Texas A&M Recruiting 2025: The Land of Melk & No Money

[closetojumping 62010]

Regarding their current outlook for starting OL, it's really, really grim over there. Holy shit, from Tarp:

I've provided some thoughts on Texas A&M's offensive tackles but focused primarily on them as players. Now, here are some takes on the offensive line this spring as a whole (the following is solely a product of my thought process).

1. You're going to have at least five starting caliber guys for the five spots up front. Your questions are more about who's going to play as opposed to can so and so be an adequate player at a particular position.

2. A lineup of Trey Zuhn (left side) and Dametrious Crownover (right side) at tackle, Chase Bisontis and Armaj Reed-Adams at guard, and Mark Nabou at center makes a lot of sense for multiple reasons going into the spring game (this isn't necessarily a projection for the season opener…we've got a long way to go before then).

3. Zuhn is experienced and has a nice kick step to stay with people on the edge. He's got to deal with people getting their hands into his chest but he's gradually improved that aspect of his game as he's gotten bigger and more experienced. Crownover offers a lot of potential and is probably the best pure athlete up front. He has dominant reps when everything works for him and that's something that everyone seems to be attracted to. However, he has to reduce the problematic reps and individual games, particularly in terms of his usage rate.

4. Bisontis is a big guy with a quick first step. He looks good on initial contact and his legs keep churning to sustain his advantage. Playing between people and getting help in pass pro will enable him to avoid the "play in space with no help" scenarios he faced far too often in 2023 as a converted guard on the edge (and he was a true freshman to boot). Reed-Adams is a massive guy and he's got quite a few starts under his belt. The trick for him will be dealing with quicker players on the interior since (like Bisontis) you're not going to run over him in pass pro.

5. Nabou is solid on the inside as the pivot man. He doesn't seem to struggle with snaps, and he can be very physical. He is another guy that you're not going to run over. The trick for him will be getting off of the ball, keeping his feet moving, and getting his hand placement going.

6. Beyond what I think would be the first five, there's still generally a lot of people trying to reconcile themselves to a new campus or offensive scheme, gaining experience as youngsters, in track, or dealing with injuries (either from the spring or last season). 

7. I think that Reuben Fatheree is an exception to all of the above, I like him just fine, and I could be wrong, but we'll see.

----

To translate, they have Crownover and Bisontis starting and neither guy has any film that can be viewed positively. They have a guy at C that was trampled repeatedly last season. Reuben Fatheree is their offensive line's MacGuffin. 

[NoName 16241]

16 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

Regarding their current outlook for starting OL, it's really, really grim over there. Holy shit, from Tarp:

I've provided some thoughts on Texas A&M's offensive tackles but focused primarily on them as players. Now, here are some takes on the offensive line this spring as a whole (the following is solely a product of my thought process).

1. You're going to have at least five starting caliber guys for the five spots up front. Your questions are more about who's going to play as opposed to can so and so be an adequate player at a particular position.

2. A lineup of Trey Zuhn (left side) and Dametrious Crownover (right side) at tackle, Chase Bisontis and Armaj Reed-Adams at guard, and Mark Nabou at center makes a lot of sense for multiple reasons going into the spring game (this isn't necessarily a projection for the season opener…we've got a long way to go before then).

3. Zuhn is experienced and has a nice kick step to stay with people on the edge. He's got to deal with people getting their hands into his chest but he's gradually improved that aspect of his game as he's gotten bigger and more experienced. Crownover offers a lot of potential and is probably the best pure athlete up front. He has dominant reps when everything works for him and that's something that everyone seems to be attracted to. However, he has to reduce the problematic reps and individual games, particularly in terms of his usage rate.

4. Bisontis is a big guy with a quick first step. He looks good on initial contact and his legs keep churning to sustain his advantage. Playing between people and getting help in pass pro will enable him to avoid the "play in space with no help" scenarios he faced far too often in 2023 as a converted guard on the edge (and he was a true freshman to boot). Reed-Adams is a massive guy and he's got quite a few starts under his belt. The trick for him will be dealing with quicker players on the interior since (like Bisontis) you're not going to run over him in pass pro.

5. Nabou is solid on the inside as the pivot man. He doesn't seem to struggle with snaps, and he can be very physical. He is another guy that you're not going to run over. The trick for him will be getting off of the ball, keeping his feet moving, and getting his hand placement going.

6. Beyond what I think would be the first five, there's still generally a lot of people trying to reconcile themselves to a new campus or offensive scheme, gaining experience as youngsters, in track, or dealing with injuries (either from the spring or last season). 

7. I think that Reuben Fatheree is an exception to all of the above, I like him just fine, and I could be wrong, but we'll see.

----

To translate, they have Crownover and Bisontis starting and neither guy has any film that can be viewed positively. They have a guy at C that was trampled repeatedly last season. Reuben Fatheree is their offensive line's MacGuffin. 

they are talking about moving a guy to C who started one game there last year

 

then as bad as Foster was they never flipped Nabou back to C the rest of the year?

they are in a scenario where they return 80% of their starts last year and 4 starters YoY which should be good news.

...but 1 of them wasn't starter quality. 1 of them stays at LT. the LG moves to C. the RT moves to RG. they are starting a transfer from Kansas in this scenario at LG (who got paid)

their OL room is horrific. how many of these guys would even make the 2 deep at Texas? 2?

as we know the OL sucking really fucks up a rebuild. their OL is going to be not great next year unless they see multiple guys suddenly become incredible overnight. highly doubt that happens.

