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Lobwedgephil

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    Billy Liucci: We are back at it again, ladies and gentlemen. It's that time of week: Ask Liucci thread co-hosted by the one and only Gabe Bach. I'm Billy Liucci and Gabe is going to be the questioneer. You fire them off, we'll try to rip through as many as we can here in about 45 minutes. And then as the week goes on, you know, last time we did this, I was unable to get to the written questions because there was this little thing called...It was like the asteroid was coming to hit college football. And you had Billy Bob Thornton and Ben Affleck, and Bruce Willis and the crew trying to figure out how to (save it).

    Gabe Bock: LJ Johnson Jr‍: Does momentum swing our way now? What are you hearing on Haynes King?

    Billy: I'm hearing terrific things on Haynes King, starting with, for as great a prospect as he was, he's a slight build kid coming out and he's already added like 15 pounds. So that tells you two things. Number one, size isn't going to be an issue for him. He's going to be a muscled up good looking young quarterback. The other thing it tells you is how hard he's been working. He and Antonio Johnson are two guys that they've said have added about 15 since they got here. Those kids that were relatively on the lean side coming in, have already started to fill out. Again, it takes you back to what their work ethic is under Jerry Schmidt as well.

    And then Haynes King. Again, guys love him. Locker room loves him, teammates love him. He's a leader out there. I've heard the way he talks to his teammates. And you know, that battle between he and Calzada is going to be so fun to watch not only in fall camp, but especially in the spring, because I am fired the hell up about Haynes King. But I gotta be careful when I say that because I still think Zach Calzada and the way he can sling that football, you know, if it all comes together for him in year two, I mean that's a future pro right there. So it's gonna be a fun battle to watch. But yeah, as far as true freshmen coming in Haynes King, I think has been the guy that I've heard the most about in terms of just positive excitement. And that's saying something cause you've got Jaylon Jones, Demond Demas, Devon Achane; there's a lot of them. If there's a sleeper there that people aren't talking about enough on the boards, but I've been hearing a lot of buzz about it's Edgerrin Cooper. Again, I think his best football, especially with two veteran linebackers, is moving on forward, but man, he looks really good as far as a prospect in that Mike Elko front seven.

    Going back to the first part of that question there: LJ Johnson. Look , I think you gotta be on red alert right now if you're A&M and you're doing everything you can, because a lot of times when there's enough of that buzz...it's not Texas fans saying they lead for DeMarvin, they lead for Dylan Wright, they lead for Jaylon, they lead for Kenyon. It's not them saying that. The buzz was that he was getting close to committing and that he or Camar Wheaton‍ were going to pop and fall Texas' way soon. You've got to be careful. You've got to be on alert, do everything you can to keep that from happening, survive that push and then regroup.

    At the end of the day, I still like A&M chances there. I know how much they've prioritized him, being a local semi-local guy right there up the road in Cypress and how good he is and the need there. So yeah, I do think A&M's got staying power, but they need to survive this surge by Texas. And there was no doubt a surge by the Longhorns in this one, but this is one of those battles where it's like, they signed a five star last year. It's a position of need for you. You could even sell that he's the guy in your class if you had to. And the Aggies need to get some of these top 10 players in the state. I know that if you looked at probably A&M's board, I guarantee you, they think of Reuben Fatheree‍ and Eli Stowers‍ and they'd also have a guy like Deuce Harmon‍ way up there. The rankings -- to me, he might be the most disgustingly under-ranked kid in the state by the services right now. I mean, it's criminal that he's as far behind Ishmael Ibraheem‍ and the safety that's committed to Texas, those two guys. It's criminal that he's ranked behind them. And especially as far behind them as he is. He's better cornerback than Ish Ibraheem, and you can ask people that have worked with both of them over a course of years. It's not even up for discussion.

    But LJ Johnson, Bryce Foster‍, Shemar Turner‍. Maybe if you can get back in with Landon Jackson‍ as this thing goes on. What's the fight going to look like for Savion Byrd‍? Is A&M going to climb into that ring and duke it out. So these guys are important not only because they're really good prospects, but from a perception standpoint as well. But more than anything else, a guy like LJ fills a need.

    So Quinn Ewers‍' recruitment gave Texas a big hit, but losing Jalen Milroe‍...you gotta be careful with that quarterback recruiting because that pendulum can swing against you pretty quickly. And you're putting an awful lot into a kid that's not going to throw a pass for you for two years. And even then as a true freshman, he's going to have to unseat a guy that started for a whole year, whether that be Hudson Card, Ja'Quinden Jackson or the older guy. So it might be two and a half seasons before you see Quinn Ewers. And I know that'll help you with the '22 recruits. And that's something that, if A&M is sitting there not, not expecting that to play a big role and not thinking you have to counter that with momentum, then that shows a lot of naivete. And I don't think they're doing that. I think you have to really respect what just happened on that '22 landscape with them getting him. But for '21, they just lost a guy that was really damn good in Milroe. And he lost him to Bama. So now I think if you're A&M, you gotta wonder about LJ and Bama too, cause they were certainly coming after him. But right now I think the primary threat is Texas. And you've got to weather that storm. And I think he's a guy you really need to sign.

    Gabe: Any predictions on true freshmen that will have a starting job by the time the LSU game rolls around?

    Billy: I think Demond Demas is so good he works his way in there. I mean, gosh, so he's such a special talent. And if he's not, he's going to be playing a bunch. I don't think Dameyune Craig is going to play essentially three receivers all year. And I think that number is going to grow because he has too many options, too many unproven guys that you got to find out about. And then if Demas isn't well-versed enough in the offense to just throw him out there as your primary, he's gotta be like your fourth guy that's getting out there and making plays.

    So I think Jaylon Jones is the most likely in my opinion. He's got to win a job, but I think there are two cornerback spots in a nickel. I think Jaylon Jones ends up starting on that A&M defense at some point this season.

    And you know, outside of that, I really don't know where which true freshmen would start per se. I mean, I could see a lot of guys being role guys. If there's another true freshman to start, I can see Achane having a role. I could see Harris and Diggs having a role in the pass rush packages. It may be Antonio Johnson. That's crowded back there, but maybe he gets in there in a certain defensive package for him where he's a regular. You could see Moose Muhammad or Devin Price get reps. But to me, it's Jaylon Jones. I think Brian George as a JUCO has a real chance.

    But if there's a third guy outside of Jones and Demas, it actually could be one of those offensive linemen. It's not ideal. It might be because it's hard to go through full season and keep your o-line healthy, but it might be a deal where if one of those guys gets a crack, particularly on the interior they might not give up a job. You know, I think the veterans, like Hocker and McCollum have to come into camp really ready to go and ready to roll because there's some good young talent. They're not going to be there yet. But as the season wears on some of those guys like Akinola, Chris Morris, Josh Bankhead, somebody out of that group, Layden Robinson, even though he's a second year, somebody out of those four guys could surge. And if they get a shot, might not give it up.

    Gabe: It feels like Kellen needs to come out of the gate showing improvement. How big are the first four games on this schedule for Kellen Mond: Vanderbilt, at Alabama, Florida at home and at Mississippi state?

    Billy: I mean, that's a good point because you know, Kellen is indicative of the whole team. How Kellen performs is going to be...what is the o-line doing? How good is your running game against really good defenses, right out of the chute in Bama and Florida? And then on the road in Tuscaloosa, on the road at Mississippi State and a game that you might have to score a lot. So on the road, you have to be dialed in from the beginning. You can't have that slow start that we've seen Kellen get off to and some of the offenses the last two years get off to. So yeah, it's very significant. Kellen Mond is going to have to play like an All-SEC quarterback right out of the rip or it could be trouble for A&M early.

    But again, that goes back to your o-line is going to have to be a lot better. Your running game is going to have to be effective against the Bamas and Floridas, and later on down the road: LSUs and Auburns and Tennessees of the world. So we're going to learn everything we need to know early. There's no easing in. This is not easy for Kellen. It's not easy for anyone, but if Mond were to lead A&M in any form or fashion to a 3-1 start, obviously if that was a win at Bama and a loss to Florida, that might be even more impressive. Actually it would be because you'd have the head-to-head over Bama in the West, and you'd come out of those first four games controlling your own destiny in the SEC. You beat LSU and Auburn and you don't lose in between, you win the West.

    So yeah, so any form or fashion of 3-1 in those four, and not only does A&M have a very real chance to enter those last two games with a shot at something real, an SEC West title, you also have a quarterback whose name will be in the conversation for first-team All-SEC when all said and done. So that could swing wildly in either direction. There's no question about it.

    Gabe: Two-part question: Will the media have the same amount of time and attending fall workouts as in previous years? [That answer's no we're going to get zero time and I don't blame them for that.] And then will TexAgs be able to film whatever it wants during camp, or will we have to rely on 12th Man Productions?

    Billy: We're going to rely on their stuff. And that's fine. Listen, do I think in today's day and age, they take it a little too far with -- you're just dealing with all these entities outside of A&M and contracts and money. And I think they go a little too far in terms of "in house, in house, in house" versus what the media can get. And that's been a sticking point to me forever. I just feel like there's so much more promotion, especially in this NIL day that we're on the precipice of, there's so much more that these guys can get with more exposure in one-on-ones with the media and not these meaningless little gaggles. I've always had the theory that if you let each player or each media entity get a one-on-one a week or two a week, by the end of the year, all these kids have sat down with everyone. And you get to know these guys a little more. I don't think that's that difficult, but I do think there are entities that try to almost prevent that.

    It's a weird new age for us in college football. It's not just A&M-specific, but right now in this pandemic, absolutely. You've got to do what's best for the kids and the coaches and the program and all the people that work in the program. You think Alan Cannon and Marquardt and those guys need to be unnecessarily around 30 media people every day? Basically their bubble is such that -- people talk about, "Oh there's not a bubble" -- there really is because the only people really allowed at practice, I think you've got to be in this group that is tested with the team. I don't know if it's three times a week yet -- it's going to be during the season -- but two, three times a week, you've got to be almost like in that testing bubble to be able to be out there at practice. And I'm all for that. I think that's terrific. It's tremendous. There's no reason to put Jimbo Fisher in front of 30 of us. Obviously they're going to give a little distance, but why even do that when we can do this right here now? There's no reason to. They're doing the right thing.

    Gabe: And I don't think they're on an Island. I don't believe there are many schools that are allowing a bunch of media to go around practice.

    Billy: No way, no way. I was talking about prior to the pandemic, right?

    Gabe: Absolutely. Alright, prediction on 2020 team captains or do you know who the captains are? And what do you think the most improved position group will be?

    Billy: I don't know who the captains are. They might have them already. I haven't even checked, but I would assume Jhamon, Keldrick Carper, Kellen would be in that discussion. I think Buddy Johnson, Carson Green could be a guy that's in that discussion. Those would be my bets early on. If you're talking about a young guy stepping into one of those roles, I think the first name that would come up to me would be either DeMarvin Leal or Demani Richardson.

    Most improved position group, I've talked about this. I think it's going to be the secondary. It might not happen right away. You hope it does because you're playing Bama week two. But I think when Mike Elko and TJ Rushing figure out the exact proper mix back there, I think that group will be the most improved. And I think that would be pretty nice.

    Gabe: Plus if they get better off the edge, Billy, they'll automatically get better in the backend. Won't they?

    Billy: Yeah, I’ve got more of a question of if they'll get better off the edge. I think that's a bigger question, mark in my opinion.

    Gabe: Sure. #1: Bobby Brown looks trim and quick in the clips that we saw. Are you hearing the same? #2: Any talk on the other running backs that we don't talk much about Deondre Jackson, Darvon Hubbard and Earnest Crownover?

    Billy: Not yet. I mean, I think they liked the way some of those guys have worked out in the offseason, but I mean, with those guys, you're gonna have to see them. You're going to have to see them run the football and catch the ball out of the backfield and things like that. Achane has obviously turned heads with his speed and that quick twitch that he's got. Yeah, you got to see those. Those three other guys you mentioned, they’re “get the ball in their hands” type of guys. And I know they've said Crownover can catch - I believe it was Crownover they were talking about that can catch really well. That's a good thing in this offense because you know they like swinging a ball out to the backs. Yeah, I'll be very interested to hear how those guys start doing once the pads go on, and they start asking them to run between the tackles and read blocks because I think that's important. I think that's why you saw Isaiah Spiller get better as the year went on last year. I think he struggled in that department early on, started to figure it out. You saw the production go way up.

    Gabe: He also talked about Bobby Brown, just the way he looked on the camera. It was quick clips. What have you heard?

    Billy: Yeah, I mean, I think Bobby is down from what he was entering last season. I think continued hard work towards that end would help him out a lot. I still think you could probably see him, if he can get down about another 10 pounds or so, I think he'd be ideal But he's way better off than he was entering last year, and that was a must. I think he understood that and put in the work.

    Gabe: I can definitely tell that for sure. Who’s somebody that nobody's talking about that you think factors in and has key plays this season?

    Billy: Good question. I mentioned him on the radio, Gabe. I guess Jeremiah Martin is an interesting guy because no one's talking about him, right? And he has made a couple of plays. We saw him make a couple in that bowl game, and going into camp, he's probably no better than your fourth-best DE, and he's going to get pushed by some younger guys too. At 6-5, 260 pounds, and he's played quite a bit of football. We watched him out there at Kyle field as a true freshman against Clemson flashing a little bit. This is a guy that's a veteran now he's played a lot, and he looks like he's really worked hard this offseason. So he's one guy that actually jumps out to me.

