Texas A&M Football: Can King carry the Aggies to a successful 2022?
By Shelbie Warr
The Aggie Defense: A Major Overhaul and a Freshman Invasion Incoming
On defense, the Ags lost a bunch- especially across the defensive line. Losing guys like DeMarvin Leal, Jayden Peevy, Tyree Johnson, and Michael Clemons is a big thing to overcome.
However, they have some big names coming in and filling those holes that are ready and willing to be starters whenever Jimbo calls their number, and for some, that may be next Saturday against Sam Houston State. Guys like Walter Nolen — the highest-rated recruit to hit Aggieland since the likes of Myles Garrett- cannot be kept off the field.
McKinnley Jackson is a 325-pound wall on the interior, true sophomore Shemar Turner is a stud as is Isaiah Raikes, and Tunmise Adeleye and Fadil Diggs have the ability to shine as defensive ends, but let’s be real here- the invasion of freshmen is coming. It starts with Nolan but ends with Shemar Stewart, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, Anthony Lucas, and Lebbeus Overton.
Now, for the linebackers, there just isn’t enough love being given here. Andre White is a rising senior who has seen action in almost every game of his college career and had 57 tackles last season. Edgerrin Cooper is a redshirt sophomore but can get all over the field in a hurry. Add in Ish Harris and Martrell Harris Jr and this could be a solid group.
The secondary is where I have most of my questions. There are a lot of people who are comfortable with the Aggie secondary as it is where most of the talent is returning. Guys like super-senior Myles Jones, Jaylon Jones, and Tyreek Chappell at corner, and Antonio Johnson and Demani Richardson at safety are strong players in their own right. Then there are additions from that star-studded freshman class: corners Bobby Taylor and Denver Harris and safeties Jacoby Mathews, Smoke Bouie, and Bryce Anderson.
This was a decent unit last year unless you look at the losses to LSU and Arkansas where big plays were hit that changed the game in a hurry. This unit did have 10 picks last year and only allowed 13 touchdown passes and looks to get better, but until I see the consistent play from start to finish of the season, I can’t rule out my questions.