Edited April 15 by NoName

[honolulu horn 6154]

Weigman is a dead man walking.

[hook me 2039]

19 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

From Aggie 247 and my thoughts:

Carter Karels continues to attempt subtle messages to his aggie readers that their roster is dogshit and they're going to need to do a lot of work in the portal. He's also hinting at soon to be exits as well. I'm not sure if any of it is getting through. 

Here's an article in which he talks about the offense and their portal needs. Spoilered so the folks that just come to this thread to crack the ever-hilarious sheepfucking jokes don't have too long of a scroll:

  Hide contents

Earlier this offseason, Texas A&M hammered the NCAA Transfer Portal to fill several holes on its roster. Look for the Aggies to remain active during the spring window for the transfer portal, which begins Tuesday and ends April 30.

During the winter transfer portal window (Dec. 4, 2023-Jan. 2, 2024), A&M lost 18 scholarship players. 247Sports previously reported that two other scholarship players, safety Jacoby Mathews and Sam McCall, are expected to transfer out of the program during the spring portal window.

The Aggies have replaced those departures with 24 scholarship transfers so far: four cornerbacks, three safeties, three defensive ends, three offensive linemen, two linebackers, one defensive tackle, two wide receivers, two tight ends, one nickel cornerback, one running back, one punter and a kicker. Their 24-player transfer class ranks second nationally, per 247Sports.

Those subtractions and additions have brought them to a projected scholarship count of 90 players for the fall. Per NCAA rules, A&M will not need to satisfy the 85-scholarship limit until the first day of its fall semester.

Ahead of the upcoming transfer window, here is the start of a two-part series assessing which positions the Aggies should address through the portal. Every unit will be examined by their level of need, receiving a grade of very low, low, medium, high or very high.

Here is a look at the offense.

QUARTERBACK

Position inventory: Redshirt junior Jaylen Henderson, redshirt sophomore Conner Weigman, redshirt freshman Marcel Reed and true freshman Miles O'Neill.

How big of a need: Very low.

Analysis: With NIL and the portal, a solid backup quarterback can be tough to keep. Following last season, A&M managed to retain two backup quarterbacks – Henderson and Reed – who impressed in game settings. O'Neill will join the Aggies in June as well.

Now, if Henderson or Reed enters the portal this month, A&M will certainly need to improve its depth at quarterback. But if they stay, the Aggies would have to feel good about their quarterback group going into the 2024 season.

 

RUNNING BACK/FULLBACK

Position inventory: Sixth-year senior Jerry Johnson II, fifth-year senior EJ Smith, redshirt junior Amari Daniels, junior Le'Veon Moss and sophomore Rueben Owens II.

How big of a need: Medium.

Analysis: All four A&M running backs bring experience and have proven themselves to be at least serviceable. Whether any of them could flourish in a featured role this season, though, remains to be seen. None of them have reached 600 rushing yards in a season.

If the Aggies continue to use a committee approach, Smith, Daniels, Moss and Owens should form a nice group. But if a stellar 1,000-yard rusher suddenly became available, A&M would be foolish to pass on him.

 

WIDE RECEIVER

Position inventory: Fifth-year seniors Moose Muhammad III and Jabre Barber, senior Jahdae Walker, juniors Noah Thomas and Cyrus Allen, sophomore Micah Tease, and true freshmen Izaiah Williams, Ernest Campbell and Ashton Bethel-Roman.

How big of a need: High.

Analysis: Like their running back unit, the Aggies have a solid group of receivers but might lack a true No. 1 option. No A&M receiver has produced a 1,000-yard season in college. None of the four returning receivers for the Aggies have reached 700 receiving yards in a season.

Additionally, A&M is somewhat thin on numbers with its receiver group. Per source, Barber recently underwent surgery on a foot injury and could miss the beginning of the 2024 season (his injury timetable remains fluid). Without him, the Aggies would have only four receivers who have played a significant number of high-leverage reps in college.

 

TIGHT END

Position inventory: Sixth-year senior Garrett Miller, senior Tre Watson, redshirt sophomores Donovan Green and Theo Melin Öhrström, redshirt freshman Jaden Platt and true freshman Eric Karner.

How big of a need: Low.

Analysis: The Aggie tight end group, like their running back and receiver units, lacks a player with proven elite production. None of their tight ends have reached 400 receiving yards in a season, and only Watson has surpassed 250. However, lacking an elite tight end is not nearly as tough to overcome as not having a true No. 1 running back or receiver. 

And even if none of its tight ends produce at an elite level, A&M should still receive plenty of meaningful contributions from the unit. Before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in practice last August, Green showed a lot of promise. The two transfer additions for the Aggies, Miller and Watson, should be impactful as well. Miller is thought to be more of a blocking tight end, while Watson has impressed as a receiving threat.

 

INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE

Position inventory: Sixth-year senior Dorian Hinton, fifth-year seniors Aki Ogunbiyi and Ar'maj Reed-Adams, redshirt junior Bryce Foster, junior Kam Dewberry, redshirt sophomore Mark Nabou Jr., sophomore Chase Bisontis, redshirt freshman TJ Shanahan and true freshman Isendre Ahfua.