    Another one on the defensive side could be an Andre White because again, you know, you don't talk about him amongst your top three linebackers with those two veterans and Hansford, but Andre White, man, he flashed some real ability last year. You watch him run and hit. And I think he's a guy that if he gets a chance to play enough, kind of like your eyes might go like that. The same with Chris Russell, who was a learning guy last year. He was never really able to just completely put it together, but give him a new coach in Santucci, you give that guy an opportunity. He's a big physical linebacker that can move. Those would be the guys I talk about on defense.

    Offensively, man, there's I can name you one of eight receivers, Gabe. So take your pick. Cause I don't know who it's going to be just like I don't think Dameyune Craig knows who it is yet, either.

    Gabe: You just mentioned five backers and didn't even mention Doyle and Cooper, and I know how high you are on Cooper. It's been years since we've talked about that many linebackers.

    Billy: Yeah. It's exciting. It's exciting what they're doing at that position, and just the front seven, man. Doyle's 250. Cooper is as big as Donell Harris. Fadil Diggs is a different build. He's taller and even bigger. Those guys are just whatever you want to call them — just call them second-level edge guys. I mean, some of them are going to have their hand down on it. People are saying, “Oh, Doyle needs to lose some weight.” He does. He got here later than anyone else, and he's 250. I think you want to get them down to about 240, if you can, before the season would be perfect. He's a true freshman. That kid's going to trim up and get back to 250. He looks like a million bucks in terms of his frame. He comes in and Schmidty or lean him up. The practices will lean him up, and then he'll build muscle on top of that. That dude, he could be a guy that you put stand up. He can run. He can move. He can diagnose. And then you can put he or Cooper or Donell Harris.

    We don't ever talk about Braedon Mowry or Fadil Diggs. Let's just call them perimeter, second-level guys. They're just stockpiling. I mean, I mentioned Russell and we mentioned Andre White. Kaci Seegars‍ is that kind of guy. So just keep getting them, Gabe. Jahzion Harris‍ is that kind of dude. Those are the guys that turn into pass rushers. They turn into guys that can play standup linebacker. They affect the game, man. That length and that range; it's just next-level stuff what they're compiling. We just not going to see it quite yet this year, but you will soon.

    Gabe: You just mentioned the receivers, and there are too many mentions to take your pick.  Your best guess at the starting wide receiving corps Week Two going into Bama. Who do you think it is?

    Billy: Week two: Ausbon, Buckley. If you go three-wide, let's say Ausbon, Buckley and that third one's tough, man. That early, I would say for now: Demas or Chapman. You might go with a veteran there and bring Demas in to make sure you get them the ball several times in the game, even against ‘Bama. But I could see like that. But it's tough, man. I didn't mention Jalen Preston, Chase Lane, Kam Brown, Dylan Wright. You know, there's so many and then the other true freshmen.

    Gabe: Who's your pick to be this year's McKinnley Jackson? A highly rated guy. An afterthought for the Aggies, and by the national services. Nobody's putting their balls out on A&M, and all of a sudden, he winds up with the Aggies.

    Billy: Well, the obvious one is Tywone Malone‍. I think A&M fans learned last year not to discount Elijah Robinson recruiting, not only a player, the position he's going to coach, but also a player from New Jersey. That's like the daily double for Elijah Robinson and Mike Elko. And then you saw what he did with McKinnley. I think fans are a little more are taking this one a little more seriously, but I would say it's Tywone Malone.

    I'm trying to think, Gabe. If you're talking about a second guy, it might be Brian Thomas‍, the wide receiver out of Louisiana. He's the No. 3 player in Louisiana. He's the No. 1 or No. 2 ranked receiver; one of the best in the country. Obviously, beating out LSU is going to be exceptionally difficult, but A&M is actually very much in that recruitment, and they've done a really nice job there. They've got some ties to him, dating all the way back to like Jimbo's days of coaching at LSU. I forget who, but there's some connections there in terms of, you know, players he's coached back in the day and stuff. That would be one. Right now, it feels like a big-time long shot, but that would be one that A&M might have some staying power with.

    If there's going to be a shocker at the end, you might circle Thomas behind the No. 1, Tywone Malone.

    Gabe: This question: I'm so excited watching that practice video makes me feel like the season's going to happen. What percent are you right now that we play some football this year?

    Billy: Right now? I would say I'm at about a 65%. And a week-plus ago, 10 days ago, I would have said 30%. I might've been down to like 20%. Yeah. Felt like the whole world was conspiring against college football at that point. So it's come a long way.

    Gabe: The second part is who will start and see the most snaps opposite Demani at the other safety spot?

    Billy: That's tough. I would start out with a mix of Carper and O'Neal. But I don't know, Gabe, I'm not prepared to answer that one. That's that's the other position along with receiver where I'm most interested is that one safety spot, because people don't realize Leon started like 10 games last year. He's actually a returning starter, you know, by any definition, Leon O'Neal is a returning starter. I know he put his name in the portal. I know that the season didn't end great for him and that hence going in the portal, but man, he's worked his ass off. You look at him, you see what he puts out there. Anybody can put their workouts out there. It's like guys, you're a college football player. You better be working out every day. Just because you have more of a mindset to put it on social media doesn't mean crap to me or anybody that really knows. But what I do know is when I look at Leon and I see what's happened to him physically, that's when you know, he's put in the work. That's what I was talking about. Like a Jeremiah Martin too. Leon's been putting in the work and it shows. He's very determined.

    But Erick Young is incredibly talented. Keldrick Carper is exceptionally dependable and reliable back there. Who's going to be this year's Roney Elam who looked so good in those first two games and then ran into the off-field stuff that derailed the season. And the year before that Deshawn Capers-Smith quietly was a big part of a tremendously improved defense. Who's going to be that guy this year that we're not really expecting to be as good as he is? It could be Keldrick Carper. So is that as a nickel dime extra defender? Is that as a starting safety opposite Demani? I don't know, but that position, man, that's a really interesting spot. It really is.

    The whole secondary; we talked about corner. Now you're talking about that second safety spot. And what about nickel? What about when you're in nickel and dime? You know, gosh, you could go experience, you could go youth, you've got Devin Morris, Clifford Chattman who has some experience there. Could you go Brian Williams, who I think is just a football player and dude? And what role do you have for a football-playing dude back there? Antonio Johnson, Bama looked at him at corner. Erick Young used to play corner. Can they man a nickel or do you go with one of those exceptionally talented corners who doesn't win a starting job? So that spot actually is the single most interesting position battle for me because that guy is going to be on the field a lot next season. And it is a starting battle as important as almost any on that defense

    Gabe: And whoever he picks is going to be awesome because he's never picked one that wasn't, I mean, we saw Morris and Chattman. They got a chance and they were good. Yeah.

    Billy: Yeah. And what bout when they put Chuck Oliver in there against South Carolina and he has six pass break-ups?

    Gabe: Exactly. Billy, any immediate rumors of the ACC pulling the plug after UNC moved to online only. Looch, Mack Brown talked today while we've been on the air and said no, it actually better helps them seal the bubble. Like they practiced today. They're fine, he said.

    Billy: No question about it. I mean, if every school in the country went online-only, your odds of playing college football go through the roof. Through the roof.Texas A&M...I think almost every player in college football that will have the option to take in person... First of all, you give any kid the option to go online in today's day and age, they're going online, whether it's football or not, I think. Second, most of these kids, because of wanting to avoid trouble and be able to play this year, are going to opt for online. If you're looking at A&M, I bet the only guys you'd find that are going to classes are the ones that they need to graduate that aren't online. So, I mean, you're talking about a very, very small percentage there.

    So yeah, I don't think the North Carolina thing hurts. I think in college football's mind, if everything was online, it'd be a better world. And don't tell me this, "Well, if kids can't be on campus..." They weren't on campus all summer. And all the teams across the country were practicing. The problem, Gabe, you saw it this weekend, it's bars, it's bars and college kids and parties. That's going to be the nightmare. That is the season-ender. If people can't rein that thing in, that's where all the fear stuff's going to come from...all the, "How can we let them do this? Look at these number of cases," and so forth.

    And everyone's just waiting. We know their names. They're waiting to say, "This team has nine positives and this team..." They just can't wait for that because likes and retweets come with it. And they're begging for that because we have created an absolute monster here in the national media through Twitter. And it is likes, retweets, stories, getting attention. And these people proving to their bosses that they, that they need, that their job is, is essential.

    Gabe: We saw it yesterday with North Carolina. It's disgusting.

    Billy: It's pathetic. It's disgusting. And then you have people like Pat Forde now coming out and they're almost like trying to ridicule back. No. We understand you want to play college football, but we also understand you want the attention more, and you're letting your, I think, political leanings coming to play here as well. It's a disgusting scene and it's playing out in front of all our eyes every second we try to get on social media.

    Gabe: What changes, if any, do you anticipate seeing with Jimbo's offense - given all the additions, all the playmakers at the skill position?

    Billy: First of all, you're going to see a lot more two-backs, and you're gonna see them utilize the two-tight ends more, especially that two-backs thing. I think you saw some of it against Oklahoma State. I think you're going to see more of that. I think you'll see a little more design running game with QB because Kellen is so good at it. I mean, he can go to the house. He can go for a hundred yards in a game. We saw him do it a lot. I don't know how many games he had a hundred, but there was a stretch there. It was like Arkansas, Bama, maybe it was South Carolina, Mississippi State. There was a stretch of games there where Kellen was really getting it done running. You saw it in the bowl game. You saw it in both bowl games for him. I think you'll see more of that as now that he's a senior. You trust his decision making so much in terms of that. The team's more decisive even in the running game. The one place where he hasn't sometimes is down there near the goal line, so he can improve on that. I think you'll see that.

    The one thing that I really believe you'll see: A lot more downfield passing. I hope we'll see a little more tempo. I'm not entirely sold on that. You get a little bit better protection on the line. You believe they won't get beat as quickly. You've got the weapons. Guys like Demas, Lane. The tight ends now to work the middle of the field. A tusted guy, proven guy in Wydermyer. I think you'll start to see more shots down the field out of this offense.

    Gabe: Alright, Billy. How would you describe the evolution of the Aggie athletics department since you started following it closely? And in addition to that, what do you think should be next in terms of upgrades - facilities or something else? If not facilities for the athletic department to embark on that is actually not for football, but maybe a different sport.

    Billy: That's a good question. I just haven't put much thought into that second part. I think an academic center — a stand-alone bad-ass academic center. If it's just for football, then two of them; one over there across the tracks and one on this side.

    Gabe: What about you that basketball arena?

    Billy: That’s always my number one. I'm sorry, it just doesn't feel that way for me right now. It doesn't feel like that's that's in the cards yet. I'm not talking about that, but that's always number one for me. I think Reed Arena hold back Buzz and Gary Blair, especially when you, when you start having to compete with what Texas is building. I think that's going to hurt you even worse. That place has not been up to standards since I went to Lubbock when Bobby Knight was coaching there in like 2001 and saw what they had with the United Spirit Arena or whatever it's called now. Not to mention bringing better concerts in here and things like that.

    Here's the thing to answer that question. Are you guys not paying attention to what's going on right now? If there's no football, you ain’t building crap. There's not going to be anything built for a while. If you only play in front of 25 or 30 percent capacity or no fans, the facility arms race is going to come to a screeching halt. Not just at A&M, but around college football. Especially around college football.

    Athletic department wise, it just keeps getting better. It keeps getting better and better and better. I think they've made two outstanding hires in a row at athletic director. I think the commitment from the 12th Man Foundation is at height as such that it's never been. I think the hierarchy understands the importance of athletics and football. Even the president. I go on and on about presidents, but we haven't had presidents that stand in the way of athletics here, and a lot of schools this size do. You have to appreciate when that's the case. I don't think anybody new that comes in here is going to be like that either. Whoever ends up being an heir apparent to Michael Young, you're not going to see that change. The commitment is there. The desire to be great is there. I think they've improved in every area from the way they produce content all the way up to the big decisions and stuff like that.

    The coaching hires have been really impressive, as are the facilities. You see what they've done with track and softball and baseball here in the last few years. If football wants something, they get it.

    Hopefully, with what's going on now, it's just a bump in the road that A&M bounces back from quicker than most. This is the time.

    Everybody has gotten frustrated during the offseason with a variety of things, and I get it. Everybody's frustrated about one thing or the other. All of us have been in this heightened state of irritation and aggravation. On all sides of every issue. When that calms down with time and things like the football season happening, maybe the election happening and like things start to just kind of normalize to some level, I do think that people are going to start to realize like athletics does F-in’ matter at Texas A&M. It is the front porch of the university. It is why we see so many of us in our friends and family and lifelong friends. It's here for games.

    When the teams are better, more people come back. When baseball is playing in regionals and super regionals, all your old buddies come back. They’re fun weekends. When basketball teams compete for the NCAA tournament, or when they've got a big game to close out SEC play against Arkansas, and it's packed on the verge of a pandemic shut down. It's a fun weekend in College Station. When football is great, everyone's happy. So it does matter. Demand what you want to demand from your university and your programs.

    I'm talking about all sides of this thing, but remember this shit matters. It matters to you. It matters to me. It matters to coaches. It matters to administrators. It matters to everyone wearing a ring. I do think there's a level of people needing to come together around Aggie Athletics.

    I know a guy who's a very, very prominent donor. With prominent donors, if they support the right or the left and then the left celebrates or the right celebrates. I know pretty much all of them. You can call them whatever you want — “BMA,” some ridiculous acronym — but I've talked to several that say so much of their involvement as someone that donates a ton of money to not only athletics, but other avenues of this university.

