Texas A&M Season Preview: Laying The Foundation

In the late 80s and 90s, the Texas A&M was a fixture in the Top 20, on its way to the Top 10, widely known for its speedy, hard-hitting ‘Wrecking Crew’ defenses.  But this is a program that has yet to recover from the arrival of Mack Brown, Bob Stoops and the resurgence of LSU.

Second-year coach Mike Sherman’s challenge is to break that cycle and return A&M to a serious player in the Big 12 and on the national scene.

The infrastructure of perennial Top 10 program is in place. Texas A&M’s resources, recruiting base, facilities and fans are on par or better than many of the best teams in the country. The 2009 season will continue to test the patience of a loyal, but frustrated fan-base, as Sherman and his staff build a foundation for the future.

The 2009 Aggies will be better than the 2008 squad but will need some luck and some breaks along the way to earn a bowl bid.  Consistent with any coaching change, the Aggies suffered some attrition over the off-season as several players left the program.  Though the losses were not significant terms of production, the Aggies will lose some experience and depth across the board.

The good news for Aggie fans is that Sherman appears to have made the adjustment NFL Head Coach / General Manager back to a college recruiter.  Better news is that Sherman’s recruiting philosophy appears to be speed, speed, and more speed—the penchant of the Aggie defenses of the late 80’s and 90’s.  Expect to see several true freshmen to see the field this fall as the Aggies build for the future. 

Offense
A&M will be in the second year of Sherman’s west coast offense.  Success in 2009 will depend on the improvement of the OL.  The Aggies suffered through the 2008 season with a lack of talent, experience and depth.  As the season unfolded, the already out-manned unit was decimated by injuries and lack of bodies and was one of the worst in the Big 12.

Candidly, the best Aggie fans can hope for in 2009 is an average OL, as three starters return from the 2008 squad in C Kevin Matthews, RT Lee Grimes and LG Michael Shumard.  Until the younger offensive linemen develop and better recruiting takes hold, Sherman and offensive coordinator Nolan Cromwell are doing everything they can to manufacture productivity for the OL. 

In an effort to bolster the 2009 unit, Sherman shifted productive DL Lucas Patterson (6-4, 297) to LT, and will have the services of LSU transfer RG Matt Allen (6-2, 298).  The Aggies will need some luck to keep the OL starters healthy.

At the skill positions, the Aggies are in much better shape with some budding stars, led by returning QB Jerrod Johnson, speedy RB Cyrus Gray, and WRs Jeff Fuller and Ryan Tannehill.  Fuller scored 9 TDs as a true freshman in 2008 and will be among the best WRs in the Big 12.

At RB, Gray should get most of the carries, spelled by the talented-but-fumble-prone Bradley Stephens when Gray needs a breather.  Aggie fans can also look for nationally-ranked freshman RB Christine Michael to see the field in 2009. At TE, Jamie McCoy will be utilized more for his pass-catching abilities, while red shirt freshman K.J. Williams and potentially true freshman Hutson Prioleau will see playing time.

Defense
The A&M defense will be led by DE/LB Von Miller, SS Trent Hunter and CB Terrance Frederick.  Hunter and Frederick played well as true freshmen and emerged as leaders on a defensive unit in dire need of a shot of adrenaline.  From all accounts, Miller has taken his game to a new level over the off-season and may contend for post-season honors.  Jordan Pugh has returned to FS after a stint at CB and has playmaking ability.  With a secondary short on quality depth, look for one or two true freshmen to see the field this fall.

At linebacker, the Aggies are still searching for speed and playmakers.  Look for three new starters at LB this year in Garrick Williams, Ricky Cavanaugh and possibly Kyle Mangan.  Junior MLB Anthony Lewis came to A&M as a highly sought-after blue chip LB but has yet to live up to expectations. Mangan and Lewis are battling for the first team spot going into fall practice.

The DL will feature Miller, Tony Jerod-Eddie and Eddie Brown.  Jerod-Eddie and Eddie Brown played well as true freshmen in 2008.  But quality depth will be an issue at both LB and DL units.  Expect highly-recruited freshman LB Jonathan Stewart along with up to two or more true freshmen to see the field.

Developing Story
Ryan Tannehill became a WR due to a lack of consistency from the Aggies wide outs in 2008 fall practice.  As the new coaching staff recognized Aggie receivers had trouble hanging onto the ball, the third-string QB took a few snaps at WR and quickly showed he should be on the field. 

All he did was lead the Aggies with 844 receiving yards as a red shirt freshman.  Tannehill still wants a shot at QB, and Sherman has promised him he will get that opportunity in fall practice.  But he will need to make a strong and early impression, as off-season shoulder surgery in his throwing arm limited him in quarterback drills in the spring.  Should Tannehill’s signal-calling skills warrant the starting nod over Johnson or even the backup job, Sherman will have a dilemma.  He’ll need to decide to take Tannehill’s receiving threat off the field or risk playing his backup QB at WR.

Prediction: 7-5 and a Texas Bowl Appearance
Young Aggies develop in time to upset Oklahoma State at Kyle Field and avenge the embarrassing Baylor loss of 2008.