How big of a need: Medium.

Analysis: This unit is loaded with depth and experience. Of the nine players listed above, seven of them have started multiple games in college. The two exceptions, Shanahan and Ahfua, were both four-star recruits. 

Should a quality center enter the portal, though, A&M might be interested. Foster, the incumbent starter for the Aggies, left a lot to be desired with his play last season. He also has spent this spring with the track and field team, missing all 11 football practices so far. Perhaps Nabou will ultimately surpass Foster on the depth chart and show improvement. Either way, A&M could use an upgrade at center.

 

OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Position inventory: Fifth-year senior Derrick Graham, redshirt juniors Trey Zuhn III, Reuben Fatheree II and Dametrious Crownover, redshirt sophomore Hunter Erb, redshirt freshman Colton Thomasson, and true freshman Blake Ivy, Ashton Funk and Robert Bourdon.

How big of a need: Low.

Analysis: Do not be surprised if the Aggies add an offensive tackle transfer during the spring window. From what we have heard, they will be looking. However, an argument could be made that this group does not need a transfer addition. 

Zuhn is coming off the best season of his career and seems like a lock to start at left tackle. Fatheree, who started at right tackle for the Aggies in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, is finally healthy again. He missed most of last fall with a lower-body injury. 

A&M has adequate depth at offensive tackle, too. Crownover could push for the starting right tackle job and has the versatility to play left tackle. Bisontis started at right tackle last season and could slide to the position again if needed. Graham started 24 games at Troy and spent time at both offensive tackle positions.

So it appears that they're planning on losing a QB.

The staff isn't happy at OT and will be in the portal fishing for one of those ever present starting OTs who can start on day one. 

They think they're losing at least one TB. They also don't think they have RB1 on campus so, again, they'll be all over one of those awesome starting TBs that no one else is bidding for to step right in the lineup. 

They just lost a WR to foot surgery who had transferred in from Troy and was an immediate starter. He won't be back for the first part of the season, if any of it. They also lack a WR1 on campus and need one of those to magically drop in for them as well.

They don't think they need help at TE but the staff also doesn't see a TE1 on the roster. 

They don't have a functioning C and will be begging someone to join them at that spot, otherwise they're reliant on a completely disengaged Bryce Foster or someone worse. They're "loaded" with guys on the IOL, but Karels seems to be unaware that quantity is completely irrelevant if quality is non-existent.

That offensive depth chart is just an embarrassment of riches.

[Chips O'Toole 1318]

"embarrassment of bitch-tits" 

I'm still relieved Bisontits withdrew from the portal.  The loss of that nickname on this board would have been tragic.

[Mr. Drummond 2165]

From CTJ's spoiler-ed article:  regarding transfers:

Interior Oline -  How big of a need  "Medium"   The next sentence "This unit is loaded with depth and experience"

Off Tackle -      How big of a need "Low "  The next sentence "Do not be surprised if the aggies add an offensive tackle transfer during the spring window from what i have heard, they will be looking."

[BigHornedLurker 1883]

I maintain that I will be surprised if Weigman plays another down of Aggie Football 

[closetojumping 62010]

8 minutes ago, BigHornedLurker said:

I maintain that I will be surprised if Weigman plays another down of Aggie Football 

@Dennis Taylor, I think, is a family friend. If not him another handle like his, dammit. Anyway, the last update was that the player is a redass and going nowhere, but that was months ago.

[Hornlover 8824]

2 hours ago, closetojumping said:

From Aggie 247 and my thoughts:

Carter Karels continues to attempt subtle messages to his aggie readers that their roster is dogshit and they're going to need to do a lot of work in the portal. He's also hinting at soon to be exits as well. I'm not sure if any of it is getting through. 

Here's an article in which he talks about the offense and their portal needs. Spoilered so the folks that just come to this thread to crack the ever-hilarious sheepfucking jokes don't have too long of a scroll:

  Hide contents

Earlier this offseason, Texas A&M hammered the NCAA Transfer Portal to fill several holes on its roster. Look for the Aggies to remain active during the spring window for the transfer portal, which begins Tuesday and ends April 30.

During the winter transfer portal window (Dec. 4, 2023-Jan. 2, 2024), A&M lost 18 scholarship players. 247Sports previously reported that two other scholarship players, safety Jacoby Mathews and Sam McCall, are expected to transfer out of the program during the spring portal window.

The Aggies have replaced those departures with 24 scholarship transfers so far: four cornerbacks, three safeties, three defensive ends, three offensive linemen, two linebackers, one defensive tackle, two wide receivers, two tight ends, one nickel cornerback, one running back, one punter and a kicker. Their 24-player transfer class ranks second nationally, per 247Sports.

Those subtractions and additions have brought them to a projected scholarship count of 90 players for the fall. Per NCAA rules, A&M will not need to satisfy the 85-scholarship limit until the first day of its fall semester.

Ahead of the upcoming transfer window, here is the start of a two-part series assessing which positions the Aggies should address through the portal. Every unit will be examined by their level of need, receiving a grade of very low, low, medium, high or very high.

Here is a look at the offense.

QUARTERBACK

Position inventory: Redshirt junior Jaylen Henderson, redshirt sophomore Conner Weigman, redshirt freshman Marcel Reed and true freshman Miles O'Neill.

