Texas A&M Football: 5 reasons to be optimistic about 2019

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JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 31: C.J. Riley III #19 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack makes a nine-yard touchdown reception against Myles Jones #10 of the Texas A&M Aggies in the second quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. Line, secondary help is on the way — and the Aggies need it

This team had a great defensive line, led by the likes of Kingsley Keke and Landis Durham. However, with them graduating and headed off to the NFL, there is some holes to fill on this team and those holes need to be filled.

There are a few players on the roster and incoming with the 2019 class that could possibly fill those holes. Just look at Michael Clemons who will be back from injury. DeMarvin Leal- one of the highest ranked players of this class will be joining the Aggies as an early enroll. That kid is going to make a big difference.

The biggest issue for the Aggies right now is the secondary. Those spots have to be filled and this unit has to get better before 2019. The Aggies have strong linebackers and defensive backs coming in — the biggest name of which is Elijah Blades. He is a JUCO transfer out of Arizona Western College. His highlight tapes show quite a big upside and for this team to add a defensive leader with experience is a big deal.

Overall, there are eight defensive backs or linebackers in this class. Add that to Anthony Hines and Ikenna Okeke coming back from injury and losing Tyrel Dodson to the draft doesn’t seem half bad. Simply put, despite seeming thin on defense, this team is going to be okay in 2019 and we should all be optimistic about that.