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Texas A&M Football: 5 players with most to prove in 2019

By Shelbie Warr

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 31: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks to pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the first half of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 31: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks to pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the first half of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

I could say this applies to the entire linebacker corps, but I went with the two guys that are likely to be named starters at the linebacker position. This is probably one of the most questionable positions on the roster right now, with cornerback being the other one.

With 2018 starters Tyrel Dodson and Otaro Alaka now playing professionally, the hole is left wide open to see which players will step up to fill it.

Anthony Hines III lost all of last season to injury but now seems to be the guy to fill one of those gaping holes. In 2017, he accumulated 33 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble in 13 games — all enough to be named to the Freshman All-SEC team.

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Don’t tell Hines that he “lost” the 2018 season though. He believes that not being able to play gave him a unique perspective that he will take with him into the new season.

Buddy Johnson is a junior who seems to have one of the linebacker positions all but locked up.

In 2017, he appeared in 12 games racking up 20 tackles with a sack and three quarterback hurries.

In 2018, he once again appeared in 12 games, and recorded 27 tackles, 5.0 for loss and recovered a fumble. The numbers don’t jump off the page, but his plays came at great times and he also was sitting behind two guys who led the team in tackles.

Both of these guys have quite a bit to prove as they try to fill the shoes of Alaka and Dodson. Look for them to do just that though, mostly because they don’t have much choice in the matter. The Aggies need good linebackers and knowing Jimbo Fisher if they don’t step up, then they will be replaced.