How big of a need: Very low.

Analysis: With NIL and the portal, a solid backup quarterback can be tough to keep. Following last season, A&M managed to retain two backup quarterbacks – Henderson and Reed – who impressed in game settings. O'Neill will join the Aggies in June as well.

Now, if Henderson or Reed enters the portal this month, A&M will certainly need to improve its depth at quarterback. But if they stay, the Aggies would have to feel good about their quarterback group going into the 2024 season.

 

RUNNING BACK/FULLBACK

Position inventory: Sixth-year senior Jerry Johnson II, fifth-year senior EJ Smith, redshirt junior Amari Daniels, junior Le'Veon Moss and sophomore Rueben Owens II.

How big of a need: Medium.

Analysis: All four A&M running backs bring experience and have proven themselves to be at least serviceable. Whether any of them could flourish in a featured role this season, though, remains to be seen. None of them have reached 600 rushing yards in a season.

If the Aggies continue to use a committee approach, Smith, Daniels, Moss and Owens should form a nice group. But if a stellar 1,000-yard rusher suddenly became available, A&M would be foolish to pass on him.

 

WIDE RECEIVER

Position inventory: Fifth-year seniors Moose Muhammad III and Jabre Barber, senior Jahdae Walker, juniors Noah Thomas and Cyrus Allen, sophomore Micah Tease, and true freshmen Izaiah Williams, Ernest Campbell and Ashton Bethel-Roman.

How big of a need: High.

Analysis: Like their running back unit, the Aggies have a solid group of receivers but might lack a true No. 1 option. No A&M receiver has produced a 1,000-yard season in college. None of the four returning receivers for the Aggies have reached 700 receiving yards in a season.

Additionally, A&M is somewhat thin on numbers with its receiver group. Per source, Barber recently underwent surgery on a foot injury and could miss the beginning of the 2024 season (his injury timetable remains fluid). Without him, the Aggies would have only four receivers who have played a significant number of high-leverage reps in college.

 

TIGHT END

Position inventory: Sixth-year senior Garrett Miller, senior Tre Watson, redshirt sophomores Donovan Green and Theo Melin Öhrström, redshirt freshman Jaden Platt and true freshman Eric Karner.

How big of a need: Low.

Analysis: The Aggie tight end group, like their running back and receiver units, lacks a player with proven elite production. None of their tight ends have reached 400 receiving yards in a season, and only Watson has surpassed 250. However, lacking an elite tight end is not nearly as tough to overcome as not having a true No. 1 running back or receiver. 

And even if none of its tight ends produce at an elite level, A&M should still receive plenty of meaningful contributions from the unit. Before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in practice last August, Green showed a lot of promise. The two transfer additions for the Aggies, Miller and Watson, should be impactful as well. Miller is thought to be more of a blocking tight end, while Watson has impressed as a receiving threat.

 

INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE

Position inventory: Sixth-year senior Dorian Hinton, fifth-year seniors Aki Ogunbiyi and Ar'maj Reed-Adams, redshirt junior Bryce Foster, junior Kam Dewberry, redshirt sophomore Mark Nabou Jr., sophomore Chase Bisontis, redshirt freshman TJ Shanahan and true freshman Isendre Ahfua.

How big of a need: Medium.

Analysis: This unit is loaded with depth and experience. Of the nine players listed above, seven of them have started multiple games in college. The two exceptions, Shanahan and Ahfua, were both four-star recruits. 

Should a quality center enter the portal, though, A&M might be interested. Foster, the incumbent starter for the Aggies, left a lot to be desired with his play last season. He also has spent this spring with the track and field team, missing all 11 football practices so far. Perhaps Nabou will ultimately surpass Foster on the depth chart and show improvement. Either way, A&M could use an upgrade at center.

 

OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Position inventory: Fifth-year senior Derrick Graham, redshirt juniors Trey Zuhn III, Reuben Fatheree II and Dametrious Crownover, redshirt sophomore Hunter Erb, redshirt freshman Colton Thomasson, and true freshman Blake Ivy, Ashton Funk and Robert Bourdon.

How big of a need: Low.

Analysis: Do not be surprised if the Aggies add an offensive tackle transfer during the spring window. From what we have heard, they will be looking. However, an argument could be made that this group does not need a transfer addition. 

Zuhn is coming off the best season of his career and seems like a lock to start at left tackle. Fatheree, who started at right tackle for the Aggies in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, is finally healthy again. He missed most of last fall with a lower-body injury. 

A&M has adequate depth at offensive tackle, too. Crownover could push for the starting right tackle job and has the versatility to play left tackle. Bisontis started at right tackle last season and could slide to the position again if needed. Graham started 24 games at Troy and spent time at both offensive tackle positions.

So it appears that they're planning on losing a QB.

The staff isn't happy at OT and will be in the portal fishing for one of those ever present starting OTs who can start on day one. 

They think they're losing at least one TB. They also don't think they have RB1 on campus so, again, they'll be all over one of those awesome starting TBs that no one else is bidding for to step right in the lineup. 

They just lost a WR to foot surgery who had transferred in from Troy and was an immediate starter. He won't be back for the first part of the season, if any of it. They also lack a WR1 on campus and need one of those to magically drop in for them as well.

They don't think they need help at TE but the staff also doesn't see a TE1 on the roster. 