    My conduit to get to those other avenues and the people I met at tailgate parties and the people I met at functions on game weekends that I was invited to are the people I met through the 12th Man foundation. I was on this board or that board. I met people in the engineering school or business school. That led me down another path that I never would have been exposed to were it not for my fandom. Just like somebody that donates what they can. Maybe what you can donate is the bare minimum.

    Maybe you go up as you get older. Maybe you're in your late twenties, early thirties, and you're just starting out. These donors’ paths to avenues outside of athletics to help this university came through their support of A&M sports. For anyone that doesn't think this stuff is important longterm, it is.

    I think every Aggie should voice their opinion, whether you agree with it or whether you don't, on every issue. You should voice it and you should make sure you're heard.

    At the end of the day, I do think that sports are going to survive longterm. The goal for all of us is for our sports to thrive. It's a hell of a lot more fun to talk about it. It's a hell of a lot more reason to come to College Station. It leads to lifelong friendships. It leads to reunions. It leads to some good ass times. That's why we all want football this year. Not only for the fact that it's a great distraction, but how fun has it been these last couple of days, Gabe, just talking about actual football? Now you're starting to see how bad everyone wants it. When we were that close to them pulling it from us about 10 days ago. Now the momentum is building, and everybody's fired up. You hope it keeps going, but they're far from the finish line on this. They are far from the finish line.

    Gabe: You kind of hit a lot of this because this is very open-ended, but he just wanted to know who stood out the most at practice? Of course, there has only been one practice.

    Billy: Let's let it go a few days and see. I'll tell you a guy who had a nice offseason, I'm so excited to see what McKinnley Jackson does. I really am. I think people are sleeping. “Well, it's a really crowded D-line room.” Well, guess what? It was a really crowded D-line room when Bobby Brown got here and there were a bunch of seniors. He played, and he played a lot. It was a really crowded D-line line room last year when DeMarvin Leal came in, and he ended up moving past so many of them that he was the second-best one by seasons and behind Madubuike. To act like McKinley Jackson, can't do that, I think you're underestimating how good that guy was and what it means to beat Bama for a guy on signing day in a former LSU commit along the D line. He's that good. Really excited about him.

    Isaiah Raikes. Adarious Jones was going to play a lot last year before that injury. Derrick Hunter is another one to me that I watch his social media, and that kid looks good. He's in good shape, and he's really worked hard. He was a big recruiting get for A&M a year ago. McKinnley is one in particular. Don't lose sight just because it's a crowded room that a legit five-star talent, which I think that's what McKinnley is. I think DeMarvin was that. I think Jaylon Jones is that. Don't lose sight of what level talent we're talking about there and how hard it is to keep guys like that off the field.

    Gabe: Alright. Is Bobby Brown really that fast or was that just the video?

    Billy: Well, he's quick, man. For a guy his size, he's exceptional quick. That's why most people inside that program would say, if Bobby can have a terrific year, he's the one guy that you could see leaving early and being a high draft pick because the physical side is there. Part of that physical is the ability to get off the ball for a guy his size. He certainly got that. It wasn't long ago that the guy was 250 pounds and collecting sacks off the edge. He's got it. He just needs keep that size in check, which is not easy. It's not easy for any of us, but it's certainly not easy when you're just naturally. He can move incredibly quick for a guy his size. I think that people are doing a little too much analysis of one snippet of a video. This is the world we're going to unfortunately — or fortunately — be in for the next few weeks because, hell, as we said, it's a lot better than nothing, isn’t it?

    Gabe: Absolutely. This next one is very wide open, Billy. What are you hearing for game day? Fans? Band? Pumped in music? Yell leaders? Entrance?

    Billy: I don't know. Today, I think AI&M's going to release their seating plan. It's going to be still subject to change. The SEC put out their guidelines today. It doesn't seem to really reign A&M in too much. They're going to have to go along with what the governor and the state and the local say.

    If I'm making a prediction, I think the aim early on will be to maybe try to get like 30 percent. Everybody says 50 or 25 or zero. It can be somewhere within those. Those are significant ranges as well. So maybe somewhere a little over 25 percent. I don't think you're going to be able to get 50 percent in. Again, part of me is skeptical that at the end of the day, it might be zero, and college sports are just going to have to deal with it.

    There's going to definitely be piped in music. There's no question about that. I'm sure if there are some fans, there'll be yell leaders, and they'll probably have to get tested several times a week. If they're going to be down there on the field, that's going to be part of it. It's going to look completely different, but people are figuring out how to play sports, and college football is gonna figure out how to play sports. The goal is to have some fans. If you can't do it, the real goal is to play football.

    Gabe: Here’s a two-parter: Any idea on how Jimbo approaches getting the successor at QB ready for next year? Really we've only seen the backups play against FCS opponents in mop up duty.

    Billy: What do you want them to do? That's my answer to that. What would you like to see? I mean, do you want to throw Calzada or King or Foster in there? (That’s even if Foster ends up being there. What a wild story that's been with him coming back. I know we broke that news last week. People were tripping over themselves yesterday about it. We talked about it on this segment.)

    Do you want to see them go in on the road at Tuscaloosa and get a couple of series in just so we've got some preparation for ‘20, ‘21? Hell no. If the games are blowouts — hopefully, one way and not the other — you play the guys. If Kellen were to get banged up or injured — it's not ideal — you play the guys. That's it! Every game you play against an SEC opponent. This is not about grooming the next guy. This is about winning games and udeally winning a championship. That's what you want to do. Absolutely not.

    Gabe: Alright. The second part: Do you think the SEC gets a taste of the extra league games move to expand its conference schedule?

    Billy: I do. Maybe nine games as opposed to 10. You don't want to do 10. I heard Rece Davis last night, and he was saying he'd love to see that. First of all, the Big 12 can't do 10 last I checked, but don't think you want to do 10 conference games in this league. I do think this could ultimately lead to the SEC playing nine. We'll see.

    By the way, with nine, you play one meaningful non-conference game, and it's not going to lead to a bunch of big schedule shake ups. You can keep those home-and-homes that you've got scheduled out forever. Two gimmes is fine. I don't think you need three gimmes.

    Gabe: Who scores the first A&M touchdown of the season?

    Billy: Good question. Fun question. I was going to say Isaiah Spiller punches one in from a few yards. I'm going to go with Ainias Smith out of the backfield.

    Gabe: It's going to be fun to watch. Alright. Let's see, Looch. How confident are you, one to five, on Shemar Turner, LJ Johnson and Bryce foster?

    Billy: I'm at a 3.5 on Shemar. Why are we doing 1-5? Let's do 1-10. It's a little easier. I'm at a 7 on Shemar. It's like cautiously optimistic. I wouldn't be shocked at all if they didn't get him. I might even be at a 6.5, which would slightly more confident than I would be for any of the other teams, let's put it that way. I'm dropping the numbers. I'm cautiously optimistic and I'm encouraged with Shemar. I'm a little discouraged with LJ, but I think if A&M can ride this storm out and if he's not committed anywhere in the next two weeks, I will go back to thinking gun-to-my-head made me decide, I would think A&M will get LJ, but A&M has to ride out this current wave.

    With Bryce Foster, I still in a coin flip. I think if signing day where today, OU might be the pick. I don't know that, Bryce does a great job of keeping things close to the vest, which I think he should. The way these OU fans try to influence him, I just hope that any recruit doesn't fall for the Twitter side of recruitment. That's not just Bryce Foster. That's everyone. The Twitter side of recruitment is not real life. It's fake. It's not who's in the stands. It's not the alumni base and what they do for you down the road. It's fake. It's the psychos. It's the lunatic fringe. Go see what's in the stands on game day. Go see the support 10, 20 years from after you graduated, and things like that. With Bryce, I think you're looking at a coin flip. I do think if signing day were today, they might have a little ground to make up. That's just a gut feeling. But signing day isn't today,

    Gabe: “We need to roll the Mississippis and Auburn or the season gets ugly.” Billy, the easiest question you'll answer all day: Best chance to win at Bama or against LSU?”

    Billy: I don't think the season gets ugly if you don't beat Auburn. I think you separate Auburn and the Mississippis. Auburn is going to be pretty good.

    I do think I'll say this: South Carolina was my biggest trap game on that old schedule. A week after your first monster game of the year at Auburn, you were going to have to go all the way halfway across the country at South Carolina against a team you always beat? That was the trap. Now the trap is you have Alabama, Florida, then a road trip to Davis Wade take on Mississippi State. Twenty-five percent cowbells is still a lot of cowbells. Any Mike Leach is a lot of Mike Leach. Castello and Hill. After those two brutal games. It could be right about the time Mississippi State starting to find themselves. That's a very tough assignment and in a place where A&M has not played well. Very tough assignment. I think the Aggies have lost three out of four there. That's now your biggest trap game. That's your most dangerous game against a team you'll probably be favored over, might be favored over.

    Then the second part of that, my most pivotal games are Florida and Auburn, with Tennessee coming in third. Those are the ones that I think swing the pendulum of your season significantly. No, I don't think you have to beat Auburn because what if I told you you beat Florida and LSU and lost to Auburn? Raise your hand if you wouldn't take that. I do think though that Auburn and Florida swing this thing wildly in either direction.

     

  2. Spoiler

    Fall Camp is rolling, and Billy Liucci is previewing specific trends and players to keep an eye on as the 2020 season approaches. You can find each story in the series 

    Demond Demas

    As if fans weren't anxious enough to see Demond Demas (pictured above) in action after the five-star talent missed his senior season, Demas flashed eye-catching speed on a reverse (against air, mind you) during a short highlight clip from the first practice of the season and fans absolutely lost it. There's no secret that Demond is special. Look, I've called him the most gifted Texas wide receiver prospect I've ever seen coming out of the high school level...a list that includes Dez Bryant, Roy Williams and Mike Evans plus plenty of other great ones. Incredible spacial awareness, ball skills, height/length, rarely-seen athletic skill and bounce plus verified sub-4.4 speed, the dude has it all. The question everyone from Jimbo Fisher to Dameyune Craig on down have is how long will it take for the game-changing weapon to adjust to the college game (especially after sitting out last fall) and to learn enough of the offense to log significant game reps. Considering the Ags are now only playing a ten game schedule, there isn't going to be any time to ease Demond into action, so he'll be getting a crash course from now until late September. We've been waiting to see #1 on the field since the night he committed to Fisher in the A&M locker room following the Clemson game in 2018. Who knows, maybe two years later, Demond plays a key role in the Ags finishing the job and knocking off Bama or Florida in an early-season upset.

    Texas A&M Athletics

    Achane adds a crucial new dynamic to the A&M offense.

    Devon Achane

    Did I say speed? Devon Achane crossed the goal line roughly 120 times while leading Fort Bend Marshall to back-to-back 5A state title games, and I see no reason why he won't be a TD producing machine at the major college level. Why? Because you can't coach what Achane has that 99% of college football doesn't: borderline Olympic speed, unrivaled field vision and ankle-breaking open field moves. There weren't many guys in the 2020 class that the Aggies needed more than Achane because he brings so much to the table that the Aggies have lacked on offense of late. He's a true home run threat out of the backfield and in the return game and is a guy that Jimbo Fisher and Darrell Dickey will be able to line up all over the formation once he's ready for that kind of mental workload. As it stands now, I'm absolutely convinced we're talking about a day one contributor in the return game and as a big-play situational piece on offense. Watch his role expand as the extended SEC season progresses. 

    McKinnley Jackson

    Dating back to when the Aggies were locked in a head-to-head battle with Alabama down last year's January stretch run to Signing Day, I repeatedly stated that the No. 1 prospect in Mississippi was a five-star talent and instant-impact interior defender. We're talking about All-SEC or even All-American type of talent a couple of years down the road, which is why Jimbo Fisher, Mike Elko and Elijah Robinson were absolutely elated when they pulled off perhaps the biggest recruiting coup of the Fisher Era last February. Did I say big? Jackson is a 6-2, 335-pound wrecking ball on the interior and someone who many insiders believe could start making a push up the depth chart as soon as the pads go on. It won't be easy, as the Aggies are pretty stacked when it comes to 300-plus pounders on the inside. That said, we saw Bobby Brown log significant reps as a true freshman despite the Ags starting three eventual NFL Draft picks plus SEC returning sack leader Landis Durham. Last fall, it was DeMarvin Leal who forced his way into the starting lineup by mid-season. Both were truly elite physical talents coming out of the high school ranks and McKinnley is no different.

    Texas A&M Athletics

    Jaylon Jones arrived on campus looking like a guy ready to play immediately for the Aggies.

    Jaylon Jones/Brian George

    The Aggies are bringing in two corners who have the potential to start on the island during their first season on campus. There's some real competition, but both of these guys have NFL qualities as cover men. A five-star signee and the No. 1 overall cornerback in the country, Jaylon Jones arrived in January and was extremely impressive during the off-season stretch prior to spring ball. I've said it before and will again: If the Cibolo Steele product had been able to show what he could do during spring ball, we might already be talking about him forcing his way into the lineup. Jones checks all the boxes at the position and has brought a veteran's mindset to College Station, much like DeMarvin Leal and Demani Richardon last season. As for George, he was a later arrival than Jones but since joining the program in June, Brian's raw athleticism, work ethic, intensity and grit have caught the attention of teammates and coaches alike. Elko started a JUCO corner last year (and Elijah Blades will have a lot to say about whether Jones and/or George can break through early) and would have no problem doing so again if George hits the ground running in fall camp.

