2008 OUTLOOK: Texas A&M returns the fewest starters of any program in the Big 12, but since the Aggies are rebuilding under new coach Mike Sherman, the lack of experience may not be so critical. Several Aggies were switched to new positions during spring drills as Sherman attempted to get a read on the existing talent. He managed to instill his own disciplinary measures in short order. Still, the transition to the college game after spending the past 11 seasons in the NFL could be tricky at first within the rugged Big 12 South. The Aggies probably won't contend, but could reach the postseason.
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE Although he will restrict one of his most popular players by moving FB Jorvorskie Lane, Sherman is hoping to capitalize on the talents of speedy RB Mike Goodson by making him the featured back. QB Stephen McGee returns for his senior season and is capable of running a diverse attack, though Sherman spurred competition during spring camp by promoting QB Jerrod Johnson and refusing to name a starter. The Aggies could rely heavier on Goodson if new targets don't emerge among the receiving corps.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE The hiring of Joe Kines as coordinator is considered a strong addition to the Aggies' staff, though his work begins with inserting five new starters into the front seven. Existing candidates need some work considering that A&M allowed 161 yards rushing per game last season. Re-establishing the Wreckin' Crew is one of the primary goals for the new A&M staff, though inexperience could limit any progress in the offensive-minded Big 12.
SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS The top returning punter in the Big 12, Jason Brantley, leads the A&M special teams after averaging 42.9 yards last season. The Aggies also return PK Matt Szymanski, though he was inconsistent on field goals, making 14 of 24 last season.
ROSTER REPORT
--TE Jamie McCoy moved to the new position because the Aggies lacked depth at that spot. The former quarterback showed good hands and benefited from his knowledge of the game after spending time behind center. A longtime defender, Billy Chavis also received some looks at tight end during spring drills.
--FB Jorvorskie Lane was held out of a spring scrimmage with neck and head issues, then missed the spring game with an illness. LB Von Miller and DT Paul Freeney also missed the game because of what Sherman described as "personal issues."
--After missing the Alamo Bowl for academic reasons and then participating part-time in spring drills, DE Michael Bennett played in the spring game.
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i took a gander at the preseason polls for next year and here's what i noticed...
Big XII has 6 teams in top 25... 5 in top 10! (Missouri squeezed it's way up past Kansas... which i think is pretty funny)
Texas Tech made an appearance at 22, and i don't remember the last time that they were ranked preseason... at least not the last two years i thi
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It seems that J-Train has been having some weight issues this offseason and since he was unable to get his weight down Sherman has moved him to FB. This helps out the offense because now Goodson will be the feature back and while he doesnt move the chains like J-Train does he gives us a different style of runner coming out of the backfield. He's much more dynamic and explosive than Lane is
Only UT had more Draft picks in the entire Big12 with 7.
I think that is the first time in the Leach era not to have a Tech player drafted...... But since we have 19 of 22 starters back in 2008, that is good for us in the long run.:)
the more TAMU guys that get drafted the better for us.:)
It will be great to see a pro style offense at A&M. The option days are over and that is great news for Mike Goodson. We really need a great receiver with speed but having two good running backs will hide that weakness a bit. Sherman is a hard nosed coach that will get the team on a winning track. It still remains to be seen how good the defense will be but they improved greatly last yea
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Hey, do any of you guys know when the spring practices/games are? I would like to go up and see some. I know about the big spring game and unfortunately I wont be able to go to that but I heard there was some type of scrimmage the week before. Is this correct? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Gig 'em!
Just read an article on Aggieathletics.com reporting a deal between Texas A&M and Arkansas to play each other for 10 years starting October 3, 2009 at the Dallas Cowboys new stadium with the Razorbacks being the home team on odd years and the Aggies the home team on even years. I can't wait to go see these games, with my wife being from Arkansas and me being a lifetim
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