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Texas A&M Football: Top 5 spring 2019 storylines to follow

By Shelbie Warr

COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 13: Charles Oliver #21 of the Texas A&M Aggies intercpets a pass intended for Josh Vann #6 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 13: Charles Oliver #21 of the Texas A&M Aggies intercpets a pass intended for Josh Vann #6 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: Kingsley Keke #8 of Texas A&M football reacts after a sack against Ty Storey #4 of the Arkansas Razorbacks during Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: Kingsley Keke #8 of Texas A&M football reacts after a sack against Ty Storey #4 of the Arkansas Razorbacks during Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

4. How will this team replace departing defenders?

Texas A&M is losing quite a bit this season to the draft, but the majority of them are on the defensive side of the ball. The Aggies lose Daylon Mack, Kinsgley Keke and Landis Durham on the line, Tyrel Dodson and Otaro Alaka at linebacker and Donovan Wilson at safety.

So, what’s the big story line here? Well, it is all on Mike Elko to replace what he lost — those big-name upperclassmen who led his defense to what it was just a season ago, and figure out who is going to fit into those holes left behind.

Let’s start with the line, where the Aggies have lost Daylon Mack, Kingsley Keke and Landis Durham. Right now, it would be interesting to follow Justin Madubuike. He showed a lot of promise late in the season during 2018, and will be the go-to guy on the line for the Aggies. You should also follow Michael Clemons, the guy who may finally get to break through after losing all of 2018 to injury.

With the linebackers, it’ll be about some guys that are coming back from injury — namely Anthony Hines III and Ikenna Okeke. However, Buddy Johnson, who shined in 2018, will be that third guy at linebacker that can really shine and become a household name in the upcoming season.

Wilson, the fifth year senior, will finally be heading out of Aggieland and that leaves the door open for Leon O’ Neal to become the focus of the secondary — which I’m sure he will. However, give credit to Derrick Tucker who may return to his freshman form during his junior season in 2019.