    Edgerrin Cooper

    The Ags' had signings that moved the needle a little more in terms of momentum and the national rankings but managed to sneak in a monster defensive addition just before the end of the early signing period when they went into Louisiana and pulled Edgerrin Cooper. The linebacker was considered a top-5 player in the Bayou State and had decommitted from Oklahoma. Many thought he was prepared to wait things out until NSD in February, but Fisher, Mike Elko and the Aggies were diligent and, despite very limited numbers, knew that Cooper was simply too good to risk losing out on. His stock already soaring, the likes of LSU and Texas came calling, only to find out he was already officially and solidly an Aggie. Considering the fact that A&M starts two fourth-year returnees at the linebacker, the 6-2, 215-pounder is likely a year away from making a significant impact for Mike Elko and Tyler Santucci, but he possesses a devastating blend of speed, length, range and striking ability. Frankly, I'm just excited to hear the early returns once the pads go on because Cooper has already generated quite a bit of buzz. And that surprises none of the guys who celebrated his stealth signing in the Bright Complex back in December.

     

  3. Spoiler

    Liucci

    6:27p 

    Staff

    AG

    Well, now that we have the two new additions to the 2020 schedule and have seen the new layout, I think it's safe to say that the Southeastern Conference did Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M zero favors when drawing up the upcoming gauntlet.  

    What makes the new slate all the more difficult to swallow is the fact that, after playing perhaps the toughest schedule in program (if not college football) history, the Aggies appeared set to play what would probably rate as the most favorable start-to-finish challenge you'd hope to see as a member of the SEC West. The Ags were likely to be touchdown-plus favorites in their first six contests before traveling to Auburn and, as an experienced team, had a reasonably realistic look at 9-1 or even 10-0 heading into a season-ending back-to-back that saved the best - Bama and LSU - for last.  

    Instead, the addition of Tennessee and a top-10 Florida squad mean that four of A&M's ten games will be played against teams ranked 11th or higher in the initial poll. And, as if that wasn't bad enough, the Aggies got hit with about as daunting a layout for said ten games as possible.

    Vandy to open things up was probably the ideal draw. Not as much unpredictability as Arkansas with a new head coach and grad transfer QB but still one of the least talented rosters in the conference. After that, things are brutal for the Maroon & White, as the Aggies travel to Alabama and then play host to Florida. On paper, that's two of what most believe are the best three teams in the conference on back-to-back Saturdays early in the season. Who knows, maybe the Ags draw Bama before five-star QB signee Chase Young takes over as Nick Saban's starter? The Florida game sure looks and feels like a coin flip and, because of that and how the schedule lays out, I'm calling it one of the two biggest 'swing' games on the A&M schedule.

    Mississippi State in Starkville rounds out an incredibly challenging three-game stretch but it also marks the start of a five-game stretch in which the Aggies should be at least slightly better than the opposition. MSU, Arkansas at home, at South Carolina, at Tennessee and Ole Miss at Kyle Field are all tough in their own way but also all winnable. Heck, the Ags went 4-0 against the group (sans UT) last fall and weren't a great team by any stretch. Three of those four are playing in year one under new coaches, one enters the season very much on the hotseat and, frankly, A&M should be slightly ahead of Tennessee in terms of program development in Year Three under Fisher versus Year Two under Pruitt. Again, this is a pretty damn challenging stretch but if you break things down, game-by-game, the Aggie team we THINK we'll see this year would stand a good chance of navigating five games in six weeks.

    And then there's the finish. LSU at Kyle Field Thanksgiving weekend and at Auburn to close things out. I'd heard the league was going to try and preserve their 'rivalry' games and that's exactly what A&M-LSU will become if the Ags can knock off the defending national champs and Ed O for the second time in three seasons. And then the trip to Jordan-Hare for what I consider the other 'swing' game on the Aggie schedule. That's always been the case when the Gig'em and War Eagle collide, but perhaps this year more than ever. And if you've followed me over the past week on here or on radio, you know that I was of the opinion that drawing LSU and/or Auburn early would have been ideal considering the heavy losses suffered by each of the West powers...so it stands to reason that Fisher and the Aggies would draw them at season's end.

    If I'm Jimbo Fisher, I'm not thrilled today. But I'm also as motivated as ever to push the right buttons and breakthrough in Year Three. No matter how tough a hand the Aggies were dealt, if they end up being one of the league's three or four best teams as some SEC and national types are predicting (and who knows, maybe they'll be better than that in this most unprecedented of seasons), the cream will still rise to the top and A&M will score some monster wins along the way.

    To be perfectly honest, flip flop the LSU/Auburn and Bama/Florida double dips and I actually think the layout would have been ideal. This is what a ten-game SEC schedule looks like. The Aggies were dealt a brutally tough hand but if the Ags somehow enter the final two weekends as a true contender (maybe a split with Bama and Florida and winning the games you're favored in), oh boy would that be one hell of a close out.

     

     

  4. Spoiler

    Liucci

    12:17p 

    Staff

    AG

    In the SEC, size, athleticism and physicality rule the day up front. Aggie fans know what truly elite defensive lines look like, as most grew to appreciate watching the Wrecking Crew wreak havoc throughout the 80s and 90s. It all started with dominance in the trenches for the Ags back then, and Jimbo Fisher earned two national championship rings while helping Nick Saban stockpile NFL d-line talent in Baton Rouge before leading the charge himself in Tallahassee.  

    Along with Mike Elko and d-line coaches Terry Price and Elijah Robinson, Fisher is attempting to build that same type of beast in College Station. Since arriving on campus prior to the 2018 season, the Ags have done just that, signing several national top-100 prospects and a couple of five stars along the way while also stockpiling depth and imposing bodies. Fisher and the Aggies have also gotten there by winning some very high profile recruiting battles against some of college football's premier programs.

    They did so again on Saturday, claiming a big head to head win over Lincoln Riley's Oklahoma Sooners and adding a guy who checks all of the aforementioned boxes to the 2021 haul.

    A year ago, Jason, Brauny and I watched Pleasant Grove standout Marcus Burris turn heads at an A&M camp featuring more talent along the offensive and defensive lines that you could imagine. Blue-chip prospects from the Classes of '20 and '21 could be found everywhere and spent the afternoon battling it out in the trenches. By day's end, a handful of prospects stood out from the rest. One of those was junior-to-be Marcus Burris. He essentially earned an offer built on that showing - where other highly-regarded DLs and LBs did not - and has been considered a must-have by the Aggie staff ever since.

    How highly did the Aggie and Sooner staffs think of the two-time state champ from Texarkana? Well, both teams stuck with Burris and proceeded to duke it out in the center of the ring until the final bell despite the four-star defender suffering a torn Achilles earlier this summer. The reason why? Because if you know what dominant collegiate (and eventual NFL) defensive linemen look like, you know you're watching one when Marcus Burris is throwing guys around in a helmet and shoulder pads. You also know you're talking about a terrific young man on and off the field who there is no question will work his way back from an injury that will cost him his senior season at Pleasant Grove.

    Thing is, when the Ags look at the latest addition to an increasingly-impressive '21 group on the defensive side of the ball, they see a 6-4 (plus), 280-plus pound, two-sport standout who will enroll early at just at or under 6-5 and probably around 300 pounds. After what could very well be a redshirt season in 2021 (if needed to fully recover), Burris is likely to take the field for the first time as a 6-5, 310-315 pound menace in the SEC trenches. That size and frame plus exceptional all-around athleticism and real power are what put Burris on the recruiting map nearly two years ago. We're talking about a two-sport star at Pleasant Grove who averaged nearly 17 points per game on the hardwood, a 280-pounder who managed a 66-yard touchdown after hauling in a deep ball against Gladewater last year who also has teamed with LSU commit Landon Jackson to give the Hawks one of the most feared and destructive defensive lines in the state over the past three seasons.

    When you watch Burris on tape, you see a young and (definitely) still-growing athlete who is unusually good at using his ridiculous blend of reach (he boasts an eye-catching 84-inch wingspan) and power (he recently benched 385 pounds) to control offensive linemen and shed blocks. At the 4A level, Marcus is just too much for most would-be QB protectors to handle, as you repeatedly see him overpowering the opposition on one play and blowing past him with explosive quickness on the next snap. There are parts of Marcus' game that remind me of a very young Red Bryant, who came out of Jasper High School back in 2002, grew into a dominant interior presence for the Ags and spent more than a decade in the NFL - or perhaps even former Aggie All-American Brandon Mitchell if you want to go back even further. Like Mitchell, Burris is a guy whose physical gifts and game allow him to be a pretty dominant force against the run and when it comes to getting to the quarterback.

    Like those two at the same age, Burris is already very good but hasn't even scratched the surface yet in terms of his long-term potential. Everyone can see where he's headed, which is why he held offers from finalists A&M, OU and Texas plus Alabama, LSU, Miami, Oregon, Tennessee, Arkansas and TCU before the end of his junior season. Marcus was absolutely dominant last season, earning First Team 4A All-State honors while piling up 92 tackles, 20 stops behind the line, 13 sacks and even an interception. Pleasant Grove advanced to the state title game for the third straight season and claimed its second 4A Division II championship in three years with Burris earning Defensive MVP honors in the title game win over Wimberley.

    Marcus, Jackson and the Hawk defense had planned on paving the way to championship No. 3 this fall prior to Burris' injury, and Pleasant Grove head coach Josh Gibson and other PG insiders believed the nationally-ranked d-lineman (he's currently No. 101 in the composite rankings and was considered a top-15 recruit in Texas prior to the injury) had flipped the switch in terms of his off-season training. The prevailing sentiment was that he was poised for a truly dominant senior campaign...one that may have thrust him into the discussion as the top DL prospect in Texas, along with Jackson, DeSoto's Shemar Turner and Denton Ryan's Ja'tavion Sanders. Makes you wonder what the four-star game-wrecker could have done considering he had already racked up 32 tackles for loss and 18 sacks over the past two seasons.

    Another, less talked about part of the Burris addition that Coach Fisher has to be pretty excited about is adding a player from Gibson's state championship program. The Aggies now have commits from Pleasant Grove, North Shore, Denton Guyer and Katy and have a real shot to add a DeSoto Eagle to the group before NSD. Jimbo talks regularly about building a 'championship culture' in his locker room, and guys like Marcus Burris, Eli StowersDeuce HarmonFernando Garza and Shadrach Banks know exactly what that looks like.

    This also represents a second straight head-to-head win on the defensive side of the ball for the Aggies over the Oklahoma Sooners. As I said following the Kendal Daniels commit, Fisher and Riley are locking horns on the recruiting trail far more regularly than the Ags and, well, Horns are these days. Any H2H win over OU is meaningful and extends beyond just the player you were able to land. Momentum matters here, and the Aggies will have another big battle or two to fight with the Sooners between now and Signing Day, and the battlefield in the Lone Star State in 2022 will look like something out of Avengers: Endgame.

    With A&M now at 14 pledges in the '21 class, numbers are beginning to get a little tighter than you might expect. With two 2020 signees 'counting back,' the Ags have no more than 23 spots available. Considering college football's fast-emerging transfer climate, Fisher and every other head coach in college football have to consider leaving a spot or two open to welcome new additions via that route. So we're talking about a maximum of nine spots still on the table and perhaps only seven or eight. Obvious needs still include one more DB, probably two or three total between the RB/WR positions (depending on who the Ags are able to land at each spot) and a couple of offensive linemen to round out a five-man class. 

    Fisher and Co. will also continue to build the fortress up front on D. Burris is the Ags' third commit along the defensive line and Elko, Robinson and Price are actively and aggressively looking for more. Depending on how things shake out, we should see at least a couple of more additions between now and Signing Day. The prime-time targets include two of my favorites in DeSoto's Shemar Turner (A&M, LSU, Bama and Texas are all in the mix) and New Jersey DT Tywone Malone (Ohio State is the biggest threat), Philly standout Taleeq Robbins (A&M, UGA, Auburn), LaPorte's Albert Regis(this looks like an Aggie-Longhorn tussle) and perhaps even a couple of longtime targets currently committed elsewhere.  

    The competition will be pretty damn stiff for all of the aforementioned names, but, as the Aggies showed once again on Saturday, winning high-profile battles in the trenches on the recruiting front is what they do. And if you keep adding guys like Marcus Burris to the mix, the Wrecking Crew will soon look a lot like the vintage versions and like some of Fisher's championship Seminole units. Which is, after all, the only path to SEC title contention.

     

     

  5. 6 hours ago, Longhornfrenzy said:

    @Lobwedgephil Liucci just posted a recruiting heads up.

    Need info

    Was just preparing them for Ewers. 

     

    Spoiler

    Liucci

    12:05p 

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    Sounds like the Horns could be getting some big news on the '22 recruiting front today. We'll see if it comes to fruition but could make things interesting on multiple fronts. Stay tuned.

    Liucci

    In reply to Mike Cee •  12:17p 

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    Mike Cee said:

    Bobby Taylor?

    No. Not Bobby.

    Liucci

    In reply to Stormblitz II •  12:19p 

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    Stormblitz II said:

    They're getting Ewers

    Keep fighting for Ty Simpson and we'll be alright.

    Ty Simpson is elite elite. There are some strong ties with A&M there but they're going to have to fight off everyone in college football who matters outside of probably LSU (they have legacy kid Howard committed and he's a total stud, too), OU (signing the nation's No. 1 this year) and wherever Ewers winds up.

    Liucci

    In reply to AGinNB •  12:23p 

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    AGinNB said:

    If it's Ewers then maybe Milroe goes to Bama and then we lead for LJ again...

