Cameron Ohnysty
August 20, 2024 5:24 pm CT
finished the 2024 fall practice period this weekend after wrapping up the final scrimmage on Sunday afternoon inside Kyle Field, which will host the 7th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish to open the season on Saturday, August 31.
Considering everything we have witnessed over the past month, evaluating this team’s strengths and weaknesses is becoming easier. Defensively, head coach Mike Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman have continued to praise A&M’s defensive line, which is by far the deepest unit on the team.
However, after adding nearly a dozen new veteran cornerbacks and safeties from the transfer portal, the secondary also looks improved. During Jimbo Fisher’s final season with the program, The Aggie secondary was readily exposed due to a lack of size and, most importantly, depth. With cornerback Tyreek Chappell returning, the cornerback room is as talented as it is deep, as former Alabama CB Dezz Ricks has also impressed the coaching staff this month.
With just 11 days before facing the Fighting Irish, here is Texas A&M’s projected two-deep defensive depth chart.
Defensive End
Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Nic Scourton
Projected Backup: Cashius Howell
Contending names: Malick Sylla, Solomon Williams
Analysis: Nic Scourton enters an Aggie defensive line needing a consistent force on the edge, and after recording ten sacks during his final season with Purdue, he more than looks the part. Former Bowling Green pass rusher Cashius Howell has been praised this offseason for his versatility and underrated athleticism.
Nose Tackle
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: DJ Hicks
Projected Backup: Albert Regis
Contending names: Samu Taumanupepe
Analysis: This is a tough one to pin down as former 5-star prospect DJ Hicks gets the nod on our end to earn the starting spot, but veteran tackle Albert Regis is right there with him. However, both players are expected to rotate throughout the season.
Defensive Tackle
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Projected Starter: Shemar Turner
Projected Backup: Rodas Johnson
Contending names: Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy
Analysis: Shemar Turner’s full-time move to defensive tackle was the right move when considering his NFL future, and after landing DL Rodas Johnson from the portal this offseason, Elko and Bateman can now deploy former 5-star prospect Gabe Dindy whenever Turner or Johnson need a breather.
Defensive End
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Projected Starter: Shemar Stewart
Projected Backup: Rylan Kennedy
Contending names: Josh Celiscar, Kendall Jackson
Analysis: Again, A&M’s defensive end depth is simply unbeatable, as junior Shemar Stewart is primed for a breakout season, and after a strong fall camp, sophom*ore DE Rylan Kennedy possesses borderline elite traits as a pass rusher after adding more muscle mass this offseason.
Middle (Mike) Linebacker
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Projected Starter: Taurean York
Projected Backup: Scooby Williams
Contending names: Jordan Lockhart, Martrell Harris
Analysis: Taurean York is Texas A&M’s starting middle linebacker this season and beyond, but who will play behind him has been a lingering question this fall. Right now, former Florida LB Scooby Williams, competing for the starting WILL backer spot, looks like the best option if he were to lose the starting battle.
WILL Linebacker
Kimberly Moss-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Solomon DeSheilds
Projected Backup: Daymion Sanford
Contending names: Tristan Jernigan, Chantz Johnson
Analysis: Right now, former Pitt linebacker Solomon DeSheilds looks like the leader to win the starting WILL position due to his closing speed and past production, but don’t ignore sophom*ore backer Daymion Sanford, who has impressed as a coverage backer with plenty of juice.
Nickel
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Tyreek Chappell
Projected Backup: Jaydon Hill
Contending names: Bravion Rogers
Analysis: Tyreek Chappell’s move to nickel isn’t surprising as the senior spilled the means during last weekend’s press conference, noting his comfort after playing outside for most of his Aggie career. Former Florida CB Jaydon Hill and sophom*ore Bravion Rogers offer substantial depth inside.
Cornerback
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Will Lee II
Projected Backup: Jayvon Thomas
Contending names: Donovan Saunders
Analysis: Will Lee III has seemingly been one of Texas A&M’s starting cornerbacks since day one, impressing the coaching staff since he arrived on campus. Behind him, sophom*ore CB Jayvon Thomas has continued progressing after being thrown into the fire last season.
Free Safety
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Projected Starter: Bryce Anderson
Projected Backup: Marcus Ratcliffe
Contending names: Jared Kerr
Analysis: Bryce Anderson is back at safety under Elko’s regime, while former San Diego State safety Marcus Ratcliffe looks like the future while providing substantial depth to a key position in the Aggie defense.
Strong Safety
OSU’s Braydon Johnson (8) catches a pass as Central Michigan’s Trey Jones (3) and Rolliann Sturkey (37) defend in the first quarter.
Projected Starter: Trey Jones
Projected Backup: Dalton Brooks
Contending names: Myles Davis
Analysis: Another battle that could come down to the final days before the season opener, but right now, former Central Michigan safety Trey Jones looks like the front-runner. However, sophom*ore safety Dalton Brooks brings elevated athleticism and ball skills, so expect both players to see substantial play time.
Cornerback
Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Dezz Ricks
Projected Backup: BJ Mayes
Contending names: Donovan Saunders
Analysis: This one’s a toss-up. Former Alabama cornerback Dezz Ricks was recently praised by defensive coordinator Jay Bateman last weekend as a standout defender with elite traits. Conversely, BJ Mayes is a proven veteran who plays with a high motor while possessing ball skills and thriving in man coverage, so you can easily flip the two once the official roster is released.