They don't have a functioning C and will be begging someone to join them at that spot, otherwise they're reliant on a completely disengaged Bryce Foster or someone worse. They're "loaded" with guys on the IOL, but Karels seems to be unaware that quantity is completely irrelevant if quality is non-existent.

Interesting that Bison Tits (who started 12 games at right tackle last season) is listed amongst the interior lineman, but isn't even mentioned as a possible contributor.

*edit* Ah, I see that Tarp has a writeup on him and his prospects at Guard this season.

Edited April 15 by Hornlover

[Pato del Muerto 52114]

So the guy that posted a blutarsky pff rating one game at RT when he went in because bison tits was a turnstile now in producing some dominant reps against the aggy DL?

love the aggy speak about bison tits playing out of position last year, after insisting all through his recruitment year and first year on campus that he is a true tackle and was starting there because he was just too good to keep off the field. 
 

Now they he’s a guard, he was never a tackle. 

Edited April 15 by Pato del Muerto

[Burt Macklin 18964]

2 hours ago, closetojumping said:

Regarding their current outlook for starting OL, it's really, really grim over there. Holy shit, from Tarp:

I've provided some thoughts on Texas A&M's offensive tackles but focused primarily on them as players. Now, here are some takes on the offensive line this spring as a whole (the following is solely a product of my thought process).

1. You're going to have at least five starting caliber guys for the five spots up front. Your questions are more about who's going to play as opposed to can so and so be an adequate player at a particular position.

2. A lineup of Trey Zuhn (left side) and Dametrious Crownover (right side) at tackle, Chase Bisontis and Armaj Reed-Adams at guard, and Mark Nabou at center makes a lot of sense for multiple reasons going into the spring game (this isn't necessarily a projection for the season opener…we've got a long way to go before then).

3. Zuhn is experienced and has a nice kick step to stay with people on the edge. He's got to deal with people getting their hands into his chest but he's gradually improved that aspect of his game as he's gotten bigger and more experienced. Crownover offers a lot of potential and is probably the best pure athlete up front. He has dominant reps when everything works for him and that's something that everyone seems to be attracted to. However, he has to reduce the problematic reps and individual games, particularly in terms of his usage rate.

4. Bisontis is a big guy with a quick first step. He looks good on initial contact and his legs keep churning to sustain his advantage. Playing between people and getting help in pass pro will enable him to avoid the "play in space with no help" scenarios he faced far too often in 2023 as a converted guard on the edge (and he was a true freshman to boot). Reed-Adams is a massive guy and he's got quite a few starts under his belt. The trick for him will be dealing with quicker players on the interior since (like Bisontis) you're not going to run over him in pass pro.

5. Nabou is solid on the inside as the pivot man. He doesn't seem to struggle with snaps, and he can be very physical. He is another guy that you're not going to run over. The trick for him will be getting off of the ball, keeping his feet moving, and getting his hand placement going.

6. Beyond what I think would be the first five, there's still generally a lot of people trying to reconcile themselves to a new campus or offensive scheme, gaining experience as youngsters, in track, or dealing with injuries (either from the spring or last season). 

7. I think that Reuben Fatheree is an exception to all of the above, I like him just fine, and I could be wrong, but we'll see.

----

To translate, they have Crownover and Bisontis starting and neither guy has any film that can be viewed positively. They have a guy at C that was trampled repeatedly last season. Reuben Fatheree is their offensive line's MacGuffin. 

The part that cracks me up about all of this is I’ve seen a lot of national media lazily approve of the Colin Klein hire without giving it much more thought.  Klein took over a top 20 offense under a HC with a clearly-defined offensive scheme that he continued to run while adding in some more QB run game. 
 

He didn’t improve the offense; he merely kept it going at top-20ish for 2 more years, while inheriting a top 10-15 OL room in the country full of 4th and 5th year guys. 
 

Now, he has a total mess at OL that is not going to be able to win with the power run game, and a QB made of glass that he can’t default to running if he wants to make it past game 3 of the season. Klein could end up being a good OC, but he’s a big question at this point. This season is going to make him adapt in ways he’s never had to before, who knows if it will work out. Or he could choose not to adapt, like most college coaches, and fail miserably. Either way, I’m looking forward to it. 

[billfromlaketravis 11291]

Foster skipping spring ball for the third year in a row is pretty, pretty good. 

[Elmer_Fudd 22022]

Gerry said Zion Williams didn't make it to LSU's spring game.

[Bevo14 8196]

6 minutes ago, Elmer_Fudd said:

Gerry said Zion Williams didn't make it to LSU's spring game.

[Leanderman 2233]

"Nabou is solid on the inside as the pivot man"

I am sure you could find quite a few pivot men in gomersville?

[Delta Charlie 149]

33 minutes ago, Leanderman said:

"Nabou is solid on the inside as the pivot man"

I am sure you could find quite a few pivot men in gomersville?

[texifornia 56028]

10am Portal entries:

DB Jacoby Matthews

DB Sam McCall

LB Alex Howard

[BurntOrange&White 38889]

8 minutes ago, texifornia said:

10am Portal entries:

DB Jacoby Matthews

DB Sam McCall

LB Alex Howard

What are they at numbers wise? They're well below 85 right?