    If that's the case, Milroe would likely say all the right things but, damn, it will be interesting to see where the push comes from for the Katy Tompkins QB. If it's Bama, you have to think things would escalate at some point along the way. And, yes, the Horns' recent momentum surge with LJ has a LOT to do with Milroe's recruitment of him.

    Liucci

    In reply to DisappointedAg •  12:24p 

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    AginCal said:

    Why would Ewers want to go to sip? Their OL is trash. I could understand OU.

    DisappointedAg said:



    Everything I've seen shows me he was raised a sip like Ehlinger. 

    He was.

    Liucci

    In reply to AginCal •  12:26p 

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    AginCal said:

    That place is a train wreck. I'm surprised he isn't seeing what the Brockmeyers saw.

    Well if they play football this year, it's two seasons until he signs so who knows. Texas could go unbeaten or 9-1 with a rematch vs OU in the Big 12 title game with Ehlinger and this year's schedule, which could be one of the easiest in NCAA history (depending on teams like Ok State, TCU and Iowa State) or they could go 7-3 and Herman would absolutely be on the hot seat entering 2021 and he'd be doing so while replacing a top 3 QB in school history with a first-year starter. 

    Liucci

    In reply to amskier1 •  1:00p 

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    AGinNB said:

    If it's Ewers then maybe Milroe goes to Bama and then we lead for LJ again...

    amskier1 said:

    Just out of curiosity, why would Milroe go to Bama and sit behind 5* Young? He possibly never plays there whereas, if he goes to Austin, maybe no guarantee but, he has a real shot to play as a true fish and if he does and does well, he could possibly buy himself a second year to hold off Ewers until Ewers is able to adjust to college and the D schemes he will face. I don't see him holding off Ewers more than 1 year if he can do that but, if he gets to play 1 year that is better than none at Bama. Also, it seems if he goes to Bama doesn't that just make it easier for LJ to follow him?

    I'll be sure to pass this along to Coach Herman so they can prepare.

    Liucci

    In reply to Billy Moose •  1:03p 

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    Billy Moose said:

    This is awful news. The only silver lining is that most of the top talent is in Houston next year and Ewers is in DFW. Aside from that, this absolutely sucks. We need games to start so we can start whooping ass and Herman can go 6-4 and show what a fraud he is.

    It's not awful news for A&M from the sense that they lost someone anyone was expecting to be an Aggie. They were merely in his recruitment. You have to see if they were to land someone like Ty Simpson or if Klubnik were to blow up this fall before saying it was in any way terrible news for the Aggies. It's certainly one of those instances where you'd rather see Ewers land somewhere other than Austin where he could potentially revive their miserable current recruiting trend (inflated rankings aside) but, again, (hopefully) two seasons left to played between now and then.

    You just can't react as if everything that happens is an absolute disaster for TAMU because it's usually not. Way more often than not, it's going to be anything but. We cry 'disaster' too much around here. 

    Liucci

    In reply to Liucci •  1:07p 

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    + 1 more quotes (click to expand)

    amskier1 said:

    Just out of curiosity, why would Milroe go to Bama and sit behind 5* Young? He possibly never plays there whereas, if he goes to Austin, maybe no guarantee but, he has a real shot to play as a true fish and if he does and does well, he could possibly buy himself a second year to hold off Ewers until Ewers is able to adjust to college and the D schemes he will face. I don't see him holding off Ewers more than 1 year if he can do that but, if he gets to play 1 year that is better than none at Bama. Also, it seems if he goes to Bama doesn't that just make it easier for LJ to follow him?

    Liucci said:

    I'll be sure to pass this along to Coach Herman so they can prepare.

    And i'm giving you a hard time. It's certainly a point I'm sure the Texas staff is already out in front of. Still, if Bama or perhaps another legitimate power decide to make a run at him, things do get very interesting as I said. Like I said, he'll say all the right things but it will be fascinating to see where the eventual push comes from.

    As for LJ, I do think Texas poses a greater threat simply because of proximity. And the Ags are still very much in that one.

    Liucci

    In reply to DTP02 •  1:08p 

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    DTP02 said:

    The problem with the idea about the Milroe domino falling away from tu is I'm not sure if Bama will make that final push for him. They're really good at making enough of a push to keep kids interested and make them feel wanted, but they typically have several options they're looking at and only one will be the true high priority. 

    I agree with this. Which is why I'm wondering if someone else who lives inside the top-10 and in need of a QB will see an opening and predate.

     

     

    • Hook 'Em 1
  6. Spoiler

    Ryan Brauninger

    9:53p 

    Staff

    Back from vacation and have been able to pick up a few pieces of intel on some big names across greater Houston. 

    I'll start with 2022 North Shore CB Denver Harris who I was able to speak with face-to-face a few days ago. The potential 5 star corner gave me the impression that he's nowhere near ready to make a decision, and he didn't want to give too much away in terms of which way he was leaning or even what schools were standing out to him. When I brought up A&M, he continued to kind of beat around the bush in regards to where the Aggies stand for him early on. He did say more than once that he really likes Jimbo Fisher and enjoys talking with the head coach. He also said he's happy to see A&M commit and teammate Shadrach Banks back moving around on the football field after he lost most of his junior season to injuries. Denver said he and Banks like to talk trash to one another during one-on-ones, and he likes the challenge of covering Shadrach because he knows it makes him better. Overall, I didn't get the greatest Maroon & White vibe off of Harris, but there's still a ways to go in that one.

    Moving on to 2021, I spoke to a source today regarding DE Tunmise Adeleye. It sounds like A&M and Terry Price have continued to stay in that consistent communication mode that they've been in since even before he backed away from his pledge to Ohio State. Tunmise has a long-standing relationship with TP, and that bond continued despite him committing elsewhere. That being said, my source said he'd put the odds somewhere around 75% that the former Katy Tompkins standout ends up in Gainesville - which coincides with everything we'd heard in the last week. Tim Brewster has been one of the lead recruiters for Florida in this one, and the Gators have really upped their pursuit and priority for Tunmise in the last month or so. They view him as an immediate impact, difference maker, and, with the uncertainty at Ohio State regarding the future of the football program and their future plans for Tunmise, it opened the doors for Dan Mullen and company to make this big move. I'm hoping to have more specifics from the A&M side soon to see exactly where the Aggies currently sit in this one. 

    Lastly, I can say that the Texas smoke around CyFair RB LJ Johnson Jr is somewhat warranted, but it hasn't stopped the longtime target from talking with various members of the Aggie staff. One source told me today that they'd be surprised if LJ made any type of decision in the immediate future, but the kid does keep a lot of things close to the vest. Our recruiting team did hear that LJ spoke with Jimbo Fisher at length earlier this week, as well. 

     

    • Hook 'Em 1
  7. Spoiler

    Want to do a live chat at 9?

    15,794 Views | 131 Replies | Last: 10 min ago by Liucci

    Liucci

    7:59p 

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    I'd be up for an hour-long Q&A on the boards if you guys are ready in an hour.

    Going to walk Griffin and then I'll be back and ready to roll.

    Think of it as an 'AMA.' Too much craziness since Sunday so I was unable to tackle the question thread like I wanted to. I'll re-visit it and answer some of the ones that are still relevant but for now let's just do a real-time Q&A where you fire off Aggie football, CFB and recruiting questions. We'll get down to business over here!

    Liucci

    In reply to skeetboy3 •  9:01p 

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    skeetboy3 said:

    Should be interesting 

    Yes it should. Let's do this.

    Liucci

    In reply to Joseph Parrish •  9:02p 

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    Joseph Parrish said:

    If only 2 or 3 conferences remain this fall, how much more tv revenue do they stand to make? I'm sure the other regions will want to air the games if they don't have any of their own.

    Not sure how much the TV numbers will change but there's certainly a chance the leagues would get more games in better TV slots. For example. what would keep the SEC from perhaps even playing one Thursday night game per week, two on Friday night and then four all day Saturday. 11, 230, 5 and 8???

    Liucci

    In reply to MarcAg •  9:05p 

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    MarcAg said:

    Billy, do you think Big 12 is serious about playing or is this for show so they can tell boosters and players they tried but it's just too dangerous in 10 days when they cancel? I mean big ten released a schedule 6 days ago too and we see that didn't mean anything. 

    I'm undecided there. I heard this evening that CDC would love it if Texas didn't play. Not sure if that's even remotely true but if it is it's something I'm sure the Longhorn fans would love to know about and probably something he'd not want out there as common knowledge (oops). I just find that hard to believe, however. And even if he did, I'm not sure that the other powers at Texas would allow it, much less the Governor.

    But that was why I felt there was no way in hell the Big 12 bowed out today. Just like I said about the B1G, there's just no reason to do so.

    Liucci

    In reply to jw82 •  9:06p 

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    jw82 said:

    Does the fact we signed 4 rb's last year hurting us in recruiting this year?

    To some degree, yes, it has to be playing in. Those prospects are going to have a number thrown at them: FOUR running backs, when we only signed ONE (or two)!!! They aren't diving into the rankings or the fact Crownover is a JC signee or anything like that. Sophomore starter, sophomore No. 2 and four signees. That's what they're throwing at these guys. Just have to overcome it.

    Liucci

    In reply to Prexys Moon •  9:08p 

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    + 1 more quotes (click to expand)

    Liucci said:

    I'm undecided there. I heard this evening that CDC would love it if Texas didn't play. Not sure if that's even remotely true but if it is it's something I'm sure the Longhorn fans would love to know about and probably something he'd not want out there as common knowledge (oops). I just find that hard to believe, however. And even if he did, I'm not sure that the other powers at Texas would allow it, much less the Governor.

    But that was why I felt there was no way in hell the Big 12 bowed out today. Just like I said about the B1G, there's just no reason to do so.

    Prexys Moon said:

    why in the world would CDC NOT want to play? I mean he is a clown, but is he that stupid??

    Like I said, I don't understand it and I'm not sure I even buy it but it's something that's making the rounds outside of A&M circles the past couple of days. Makes no sense to me unless he's just personally CONVINCED it's too dangerous and is having a hard time reconciling that with the pressure to press onward.

    Liucci

    In reply to agcat •  9:09p 

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    agcat said:

    Do you think the ACC hangs in there with the SEC?

    Yes. And this is the first time at any point during this process that I think there's even the slightest chance that the SEC could even go at it alone if they had to. HIGHLY unlikely but I do think even two leagues (SEC/ACC plus Notre Dame) could make it work if they were determined to do so. I still think the Big 12 hangs in if you're asking me tonight.

    Liucci

    In reply to CC00 •  9:12p 

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    CC00 said:

    What does it really mean when someone like say Alabama "starts really pushing" for someone like Goodwine? What actually changes so much that is quickly swings so fast?
    Followup, why is it that kids/parents can't see through such bs? And if it's not bs then why don't we "really push"?
    I don't hear of us doing it. We are just in the lead for a long time (LJ) then we aren't?

    It happens both ways. DeMarvin Leal, McKinnley Jackson, Dylan Wright, Jaylon Jones, Kendal Daniels. Guys where A&M wasn't thought to lead and them all of a sudden they land them. Maybe to others outside of College Station, they're seeing that as the 'push.' I'm not sure.

    However, with programs like Bama and Clemson and UGA or Ohio State, a lot of these prospects have an offer but the schools are slow-playing them. They love a place like A&M or Texas or OU or Florida or Auburn but one day, Saban decide Goodwine is a must and their recruiting goes from steady to intense overnight and, yes, they pull out all of the stops in their quest to make it happen. When you're playing for nattys every year or two and living in the top-5, you have that ability.

    Liucci

    In reply to sloppyjoe •  9:13p 

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    sloppyjoe said:

    Could we take a transfer running back from the BiG or we out of scholarships?

    I think they could take a transfer if he's a guy who wasn't recruited by A&M and if the Ags were under the 85. He'd have to be a blueshirt guy.

    Liucci

    In reply to overdog •  9:13p 

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    overdog said:

    Have you seen the new unis? Don't need details...just wanted to know if you were happy with them. 

    No comment.

    Liucci

    In reply to Liucci •  9:13p 

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    overdog said:

    Have you seen the new unis? Don't need details...just wanted to know if you were happy with them. 

    Liucci said:

    No comment.

    I think they're pretty nice.

    Liucci

    In reply to chuckdownfield •  9:14p 

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    chuckdownfield said:

    Can Nebraska actually take a hiatus from the Big 10 to play in the Big 12 this fall? 

    I just don't see how that could happen. Maaaayyyybe they can play a 10-game schedule against all Big 12 teams and count as a non-conference game for each but I have a hard time imagining they could ever be 'in the conference' for a year. I just don't have any idea how that would be contractually possible.

    Liucci

    In reply to CoachRTM •  9:19p 

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    CoachRTM said:

    Best case scenario / worst case scenario / most likely scenario ?

    Best: SEC/ACC/Big 12/Sun Belt/AAC/CUSA. Get most or all of the season in.

    Worst: No football and it's announced in a couple of weeks.

    Most likely: I just don't know. I think you could flip a coin at this point but I know the SEC and ACC are in it to win it and don't plan on tapping so the ref (or pandemic) is going to have to stop it. 

    They could even conceivably start the damn thing in mid-October (2-3 weeks later) if they had to. Still multiple options on the table.

    Outside of the 'long term effects' red herring (as if that concern is gone come January or even a year from now and these same kids will be on campus with 60k students and doing whatever they want in their entire year of free time) the elephant in the room is the students coming back to campuses around the country. There WILL be a spike in cases on every campus, some players will contract it and they need time to rein that back in. That was the entire premise behind the push back to late September. That's what will threaten the season the most on the public perception front, IMO.

