming faces in that unit. In terms of new faces - BJ Mayes, Donovan Saunders, Trey Jones, and Dezz Ricks is a long, rangy quartet of transfers, while Dalton Brooks is gonna be someone I have my eyes on throughout. Coaches are expecting big things from him, so I’m excited to see how he’s progressed.
Over on the White team’s side, it’s Conner Weigman, Rueben Owens, Amari Daniels, and a plethora of new or unfamiliar faces on offense. Cyrus Allen, Micah Tease, and Izaiah Williams is an intriguing wide receiver trio, while Jaden Platt looks more built at tight end after strength and conditioning. How much will Donovan Green play coming off of injury, if at all? Offensive line is very raw. Aside from Ar’Maj Reed-Adams and Deuce Fatheree, I’m looking at how TJ Shanahan plays today. He’s made a bit of noise this offseason.
The White team’s calling card is on defense. I’m actually most excited to see the rotations at linebacker between Taurean York, Scooby Williams, Chantz Johnson, and Tristan Jernigan. It is basically open season to see who will start alongside York this fall, so a big spring game could go a long way for any of these guys. Secondary is super experienced - Will Lee, Jaydon Hill, Tyreek Chappell, Marcus Ratcliffe and Bryce Anderson all have legit starting experience, while Jayvon Thomas and Jordan Pride are intriguing younger dudes. Finally, that d-line (Shemar Stewart, Cashius Howell, DJ Hicks, Rodas Johnson, Rylan Kennedy) looks stacked. Excited to see how they go against Henderson and Reed.
PLAYERS I’M EXCITED TO WATCH
All four of these guys are on defense, but that wasn’t intentional I swear. The personnel on that side of the ball is just super intriguing to me. Honorable mentions are WR Cyrus Allen, OL Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, and QB Conner Weigman.
Rylan Kennedy, EDGE
Rylan Kennedy might be the guy I am gonna pound the table most for this offseason. Tommy Moffitt’s strength and conditioning program has worked wonders for the sophomore, and he’s added some notable muscle to his twitchy, lanky frame.
Kennedy was always viewed as kind of a work in progress ever since he got on campus, with athleticism in spades but in a skinny, wiry 6’4” frame and with a skillset that was pretty raw after just one year of high school ball. Doesn’t seem like that anymore. After a good performance in the bowl game last year to combine with that physical development, the former Lake Ridge star could be on his way for a major jump in playing time this season with a good spring. I might be a bit early with him considering the depth at d-line right now, but he’s got the tools and a good position coach in Sean Spencer to do some damage after this offseason.
Cashius Howell, EDGE
Much was made of Texas A&M’s transfer haul, especially with the likes of Nic Scourton, Dezz Ricks, and Will Lee heading down to Aggieland this year on defense. I think Bowling Green’s Cashius Howell, though, also has a chance to make some serious noise this year and has kinda been flying under the radar a little.
The former Falcon edge rusher was a nightmare on the outside for opposing QBs, notching 9.5 sacks and earning All-MAC honors in 2023 before being one of the more highly-touted EDGEs in the portal. Now that a four-lineman scheme is set to be deployed, he might be the best speed rusher that the Aggies have on the roster this season and that skillset could translate very, very nicely in a bigger-than-expected role.
Shemar Stewart, DL
Shemar Stewart is definitely the biggest name out of the four players highlighted in this section, but I think it’s about time he gets on the national radar. Everyone wanted his services coming out of high school - after all, he ranked in the top ten players nationally before committing to the Aggies over Miami - but in his two years in College Station it’s been nothing more than a rotational role.
The way has been paved, though, for the Florida product to take a serious jump in Year 3. He’s projected to start on the edge alongside Nic Scourton (and even got votes for team captain!), and the dude looks freakin yoked. At 6’6” and up to 285 pounds now, A&M’s Defensive Most Improved player from last season looks poised for a massive leap, with added muscle complementing his power rushing strengths to potentially create a nightmare on the outside for opposing linemen to deal with. Really locked to see what he can do in a consistent four-down front.
Daymion Sanford, LB
Ending this segment pounding the table for someone who I think might be in the favorite to start alongside Taurean York.
The second-year linebacker has been a dude that has really caught the eyes of the coaching staff and media this spring, and for good reason. Like Kennedy, Sanford has filled out his body (thank you, Tommy Moffitt!) and has impressed with his speed, aggression, and overall athleticism at the linebacker spot. With that skillset, it feels like he’s a natural fit to fill that Edgerrin Cooper role of utilizing that athleticism to just fly around and wreak havoc at that Will spot. I’m eager to see if those rumored improvements make themselves known this afternoon.
I know this was probably a lot for a spring game, but I’m psyched that football season is back, even for one game. It’s always nice to be in Kyle Field, and with the turnover and refresh that the program has experienced this offseason after the Jimbo Fisher failed experiment, there’s optimism and renewed hope that doesn’t actually seem baseless for once. Combine that with so many new faces eager to make an impact and a first look at new systems employed from a brand-new coaching staff, and it makes for a more interesting spring game than one may think.
That’ll do it for me. Enjoy the game everyone! I’ll be back later to talk about baseball and recapping this. Til then, take care and see y’all soon.
-Sourav