[UncleSonny 6460]

2 minutes ago, BurntOrange&White said:

What are they at numbers wise? They're well below 85 right?

Over, I think Tarp said 90 yesterday. They ended up taking like 21 portal players. 

[BigHornedLurker 1883]

21 hours ago, closetojumping said:

@Dennis Taylor, I think, is a family friend. If not him another handle like his, dammit. Anyway, the last update was that the player is a redass and going nowhere, but that was months ago.

i don't doubt it, but between a shit oline and being made of glass he literally may not make it to the beginning of the season 

[closetojumping 62010]

Karels posted his follow-up to the article about portal needs for ATM, this time covering the defense. This one also has some really good shit in it. Spoilered for idiots who don't like articles with more than 200 words:

Spoiler

Earlier this offseason, Texas A&M hammered the NCAA Transfer Portal to fill several holes on its roster. Look for the Aggies to remain active during the spring window for the transfer portal, which begins Tuesday and ends April 30.

During the winter transfer portal window (Dec. 4, 2023-Jan. 2, 2024), A&M lost 18 scholarship players. 247Sports previously reported that two other scholarship players, safety Jacoby Mathews and Sam McCall, are expected to transfer out of the program during the spring portal window. Additionally, linebacker Alex Howard announced Monday that he plans to enter the portal this spring.

The Aggies have replaced them with 23 scholarship transfers (excluding Howard, who joined them in the winter portal window): four cornerbacks, three safeties, three defensive ends, three offensive linemen, one linebacker, one defensive tackle, two wide receivers, two tight ends, one nickel cornerback, one running back, one punter and a kicker. Their transfer class ranks second nationally, per 247Sports.

Those subtractions (including Mathews, McCall and Howard) and additions have brought them to a projected scholarship count of 89 players for the fall. Per NCAA rules, A&M will not need to satisfy the 85-scholarship limit until the first day of its fall semester.

Ahead of the upcoming transfer window, here is the conclusion of a two-part series assessing how much each Aggie position group needs to add players from the portal. Every unit will be examined by their level of need, receiving a grade of very low, low, medium, high or very high.

Here is a look at the defense, while part one can be found here. 

 

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Position inventory: Fifth-year senior Rodas Johnson, redshirt junior Albert Regis, redshirt sophomore Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, sophomore DJ Hicks, redshirt freshmen Jadon Scarlett and Samu Taumanupepe and true freshman Dealyn Evans.

How big of a need: High.

Analysis: Following last season, the Aggie defensive tackle group took a major hit. They lost McKinnley Jackson, their top player from the unit, to the NFL Draft. Their other starting defensive tackle, Walter Nolen, and top backup Isaiah Raikes entered the portal before landing at Ole Miss and USC, respectively. A&M now needs to hope that a few unproven players will step up in increased roles.

The Aggies not only could use a more proven defensive tackle from the portal. They also need someone with a massive frame. Only two of their defensive tackles are listed above 300 pounds: Taumanupepe (6-3, 380) and Regis (6-2, 325). Taumanupepe played only two defensive snaps last season and still looks at least a year away from making a legitimate impact. Regis brings significant experience as a backup but has started only two games in his career.

 

DEFENSIVE END

Position inventory: Fifth-year senior Josh Celiscar, senior Shemar Turner, redshirt junior Cashius Howell, juniors Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, Enai White and Malick Sylla, sophomore Rylan Kennedy, and true freshmen Solomon Williams and Kendall Jackson.

How big of a need: Very low.

Analysis: The Aggies have to feel supremely confident about their defensive end unit. It is by far their most talented group. Scourton, who transferred from Purdue to A&M following last season, and Turner were second-team all-conference players in the Big Ten and SEC in 2023, respectively. At Bowling Green last season, Howell tied for the most sacks in the MAC with 9.5 and received third-team all-conference honors. Turner has been recovering from an injury this spring, but Scourton and Howell have looked the part in practice.

The depth behind those players looks solid, too. Celiscar, who spent his first four seasons at UCF, brings significant experience and proven production. Stewart, White and Sylla were highly touted recruits who have held their own in their opportunities as backups. Kennedy might be a year away but has a lot of promise. Williams and Jackson are probably redshirt candidates but were highly productive as recruits.

 

LINEBACKER

Position inventory: Redshirt junior Scooby Williams, junior Martrell Harris Jr., sophomores Taurean York, Chantz Johnson and Daymion Sanford, and true freshmen Tristan Jernigan and Jordan Lockhart.

How big of a need: Medium.

Analysis: The best player for the Aggies last season, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, left a major void with this group when declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. However, their best returning linebacker, York, played well in a starting role as a true freshman last season. He should help prevent them from being completely lost without Cooper.

Which linebacker will become the starter next to York, though, remains the question. Based on what we have heard and seen this spring, Sanford seems like the favorite to secure that spot. Williams, who transferred from Florida to A&M in January, left a lot to be desired as a starter last season and has not shown enough this spring to inspire confidence. 

While York-Sanford looks like the duo of the future for the Aggies, they still could use some portal help at linebacker. A&M lacks a proven linebacker beyond York and would benefit from adding experience and depth to the unit.

 

CORNERBACK/NICKEL

Position inventory: Fifth-year senior Jaydon Hill, seniors Tyreek Chappell and BJ Mayes, juniors Will Lee III and Donovan Saunders, redshirt sophomore Bobby Taylor, sophomores Jayvon Thomas and Bravion Rogers, redshirt freshman Dezz Ricks and true freshman Terry Bussey.