    Liucci

    In reply to Prexys Moon •  9:20p 

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    Jet Black said:

    I read something yesterday about Texas leaning towards not wanting to play this season.

    Prexys Moon said:

    I bet they are getting major pressure from the libs in Austin. 

    I just still think between Abbott and their fan base and large donors the general feeling would still be to do everything they could to play. Not to mention the economic crush even a place like Austin would feel.

    Liucci

    In reply to GSMartin •  9:21p 

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    GSMartin said:

    What do you think happens in the return game if we have a season? Do you think it's Ainias and Preston again at KR or does Achane move in? Does Ainias keep the PR spot?

    I think Ainias would keep the punt return spot and I do think Achane factors in somewhere, as well. The wildcard could be Chase Lane. He impressed the staff in practice last fall and on the one or two shots he got during mop up duty. Dude is explosive in the speed department.

    Liucci

    In reply to PGAG •  9:22p 

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    PGAG said:

    Is Jimbo currently serving his road recruiting suspension even with everyone locked down? Completely ridiculous that we had to take probation and any punishment by the way. 

    Yes. That ends with a specific date. It's not something that will extend so the lack of off-campus recruiting which looks like a certainty this fall is actually working in the Ags' favor in that regard. It's like Missouri basketball. They were banned from the post-season this year, there was no post-season and their punishment is behind them.

    Liucci

    In reply to GSMartin •  9:24p 

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    GSMartin said:

    Are Shemar, Goodwine, and Tunmise all being recruited at the same position?

    They're all defensive ends if that's what you're asking. And to be honest, if the Ags were to sign one of those three plus two out of the Burris/Regis/Robbins group plus the two commits, I think you'd be talking about an outstanding haul in the defensive trenches. Throw in Tywone Malone and it becomes elite. Throw in a long, twitchy end and you're calling it pretty damn salty, as well.

    Liucci

    In reply to Tegridy •  9:26p 

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    Tegridy said:

    Thanks for doing this Looch. Not sure if you addressed this already, apologies if you have. What do you think the Ags chances are at signing Tunmise Adeleye after his decommitment from the Buckeyes today? Would be another outstanding piece to the ELITE defensive line Jimbo, Elko, Robinson and Price are building...

    Still trying to chase that one down in terms of the Ags' chances. If he plays out his recruitment I think they'll have a very real shot but there have been rumors coming from the Sunshine State that UF folks seem to believe he'll reclassify and join the 2020 Gator class as an early enrollee. Remains to be seen but if things hold, the Ags will be very much in the hunt. He was hearing the Buckeyes were planning to move him inside, which I think played into the decision. 

    Liucci

    In reply to GSMartin •  9:28p 

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    GSMartin said:

    What happened to Bradley Dale Peveto? I felt like his departure was fairly silent. I knew linebackers were supposed to be the position of weakness going into last season but they turned out to be a lot better than expected. Also he recruited a hell of a linebacker tandem last year in Doyle and Cooper.

    I think it's as simple as Elko and Santucci being in lock step in terms of the defense and what the DC was looking for in terms of how to coach the position in his defense. I do think Peve did a good job with those two additions and with the LBs the past two years but I also don't think it's an outlandish concept that perhaps Elko thought the production could improve.

    Is it possible to think one guy did a good job but that the next guy could really well also while being maybe more of a fit, scheme-wise? I think so. 

    Liucci

    In reply to Coach_King •  9:32p 

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    Coach_King said:

    Long term effects on the Big 10 and PAC-12 if the season goes on as planned and they aren't a part of it?

    I think it would be absolutely devastating for both, but particularly the Pac-12. In the B1G, programs like PSU, Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin would take a bit of a hit in the way of transfers and perception on the recruiting front but I think moving forward, you really start to see it take hold. More non-conference losses early the next couple of seasons, lack of depth at some of the mid-tier programs that drags down the bowl records, recruiting takes a big hit at some spots and maybe those fringe teams like Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin really feel it there. It'll be cumulative and they'll feel such a financial hit there's no way it won't show up. Maybe lose some good coaches to programs more flush with cash, not enough to keep up in the facilities arms race while paying back massive loans required to keep other sports afloat or a big-time head coach or two leave the league for a better job because conference schools can't keep them? The list goes on and on and on.

    Liucci

    In reply to beerad12man •  9:34p 

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    + 1 more quotes (click to expand)

    Liucci said:

    Best: SEC/ACC/Big 12/Sun Belt/AAC/CUSA. Get most or all of the season in.

    Worst: No football and it's announced in a couple of weeks.

    Most likely: I just don't know. I think you could flip a coin at this point but I know the SEC and ACC are in it to win it and don't plan on tapping so the ref (or pandemic) is going to have to stop it. 

    They could even conceivably start the damn thing in mid-October (2-3 weeks later) if they had to. Still multiple options on the table.

    Outside of the 'long term effects' red herring (as if that concern is gone come January or even a year from now and these same kids will be on campus with 60k students and doing whatever they want in their entire year of free time) the elephant in the room is the students coming back to campuses around the country. There WILL be a spike in cases on every campus, some players will contract it and they need time to rein that back in. That was the entire premise behind the push back to late September. That's what will threaten the season the most on the public perception front, IMO.

    beerad12man said:



    Texas is at potentially 35% of college age students already infected / immune. I don't know if there will be an inevitable spike. At least nothing major. But still smart to give it a month extra to make sure so I can understand the later start date now 

    I saw that statistic but honestly just don't know what I believe anymore. What I will say is that number doesn't seem crazy to me if I simply took everyone I know in their 20s and used that as my sample size. So many got it this summer during about 2-3 week stretch while crowding all of the bars from Houston to Dallas to Austin. It was pretty wild to see, whether it was people I know or friends of friends.

    Liucci

    In reply to GSMartin •  9:34p 

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    GSMartin said:

    Are we recruiting MJ Daniels at corner or safety?

    He's a big corner.

    Liucci

    In reply to BJK •  9:38p 

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    BJK said:

    Just for fun...rank the teams that are still in it. 

    Top-15 or so:
    Clemson
    Bama
    Georgia
    LSU
    OU
    Florida
    A&M
    Notre Dame
    Auburn
    Oklahoma State
    Texas
    UNC
    Tennessee
    UCF
    Cincy

    Liucci

    In reply to brixton •  9:39p 

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    brixton said:

    Does stadium capacity at Kyle stay at 50% or does it drop to 33% or 25%?

    They're going to do everything they can to get it at 50 but I'm skeptical it can happen because they're going to possibly be the SEC on that front. I'm hearing the SEC wants it 'across the board' which if I had to bet money would be 25.

    Liucci

    In reply to VaultingChemist •  9:42p 

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    VaultingChemist said:

    Today Tarleton State sent all their athletes home after numerous football players tested positive for Covid.  

    Will this be the pattern that other universities follow, or will each university have their own guidelines, depending on conference affiliation?

    Well Tarleton doesn't have the testing capacity (at all) to handle that. It is one of my primary concerns, however. It's the overreaction to cases and the knee-jerk that comes with the salivating the national college football media (I just don't get it and never will) reporting every time there seems a chance that the whole thing will shut down. They'll jump all over a team shutting down the operation for a few days and explain why the season is doomed when in reality, those teams have proven time and time again (like Ohio State and so many others) that you can shut it down for a brief period and ramp back up again. To me, that should be EXPECTED and not shock anyone.

    Liucci

    In reply to Whiser09 •  9:45p 

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    Whiser09 said:

    Do you think the NCAA will try to inhibit/limit the players from the big ten/ pac 12 to the conferences that plan on playing their fall?

    What are your thoughts on the impact to the athletic departments of the big 10/pac12 if they decide to punt on the 2020 season?

    The athletic departments in those conferences that don't play will be devastated. Crushed. They will have to take out massive loans that they'll pay back over many years, cutting into their precious TV and conference revenues and will have many athletes transfer out and go to places they can play. I mention other ways they'd be devastated in one of my other answers on here but it's never-ending.

    Hell, A&M would take a pretty devastating blow if the Ags don't play this year and they really are living in that 'top 1%' of college football right now (at worst, 'top 5%' but you know what I mean).

    I don't see how the NCAA can limit transfers in any way other than to not change any rules to accommodate teams at or near the 85 to let them bring folks in over that number who want to play.

    Liucci

    In reply to agcat •  9:46p 

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    agcat said:

    Lets cut to the chase, Billy. If there isn't a huge spike on campuses in September do the three conferences play? Yes or no.

    I don't believe so. I don't think the universities will have the stomach for it. But what you and I don't know and why I can truly answer that question is what in the minds of the decision-makers would constitute a 'huge spike' because a bump in numbers is absolutely expected.

    Liucci

    In reply to brixton •  9:49p 

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    brixton said:

    What is the general thought by the SEC on the other fall sports that are not basketball?

    Tennis, womens' soccer etc. 

    They are all going to try to play just like football. And are probably easier to control with smaller teams. Thing is - the Big Ten and Pac-12 will not play ANY sports this fall OR spring if they don't play football. Every other sport but basketball LOSES money and without football rev, no athletic department is going to field a team that produces a net loss (and in some cases significant losses). Even basketball is out. If you can't play football this fall, you're not playing hoops in November. You can't implement a bubble like the NBA and there is far greater concern playing indoors than outdoor sports right now.

    Liucci

    In reply to Forstjm •  9:50p 

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    Forstjm said:

    Top 3 recruits that you want the Aggies to sign in the 2021 class?

    Not counting the commits, Shemar Turner, Bryce Foster and Tywone Malone.

    Liucci

    In reply to Liucci •  9:50p 

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    Forstjm said:

    Top 3 recruits that you want the Aggies to sign in the 2021 class?

    Liucci said:

    Not counting the commits, Shemar Turner, Bryce Foster and Tywone Malone.

    Wild card: Brian Thomas the WR out of Louisiana.

    Liucci

    In reply to smstork1007 •  9:51p 

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    smstork1007 said:

    Billy, why the hell does anyone care about "cases", the vast vast majority of college age kids are asymptomatic even if testing positive, and those that have the symptoms, are rarely if ever hospitalized, same as with the comon Flu. This is politics at its core, pure and simple.

    edit to add:

    does anyone remember when all we cared about were hospitalizations and deaths, i do. But those numbers aren't scary enough anymore i guess.

    I see what you're saying but you're asking me a question that all of us have talked about day and night for the past six months.

    Liucci

    In reply to KC_ChemE_2010 •  9:53p 

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    + 1 more quotes (click to expand)

    Liucci said:

    I don't believe so. I don't think the universities will have the stomach for it. But what you and I don't know and why I can truly answer that question is what in the minds of the decision-makers would constitute a 'huge spike' because a bump in numbers is absolutely expected.

    KC_ChemE_2010 said:



    I think you read that one wrong unless the questioner meant to say is instead of isn't. 

    I did read it wrong. Guess my bangs were in my eyes (I've GOT to get a haircut!). If there is NOT a huge spike and the overall state and national numbers were in clear decline? My confidence meter would go from 40/60 to 60/40.

    Liucci

    In reply to BJK •  9:54p 

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    BJK said:

    If the season does happen do you see a scenario where the league champion of the ACC, B12, and SEC + 1 make up the playoff teams or will there be league only games?

    Oh I think they are determined to have the college football playoff. If three leagues plus a couple of G5s played, they'd still try to hold the playoff I believe.

    Liucci

    In reply to Liucci •  9:55p 

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    BJK said:

    If the season does happen do you see a scenario where the league champion of the ACC, B12, and SEC + 1 make up the playoff teams or will there be league only games?

    Liucci said:

    Oh I think they are determined to have the college football playoff. If three leagues plus a couple of G5s played, they'd still try to hold the playoff I believe.

    And if not, that's when you do an SEC/ACC/Big 12 challenge type of 'final four' or 'top 6' playoff on your own or just hold an SEC 'final four' in Atlanta. Who the hell would object???

    Liucci

    In reply to PGAG •  9:57p 

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    PGAG said:

    Any conditioning work tidbits? Heard anything on the new TB's?

    The true freshman class is looking as good as the last one, which means you have two exceptional groups in a row now on campus. I'll go into more of that later but, as a team, the guys have been very engaged and they're excited and ready to play. They've been missing this stuff and are ready to get back to work.

    So far, what you're really talking about are walk through type sessions.

     

     


    Liucci

    In reply to Farmers6 •  9:59p 

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    Farmers6 said:

    Would TA take a hit if football is cancelled? I will support you guys if it does no matter what. 

    We are all in this together. 

    Appreciate that more than you know! Everyone in sports will take a hit, but then again, how many businesses won't? TA will be fine, we'll find plenty of new ways to entertain and will try to be out in front and change the game on some level I'm sure.  

    And as we've seen during this entire longest of off-seasons, there's always something to talk about.

    Liucci

    In reply to Springtown12 •  9:59p 

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    Springtown12 said:

    Any idea on if the BIG 10 or PAC 12 players get an extra year of eligibility if the other leagues still play this year, and if so, then do our players get another year of eligibility?

    Haven't heard anything about that yet.

     

     

    • Hook 'Em 1
  8. Spoiler

    Liucci

    12:01a, 8/8/20 

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    I've seen the reaction and done some more thinking. A couple of quick points to keep in mind:

    A&M is 12-4 against the East since joining the SEC.

    They're 2-1 against UF and Tennessee.

    The Ags are 10-1 against their four East opponents this season.