How big of a need: Low.

Analysis: Last December, the Aggies badly needed to improve this group. They addressed that issue through the portal, adding Hill, Mayes, Lee, Saunders and Ricks. A&M also signed the vaunted Bussey to their 2024 high school recruiting class.

Lee and Mayes have made a solid first impression this spring. Ricks, a former five-star recruit in the 2023 class, brings intriguing potential but has missed most of the spring with an injury. Chappell, who is a three-year starter for the Aggies, has split time between cornerback and nickel. If A&M does not ultimately start Chappell at nickel, Hill seems like the favorite to secure that role and has the talent to hold his own.

Depending on who leaves during the spring portal window, this group could become a "medium" need. But for now, the Aggies have a lot of promising options here and decent depth.

 

SAFETY

Position inventory: Sixth-year senior Trey Jones, fifth-year senior De'Rickey Wright, juniors Bryce Anderson and Jarred Kerr, sophomores Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks, and true freshmen Myles Davis and Jordan Pride.

How big of a need: Low.

Analysis: A&M bolstered this group during the winter portal window, landing three transfers who were full-time starters elsewhere: Jones, Wright and Ratcliffe. It is worth noting, though, that there is buzz about Wright potentially backing off his verbal commitment and returning to Vanderbilt. No announcement has been made yet, so that situation will be worth monitoring.

Still, even without Wright, the Aggies are in a solid spot with their safety unit. Anderson switched from nickel to safety this offseason, and he has not seemed to make anyone second-guess that decision. It would be surprising if Anderson does not secure a starting role.

Like its linebacker group, A&M has a starting safety spot next to Anderson that seems to be up for grabs. Though Brooks still needs to put it all together, he might have the highest ceiling out of any safety on the Aggie roster. Jones has been limited with an injury this spring, but at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, he gives A&M a big, physical option. The 6-3, 210-pound Ratcliffe brings impressive length and range.

The net-net is that things look grim at LB, but it is apparently a low portal need due to a bunch of bodies on campus that are breathing and claim to play LB. 

Things also look grim at S with the exception of Anderson. No one has differentiated in performance next to him and the most likely guy to start there, Dalton Brooks, is admittedly "a year away" and it would be preferable for him to get more time to develop. 

They also don't have a NT that is providing any confidence. The giant fatass from Houston of PI descent is getting rolled off the ball and has conditioning issues. Again, "he's still a year away". 

They are loaded at E and yet still took another portal guy. He hints at attrition at this spot. 

The Vandy S who is actually decent is still rumored to be heading back to Vandy. 

They'd add multiple players on defense from the portal without hesitation, after adding 24 (and already losing one of them) in December. 

[SimkinsMan 4255]

I'm eager to hear from the ags about how the SEC is a line-of-scrimmage league when they roll out garbage at the OL and on the interior of the DL. 

[Vermin 3040]

Quote

Taumanupepe (6-3, 380)

If you thought Byron Washington had weight problems...yikes.

[texifornia 56028]

Doors opening doors closing

 

[Elmer_Fudd 22022]

3* OL from Prosper.  Visited for our Jr Day and Flood took a pass.

 

[Elmer_Fudd 22022]

EDIT on above post, looks like he does have a Texas offer.

[HenryJames 65562]

Sure he does.

[Tree Fidy 1196]

On 4/15/2024 at 1:27 PM, BigHornedLurker said:

I maintain that I will be surprised if Weigman plays another down of Aggie Football 

Word is that rehab went well and he is a full participant for practice well ahead of the other QB's for the starting position.  The question is not whether or not he will play another down (he will), but rather how long he will survive behind that O line.

[RomaVicta 29589]

17 hours ago, Tree Fidy said:

Word is that rehab went well and he is a full participant for practice well ahead of the other QB's for the starting position.  The question is not whether or not he will play another down (he will), but rather how long he will survive behind that O line.

I think an Aggie source that @closetojumping quoted stated that his ankle is still healing which was raising questions about who might start. In fact, as I think about it, I believe it was the head coach himself who said this. Further, medical professionals on this board described how serious the injury and that you don't know if it will heal all the way until it actually does.

I'm not saying Weigman's prospects are dire, but I don't believe they're as assured as you write.

[closetojumping 62010]

37 minutes ago, RomaVicta said:

I think an Aggie source that @closetojumping quoted stated that his ankle is still healing which was raising questions about who might start. In fact, as I think about it, I believe it was the head coach himself who said this. Further, medical professionals on this board described how serious the injury and that you don't know if it will heal all the way until it actually does.

I'm not saying Weigman's prospects are dire, but I don't believe they're as assured as you write.

Based on what they're reporting from post practice interviews with The Elk, this is correct. Apparently he cannot go full speed all of the time and he hasn't separated from the other guys who are able to go full throttle. I viewed it as The Elk trying to prod Weigman out of his perceived goldbricking.

[Ricky's one-hitter 9071]

They just can't stop assaulting women over there

 

 

[cafe society 2831]

6 hours ago, RomaVicta said:

I think an Aggie source that @closetojumping quoted stated that his ankle is still healing which was raising questions about who might start. In fact, as I think about it, I believe it was the head coach himself who said this. Further, medical professionals on this board described how serious the injury and that you don't know if it will heal all the way until it actually does.