    Everyone - including myself - saw LSU's schedule and the first thought that the Tigers got an insanely easy draw. They did. Thing is, their overall SEC schedule is virtually the same as A&M's except they play Missouri while the Aggies draw Tennessee. In a ten-game slate, the only difference is Mizzou/Tennessee. The Vols should be better but let's not get it twisted, the gap between UT and Mizzou isn't some sort of cavernous divide here. nor is Kentucky and Tennessee if you were hoping to see the Ags draw the Wildcats instead.

    Yes, the SEC absolutely did LSU, Bama and Georgia a big favor with the added games and I think you're kidding yourself if you don't think that was by design. This is a completely unforeseen and unprecedented season in which EVERY team in EVERY other league has a tremendous advantage in terms of piling up a gaudy overall record and presenting the optic that they're better than teams beating each other up in the Southeastern Conference. The league wants someone to come out of this thing unbeaten and would love to see two or three teams appear to be the class of the conference and set the stage for that to happen on Friday.

    Still, I don't think the Aggies necessarily got hosed here. Did they get a tough draw? Sure. But it's more about it being in comparison to how much tougher the new schedule is than their 'would have been' 12-game slate. At the end of the day, they don't play the projected best team out of the East (by a wide margin, IMO) and they do play the projected worst team out of the East (by a wide margin, IMO) and also play a South Carolina squad coming off of a 4-8 year. So sure, it would have been nice after last year to see the Ags square off against the bottom three teams in the division (like LSU will) but they get two of the bottom three and don't have to see UGA. To me, if Florida is a 9 this year (as in just outside of that title contention window) and A&M is an 8, then Tennessee is probably a 7. UF at Kyle Field (still a long road trip, not in front of your fans and in enemy territory) and both teams are probably an 8.5. In Knoxville, both teams are probably a 7.5. Both are coin flip games, IMO, and the Ags have more than enough talent to line up and go head to head with each.

    Meanwhile, Texas loses LSU and adds some random joke of a non-conference game and OU does the same while not having to play Tennessee. Meanwhile, the Ags replace Colorado and Fresno State with the Vols and Gators. How very Big 12 of the Red River Rivals. Pitiful indeed.

     

     

  9. Spoiler

    Liucci

    5:30p 

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    From Colorado and Fresno State to a road trip to Knoxville and the No. 8 Florida Gators - a darkhorse playoff candidate - coming to Kyle Field.

    Yeah, I'd say A&M's schedule just got a hell of a lot tougher. Just when it looked like things finally lined up favorably for the Aggies, Jimbo Fisher's squad will once again take on a murderer's row...this one involving four of your ten games coming against teams ranked in the initial pre-season top-11.

    Here's the thing, the Ags were done no favors on Friday but they didn't get hammered with an impossible task. I think A&M SHOULD match up very well with the Gators and Vols. Look, Jimbo Fisher has a quality group of seniors entering this season and has recruited as well/better than UF and UT when it comes to the bottom two classes on the roster.  

    I've said throughout this off-season that the difference between Fisher and Dan Mullen the past two seasons has been as easy as this: The Gators played UGA twice. A&M played Clemson and Bama twice plus one against UGA. That's 0-5 for the Maroon & White and 0-2 for the Gators. That's the difference and not playing those three extra games against top-3 teams meant two NY6 bowl berths for the folks in Gainesville. Two quarterbacks who have had their moments but both of whom have plenty to prove, two of the most accomplished head coaches in college football and teams that are 1-1 against each other since the Aggies joined the league. No reason at all that the rubber match shouldn't be an all-out war.

    As for the Vols, they'll be tougher to figure out. Jeremy Pruitt - Jimbo's old DC at Florida State - caught a hot streak at season's end, winning seven straight, but the Vols really didn't beat anyone worth talking about and pulled a rabbit out of the hat in coming from behind to beat a pedestrian Indiana squad in their bowl game. A&M should be a year ahead of a Tennessee program that's suddenly turned the corner on the recruiting front in Year 3 under Jimbo vs Year 2 under Pruitt. That's a very tough matchup to take them on in Knoxville but it's one that the Aggies need to go on the road and win. Period.

    At the end of the day, the question is still the same as far as I'm concerned.

    Do the Aggies join Alabama and Georgia and someone else this year as one of the four best teams in the Southeastern Conference? If the answer ends up being 'yes' then this should be a hell of a season for Fisher and the Ags, just like it would have been otherwise.

    At the end of the day, here's where I come off on this: It's unfortunate but the home schedule got a hell of a lot better adding Arkansas and UF Anything with the Gators and LSU Tigers at home is a hell of a Kyle Field slate.

    Bama draws Missouri and Kentucky, with Kentucky at home. Georgia adds Arkansas and Mississippi State. LSU adds Missouri and Vandy (for the second straight year I believe). Go figure. When looking at the actual schedules, I think LSU has the easiest draw when it comes to the contenders.

    Arkansas, meanwhile, draws UGA at home Florida at The Swamp. Missouri adds LSU and Bama. Welcome to the SEC Sam Pittman and Eli Drinkwitz.

    Auburn adding South Carolina and Tennessee? Two games they'd better win but challenging for what I will think is a good but not elite team.

    The Vols have it tough this year, playing UF, UGA, Auburn, Alabama and A&M. Sheesh.

     

  10. 16 minutes ago, crash_davis said:

    they finally moved away from the 2013 phone design on the "a" and went with bezeless screen. that and the gimpy ass battery always kept me from the "a". finally may pull the trigger but waiting on the high end pixel to see if they finally got their shit together.

    High end Pixel seems done, the Pixel 5 is using a mid range chip supposedly. Think they are shooting for mid range now. 

  11. Spoiler

    PAC 12 players release a list of demands

    13,432 Views | 214 Replies | Last: 15 min ago by Point Man 81

    Liucci

    1:13p 

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    I'll have some thoughts on this tomorrow on radio. It's borderline insane and the lemming media will laud it as "college athletes finally recognizing and wielding their power!" 

    There are obviously lawyers, agents or perhaps even an entity like The Players Tribune who stand for benefit a great deal from all of this and they're hiding behind 'what's right for the athlete,' the demands are reasonable and logical in some cases but then go completely off the rails in some instances as whoever is leading this charge decided to go for the full grab at once.

    What I'm talking about are things like 50% of the revenue, athletes being able to be represented professionally while in college, entering the draft and returning to school and demanding ADs, coaches and the conference commissioner make less money.

    It's actual lunacy.

    Half of the REVENUE? How about start by being only wildly unrealistic and not insanely unrealistic and ask for half of the PROFIT instead??? Then, since you're claiming half the profit, share in the expense. Pay for school, lodging, meals and every pair of shoe, all the gear, etc. Then divvy up half the profit amongst the entire sport as you suggested. Not sure how every athlete would end up paying back but it would be substantial amount.

    More to talk about tomorrow but I can't see how the Pac 12 doesn't say "this is absolutely absurd outside of the Co-Vid, NIL and racial equality concerns." Will be interesting to see if they can negotiate out the unreasonable and come to a conclusion before the rapidly-approaching season.

    Here's my prediction: They will and this media parade of national folks tripping all over themselves for some Sunday twitter glory will find another "college sports are done as we know it" storyline to push.

    And FWIW I absolutely think they need to figure out how to better compensate college athletes. But this isn't it. They're 

     

  12. Spoiler

    Liucci

    6:21p 

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    On Saturday, Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies added another key piece to the 2021 recruiting puzzle - and a rapidly-intensifying Wrecking Crew reboot - when Beggs, Oklahoma safety Kendal Daniels chose A&M over OU and finalists LSU and Clemson.  

    If you want to know what a big addition this was for Fisher, Mike Elko, Ish Aristide and Co. take a look at that list of finalists again. It's three of last season's four-team playoff field plus the Maroon & White. Future CFP berths is what Fisher is building towards and winning intensely competitive recruiting battles like the one the Ags claimed this evening are the fastest way to get there. Daniels is not only considered the Sooner State's most sought-after prospect, he's also a national top-100 talent who has defensive difference-maker written all over him, hence the offer list that also includes the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon and USC.

    The reason why Fisher, Elko and the Ags have prioritized Daniels dating back to the first time they scouted him? Kendal is a uniquely-talented defender, the kind of safety that isn't available in every recruiting cycle and someone with All-SEC potential and beyond. The two-sport star is an accomplished basketball player (more on that in a moment) and, fittingly, he's what opposing offensive coordinators would refer to as a 'matchup problem' on the gridiron.

    Standing nearly 6-4 and 190 pounds, Daniels is currently a thin, rangy safety who covers an incredible amount of ground on the back end of the defense. When you watch the four-star defensive back on tape, you see a field general who is essentially 'patrolling' the entire secondary. Tremendous anticipation and field awareness combined with the ability to chew up a lot of ground in a hurry. As far as ball skills go, Kendall is off the charts good in the all-important department, regularly tracking the football and either breaking on the throw or climbing the ladder to go get it with uncanny timing. Between possessing the length that goes with being a 6-4 basketball player and displaying such great defensive instincts, the newest Aggie DB is seemingly always around the football and arriving at the right time.  

    The thing about Kendal that sets him apart from most safety prospects in the country is that his athletic, 6-4 frame is going to fill out quickly because he spends a good part of his off-season on the hardwood in high school. Last season, Daniels averaged 22.5 points, 4.5 steals and 3.6 rebounds per game for Beggs, establishing himself as one of the top basketball players in Oklahoma. Still, his best chance at hearing his name on Draft Day is wearing a helmet and shoulder pads. He's going to take the field in College Station carrying at least 220-225 pounds and will likely do so without losing any of the supreme athleticism that has drawn coast-to-coast recruiting attention. It's that combination of frame, length, all-around athletic skill and defensive instincts that have led to many comparing Kendall to former Clemson phenom and 2020 NFL first-rounder Isaiah Simmons. While Daniels doesn't yet possess Simmons' speed (Isaiah clocked a sub-4.4 at over 235 pounds at the combine), his size, skill-set and versatility certainly fit the mold. When he spoke to Jason during an interview earlier this week, the newest Aggie talked about being able to move around within MIke Elko's scheme. One can only imagine what a creative defensive mind like Elko will be able to do with a chess piece like Daniels - someone who you, like Simmons, could line up virtually anywhere in the back seven on a given snap. This, my friends, is why the Ags considered Kendal a must-have at the safety spot. There simply isn't anyone like him on the roster and has true game-changing potential on the back end.

    For a Beggs squad that reached the state semi-finals last fall. Daniels led the defensive charge with 117 tackles, 6 interceptions (3 of which were pick sixes), 3 forced fumbles and three recoveries. He also caught five TD passes and put together quite a highlight package at receiver, routinely snatching balls out of the air with one hand or going up and coming down with circus, contested grabs.

    Daniels' addition to the '21 commit list gives the Ags four pledges in the secondary, a position where the Aggies have hit on a very impressive percentage of their prioritized targets, including the top-ranked defensive back in three different states and one out of the Northeast (Philly standout Tyreek Chappell) who might be the most underrated cover man in the country. Look for A&M to push for perhaps one more on the back end to close out what would be an outstanding haul aimed at addressing one of the program's two - along with the offensive line - most pressing areas of need in the '21 cycle.

    Kendal is also the No. 1-ranked prospect in the state of Oklahoma, and his commit comes on the heels of the Ags going into Arkansas and pulling off another coup, landing the top-ranked player in the Natural State, Fort Smith Northside CB Dreyden Norwood. Since Fisher has arrived in College Station, he's made a habit of landing the No. 1 prospect in not only Texas but all over the country. In fact, Daniels becomes the ninth different state No. 1 (per at least one of the three national recruiting services) to choose the Aggies since the start of the 2019 cycle. He and Norwood join Jahzion Harris (New York) and Trey Zuhn (Colorado) in this year's class, Chris Morris (Arkansas), Antonio Johnson (Illinois) and McKinnley Jackson (Mississippi) from the 2020 group and Texans Kenyon Green and DeMarvin Leal from the '19 class.

    Speaking of Norwood, his commitment came so suddenly and out of the blue earlier this month that I don't believe I was able to dive into what the pledge means for the Aggies quite as much as I had planned. After studying quite a bit of film of the 6-0, 175-pound cornerback prospect, I'll tell you who he reminds me of. Minus the cannon right arm, Norwood evokes memories of Jason Carter. Carter came to A&M as a quarterback but ended up developing into an All-Big 12 receiver. However, he could have easily been an All-Conference and NFL corner had the then-Aggie staff decided to try him on that side of the ball. In College Station, Norwood will line up on the island and he'll bring all the tools necessary to be an outstanding SEC West cover man.

    What the Aggies and the primary competition (Auburn, Georgia and Arkansas) saw in the two-way standout was a versatile and gifted all-around athlete who blends good size (he'll end up in the 6-1, 195-pound range) and speed (a documented low-4.5 and tape that backs that up) with exceptional ball skills and natural playmaking ability on both sides of the ball. On offense last fall, Dreyden threw for 447 yards and 5 scores lining up at quarterback and ran for an additional 394 yards and 8 TDs. When lining up at corner, Norwood (one pick and a couple of PBUs) was rarely tested but demonstrates the ability to stick to opposing receivers like glue. He can flip his hips and go, has tremendous footwork and possesses next-level agility. Recovery speed isn't an issue, either, and turning back and locating the football is a strength. T.J. Rushing is getting an outstanding piece of the puzzle here and if you want me to go waaaaayyy back - all the way back to when I was in junior high and watching this guy play QB for the Clements Rangers - former Wrecking Crew standout Derrick Frazier isn't a bad comparison, either.