I'm not saying Weigman's prospects are dire, but I don't believe they're as assured as you write.

Tree Fiddy, along with Dennis Taylor, is a friend of the family.  Or so I've been led to believe.

[Pato del Muerto 52114]

I’ve seen a lot of ankles, dude. This guy runs. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. 

[Elmer_Fudd 22022]

On 4/17/2024 at 4:02 PM, Elmer_Fudd said:

3* OL from Prosper.  Visited for our Jr Day and Flood took a pass.

 

This guy just committed.  These are the three OL commits they have so far.  All in-state.

https://www.on3.com/db/marcus-garcia-238048/

https://www.on3.com/db/connor-carty-181006/

https://www.on3.com/db/joshua-moses-154633/

Edited April 18 by Elmer_Fudd

[texifornia 56028]

27 minutes ago, Elmer_Fudd said:

This guy just committed.  These are the three OL commits they have so far.  All in-state.

https://www.on3.com/db/marcus-garcia-238048/

https://www.on3.com/db/connor-carty-181006/

https://www.on3.com/db/joshua-moses-154633/

They'll be competitive with Tech in no time at this rate 

[deech 2234]

7 minutes ago, texifornia said:

They'll be competitive with Tech in no time at this rate 

Solid start then by Elko then to start to close that gap quickly.

[closetojumping 62010]

21 minutes ago, texifornia said:

They'll be competitive with Tech in no time at this rate 

 

11 minutes ago, deech said:

Solid start then by Elko then to start to close that gap quickly.

It’s funny watching their posters, who you can tell most of them know it’s bullshit, tout Texas’ interest and “offers” with all 3 of those players. It’s kind of grim watching them discuss recruiting, but also very satisfying. 

[Elmer_Fudd 22022]

4 hours ago, closetojumping said:

 

It’s funny watching their posters, who you can tell most of them know it’s bullshit, tout Texas’ interest and “offers” with all 3 of those players. It’s kind of grim watching them discuss recruiting, but also very satisfying. 

Five of the eight aggy commits are 3*'s on 247.  Gotta' love Rivals giving Rink and Riggins a big boost to get to a composite 4*.  Whoop!

[Cairn Horn88 8089]

On 4/15/2024 at 12:25 PM, hook me said:

That offensive depth chart is just an embarrassment of riches.

[nnm 35669]

14 hours ago, texifornia said:

They'll be competitive with Tech in no time at this rate 

[Tree Fidy 1196]

19 hours ago, cafe society said:

Tree Fiddy, along with Dennis Taylor, is a friend of the family.  Or so I've been led to believe.

I am happy to tell you what I know and why…so you can be happy to believe whatever you would like. I did my undergrad at SHSU (MBA @ UT) and am a fraternity brother of Conner’s dad. I could call him and he would answer, but I am not at that point in my life where I need  this drama. What I CAN tell you is that his dad is a solid dude and would never make excuses for injury, or allow his son to do so.  Believe what you want but be careful with your passive aggressive bullshit post.  

[cafe society 2831]

50 minutes ago, Tree Fidy said:

I am happy to tell you what I know and why…so you can be happy to believe whatever you would like. I did my undergrad at SHSU (MBA @ UT) and am a fraternity brother of Conner’s dad. I could call him and he would answer, but I am not at that point in my life where I need  this drama. What I CAN tell you is that his dad is a solid dude and would never make excuses for injury, or allow his son to do so.  Believe what you want but be careful with your passive aggressive bullshit post.  

I certainly didn't intend any passive aggression or offense.  I was responding to Roma's post which ran counter to yours.  Wasn't casting aspersions, quite the contrary.

[irishtexan 11414]

1 hour ago, Tree Fidy said:

 Believe what you want but be careful with your passive aggressive bullshit post.  

Duuuuude. Chill

[Foosters 17638]

1 hour ago, Tree Fidy said:

I am happy to tell you what I know and why…so you can be happy to believe whatever you would like. I did my undergrad at SHSU (MBA @ UT) and am a fraternity brother of Conner’s dad. I could call him and he would answer, but I am not at that point in my life where I need  this drama. What I CAN tell you is that his dad is a solid dude and would never make excuses for injury, or allow his son to do so.  Believe what you want but be careful with your passive aggressive bullshit post.  

[Fondren & Main 6597]

28 minutes ago, irishtexan said:

Duuuuude. Chill

This is why pot needs to be legal in Texas.  Cut down on that hostility, maaaan!

[Schulz2.0 28652]

[Park Gothic 4896]

[BurntOrange&White 38889]

Conner is a pussy.

[Tree Fidy 1196]

1 hour ago, cafe society said:

I certainly didn't intend any passive aggression or offense.  I was responding to Roma's post which ran counter to yours.  Wasn't casting aspersions, quite the contrary.

Fair enough…my bad for taking every response as if it came from the dipshit, @BurntOrange&White,  who is consistently more wrong than a broken clock.   

Edited April 19 by Tree Fidy

[BurntOrange&White 38889]

3 minutes ago, Tree Fidy said:

Fair enough…my bad for taking every response as if it came from the Burnt Orange and White 

Call Conner's dad and let him know you're a giant fucking pussy.