    The best in the state of Arkansas ultimately chose the Ags over the Hogs, Auburn and UGA but also held offers from Miami, Notre Dame, OU, TCU, Missouri and Tennessee with an original top-5 featuring the Razorbacks, Bulldogs, Sooners, Fighting Irish and Mizzou. 

    After adding Norwood and then Daniels, we could very well see a shift from the back end of the defense to the front four for the Maroon & White, as a couple of longtime targets - Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep Institute DT Taleeq Robbins and Pleasant Grove three-time state champ Marcus Burris appear to be closing in on August decisions. As things stand today, the Aggies are sitting at thirteen commits with a likely class cap of 23. Stay tuned, as several prospects around the state and country who planned to exhaust a few official visits are now staring at a 2021 recruiting cycle that might now allow anything at all in the way of on-campus visits. The result could be a few earlier-than-expected decisions from some longtime Aggie targets so stay tuned.

     

  13. Spoiler

    Liucci

    1:34p 

    Staff

    AG

    -Been talking to some folks and it still sounds like the ten conference games only is going to happen. To be announced later today if my morning intel was accurate. Here's what it sounds like:

    Ten conference games only.
    Season starts weekend of 9/26.
    Regular season ends weekend of 12/5.
    SEC title game 12/19.  
    If make up games are needed, they can be played weekend of 12/12.

    -What is still a little murky is how they're going to choose every team's additional conference opponents. Yesterday, it was making the rounds that each team would simply line up their next two crossover foes ('21 and '22). In the Ags' case, that's Missouri and Florida. Since then, I've been hearing that the first thing the league will try to do is avoid teams playing their crossover from last year (for A&M, that's Georgia). But also heard the next thing they'll attempt is avoid next year's crossover (Missouri). If that ends up winning out, you're looking at A&M likely playing two of the three between UF, Tennessee and Kentucky. Tougher sledding, indeed.

    -In semi-related news, the Aggies and Longhorns are not meeting on the field, no matter how hard Chris Del Conte and Tom Herman whine about to the media. However, the rivalry is alive and well behind the scenes, as wanna-be mountain man 'CDC' is going to have to walk back his previous claims of 50% capacity at DKR. You see, it's sounding more and more like 25% is going to be the reality in Travis County. Meanwhile, A&M has maintained they'd shoot for 50% at Kyle Field all along, with fans being able to decide whether attending games was right for them or not. I'm expecting the Ags to stick with that, which will place a great deal of pressure on the Texas decision-makers, who would catch an incredible amount of heat from their season ticket holders. Can you imagine if A&M is playing at 50% capacity and Texas half that???

    So try and predict Texas' current play. Yep, you guessed it. They're almost certainly going to attempt to go the political route, likely asking our Longhorn Governor to exert a little behind-the-scenes leverage on TAMU brass to go along with the other in-state programs at 25%. I don't think it's going to work, but we'll see. Stay tuned.

    -Speaking of the Horns, have you guys noticed the pitiful army of talking heads spouting off their typical envious nonsense over the past few days? These blowhards are so excited about being able to lose the LSU game in Baton Rouge and play what will probably be an all-Big 12 slate plus maybe a conf-vs-conf one-off with someone like the Mountain West yet they're going all-in the other way and are now talking smack about the SEC doing exactly what the B1G and Pac-12 are planning to do. The collection of Burnt Orange mouthpieces are actually bragging about playing an easier schedule while other programs' slates are actually getting infinitely tougher and don't even realize how apropos and on-brand this all is.

    Better hope you avoid Boise State, Hermie.

     

     

  14. Spoiler

    If you've been following anything the TexAgs Recruiting Team has said over the past year or so, you know that the 2022 crop in Texas is one of the deepest and most talent-laden classes in recent memory. We're talking the nation's No. 1 overall prospect, an uncharacteristically deep corps of linebackers, multiple national top-100 candidates at virtually every position and no fewer than ten legitimate five-star candidates. Here's my first extended foray into the impossible task of ranking the state's top juniors-to-be.

    Texas Top 22 in 2022

    1. QB Quinn Ewers‍ - Southlake Carroll 
    The nation's No. 1 signal-caller and the top-overall prospect is up there with the best I've seen the Lone Star State produce, which is saying a mouthful. Wherever he ends up, Ewers has the look of a guy who could push a program over the top or lead an established power to a championship. He is a Peyton Manning-type prospect.

    2. CB Denver Harris‍ - North Shore
    He's right there with recent five-star DBs Jaylon Jones, Jeffrey Okudah and Jamal Adams. As good of a pure cover corner as I've seen in the state in at least several years. Absolutely gifted athletically.

    3. OT Kameron Dewberry‍ - Atascocita 
    Like Tommy Brockermeyer‍ this year, Dewberry is just a can't miss OL prospect. He is cut from the same mold A&M fans saw in Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews. Just an incredibly polished and technical blocker who also happens to be exceptionally strong and athletic while also possessing a nasty streak. Dewberry is the total package.

    4. DE Malick Sylla‍ - Katy
    This kid screams upside. He's good now but has a chance to be 'top-five NFL draft pick' type great. Malick has insane length and athleticism plus cat-like quickness and gets off with ridiculous closing speed. Sylia has a chance to be an elite college edge-rusher, which is why he'll rate among the most coveted '22s in America.

    TexAgs

    Perkins ranks as Liucci’s top LB in a year with no shortage of talent at the position.

    5. LB Harold Perkins‍ - Cy-Parks
    In an uncharacteristically loaded year at linebacker, the Houston-area defender stands out. Perkins moves like a safety and strikes and closes like an All-SEC linebacker. He is an every-down type who Howell has compared him to Marcel Brooks, and that's a good comp. There's also some Derrick Johnson in there, as well. He is a legit five-star candidate.

    6. WR Caleb Burton‍ - Del Valle 
    A playmaker deluxe, Burton is pure electricity on a football field. He's got All-American potential, which is why he already holds offers from every relevant program in the country. Jaylen Waddle, Garrett Wilson, Demond Demas and now Caleb Burton; That's your list of the best Texas has produced each of the last four cycles.

    7. OT Kelvin Banks‍ - Summer Creek
    If I were ranking in-state o-linemen with the highest ceiling today, I think the first two names on my list would be 2021 A&M commit Reuben Fatheree‍ and the '22 tackle from Summer Creek. The one-time Oklahoma State commit is 6-5, 300 pounds and has SEC West bookend written all over him. Banks' summer stock is currently skyrocketing.

    8. OG Devon Campbell‍ - Arlington Bowie
    Campbell is a big, bruising lineman who is very strong and powerful but also athletic and quick enough to serve as an excellent inside pass protector and pulling guard in the run game. He probably doesn't possess enough length to play tackle, but the 6-3, 265-pounder has the look of a future All-Conference blocker, and he has the early offers to show for it.

    9. S Bryan Allen‍ - Aledo
    The LSU commit ranks as one of the nation's top safety prospects in 2022 and is worthy of the hype. A breakout star on Aledo's 2019 state championship team, Allen isn't the biggest safety prospect you're going to find, but he's instinctive as hell and stands out as arguably the best player out there every time he steps on the field.

    10. TE Donovan Green‍ - Dickinson
    By far the top tight end prospect in Texas in '22, Green would probably be the most heavily-recruited tight end this year despite being a junior. The Aggies are hoping the potential five-star — who averaged over 20 yards per catch last fall — follows in the footsteps of fellow Dickinson Gator, Jalen Wydermyer.

    TexAgs

    Keithian ‘Big Bear’ Alexander currently checks in at 6-4, 330 lbs and could be a force on the D-line at the next level

    11. DT Bear Alexander‍ - Denton Ryan
    Keithian' Big Bear' Alexander checks in at 6-4, 330 pounds as a high school junior. Alexander has moved around quite a bit and will be playing at his third high school in as many years, but that hasn't kept most of the national powers from finding him. A&M and Elijah Robinson have been 'bear hunting' for a while and have prioritized Keithian early.

    12. DE Omari Abor‍ - Duncanville
    Even on a stacked Duncanville squad that has reached the 6A state title game two years running, the 6-4, 240-pound defensive end stands out. Abor is a big, physical and twitchy DE on a Panther defense that has arguably been the best in Texas over the past two seasons. Abor is likely a national top-100 defender.

    13. OL PJ Williams‍ - Dickinson
    A pure tackle who has only recently begun to fill out, Williams has seen offers roll in from A&M, LSU, Auburn, Notre Dame, Penn State, Michigan and Texas of late. PJ has off-the-charts athleticism, footwork and length on the edge and a 6-4, 255-pound frame that will easily grow to 6-5 and north of 300 pounds. Williams gives the Gator offense two prospects that Jimbo Fisher and Co. covet.

    14. WR Evan Stewart‍ - Frisco Heritage
    One of the fastest players in the state of Texas has become a national name this spring. Stewart emerged as one of the most electric pass-catchers in the country despite playing on a Heritage squad that was often over-matched, which allowed defenses to focus their game plan around stopping him. 

    15. DE Ernest Cooper IV‍ - Arlington Martin
    Stop me if you've heard this before. The Aggies and Terry Price intend to make a hard run at a defensive end from Arlington Martin. No, RJ Cooper won't carry Myles Garrett's lofty ranking in the upcoming cycle, but make no mistake, the 6-4, 235-pounder already boasts a comparable offer list and is a difference-maker in the trenches. Cooper is a possible in-state top-10 talent and a likely national top-150 name when all is said and done.

    16. WR Armani Winfield‍ - Lewisville
    One of the first nationally-recruited prospects to emerge from the Class of '22, Winfield brings prototypical size (6-2, 180) and some of the most reliable hands in the state to the table. Armani hauled in nearly 800 yards, 9 TDs and a highlight reel full of acrobatic grabs, which has led to every power player in the country extending an early offer.

    17. DB Austin Jordan‍ - Denton Ryan
    Some schools will see him as a corner, others will project at safety, but it doesn't matter. Jordan is a playmaker on the back end who blends track speed with imposing size. He possesses an incredible knack for finding the ball as well. The 9-4A Defensive Newcomer of the year's eventual decision could very well come down to Red River Rivals: Texas and Oklahoma.

    TexAgs

    Blue carried the ball for over 1,600 yards as a sophomore, something the Hurricanes hope he can build on in 2020.

    18. RB Jaydon Blue‍ - Klein Cain
    Blue is a name that could rise significantly if there's football in Texas this fall. Why? Because most — including most of the SEC and power programs from coast to coast — expect the 5-10, 205-pound back to build on a 1,600-yard sophomore season. One of the nation's top backs, many believe Blue is a top 5-10 runner in the country.
     

    19. S Bryce Anderson‍ - Beaumont Westbrook
    The Golden Triangle safety chose Ed Orgeron and LSU early. However, A&M doesn't plan to back off, as Anderson is one of the most talented defenders in a loaded Texas class of 2022. Outside of not being the biggest safety you'll find, Bryce checks every other box in terms of coverage skills, instincts, physicality and athleticism. Anderson is a two-way threat under center and also brings true meaning to that whole' quarterback of the secondary' thing.

    20. CB Terrance Brooks‍ - John Paul II
    The son of Wrecking Crew legend Chet Brooks, Terrance is ranked higher here, but the services will catch up and college coaches are already wise, with the 6-0, 185-pounder picking up offers from the likes of A&M, LSU, Florida, Texas and OU. This kid can flat out cover and might be the second-best pure corner prospect in the state behind Denver Harris.

    21. CB Bobby Taylor‍ - Katy
    Closing in on 6-2, the 185-pound corner's stock has soared this off-season. He's not unlike Katy teammate Malick Sylia in that his projectability is off-the-charts. The son of longtime NFL corner Bobby Taylor, the fast-rising cover man cut his teeth for a loaded Tigers' D last year but will only get better with experience.

    22. LB Martrell Harris‍ - The Woodlands
    Another fast and athletic linebacker who will absolutely strike you, Harris already holds offers from A&M and Texas despite having to play JV last season as a sophomore due to transfer rules. Mark this one down: His current rating with the national services — both in state and countrywide — are laughably out of whack.

    Rounding out the Top 50 (alphabetical order)

    Chace Biddle‍ - Garland
    WR Anthony Black‍ - Coppell
    RB Damien Brown‍ - Leonard
    OLB/DE Nic Caraway‍ - Bryan
    OL Johnny Dickson‍ - CC Flour Bluff
    Cristian Driver‍ - Argyle Liberty Christian
    OL Jaylen Early‍ - Duncanville
    CB Dorian Friend‍ - Spring
    CB Jaylon Guilbeau‍ - PA Memorial
    DE Anthony Holmes Jr‍ - Westfield
    WR Jordan Hudson‍ - Garland
    CB Julian Humphrey‍ - Clear Lake
    C/G Demetrius Hunter‍ - West Orange-Stark
    OT Cole Hutson‍ - Frisco
    RB Tavorus Jones‍ - EP Burgess
    LB Ty Kana‍ - Katy
    QB Cade Klubnik‍ - Westlake
    OL Jihad Lateef‍ - Lubbock Estacado
    WR Randy Masters‍ - Shadow Creek
    LB Justin Medlock‍ - Manvel
    TE Trent McGaughey‍ - Manvel
    LB Kobie McKinzie‍ - Lubbock Cooper
    RB Emeka Megwa‍ - FW Nolan Catholic
    RB JD Price‍ - Denison
    WR Brenen Thompson‍ - Spearman
    OG Neto Umeozulu‍ - Allen
    QB Conner Weigman‍ - Bridgeland
    WR Phaizon Wilson‍ - Lancaster

     

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