Aggies OT Chase Bisontis Named To ESPN's Preseason Freshman All American Team
Chase Bisontis might not start Week 1 for Texas A&M, but his impact in spring practice has caught the eye of several media outlets entering the regular season.
ESPN recently named Bisotnis to its annual preseason freshman All-American team for the 2023 season. The New Jersey native was the only Aggie to be named to the list by the company.
Similar to Florida's Knijeah Harris, Bisontis was thrust into action because of injuries and has a chance to take advantage of his opportunity. Despite originally projecting as an interior lineman, Bisontis rotated in as a first-team tackle in the spring. He can legitimately play center as well, so he's a two-deep lock at all five spots. - ESPN
Recruited out of Don Bosco Prep by A&M offensive line coach Steve Addazio, Bisontis was considered one of the nation's top interior offensive line prospects. As a senior, he was named New Jersey Offensive Player of the Year after allowing just one sack during his final season.
A&M put Bisontis through the wringer as spring practice unfolded. With Trey Zuhn out due to an offseason injury, the 6-6, 320-pound tackle saw action with the first-team offense at right tackle while projected starter Reuben Fatheree moved over to the left side of the line.
Fatheree ended up missing the final stages of spring practice and the team's annual Maroon and White Game, thus opening the door again for Bisontis to work with the starters. He played primarily on the right side of the line, working with redshirt sophomore quarterback Max Johnson and true sophomore Conner Weigman.
Sixth-year A&M coach Jimbo Fisher praised Bisontis earlier this month for his continued growth into the early stages of fall camp.
“Chase Bisontis is doing a great job,” Fisher said Monday during his weekly press conference. “Dametrious Crownover is having a phenomenal camp. … Mark Nabou has really become a jack of all trades. He is playing center, guard and tackle. He is playing and playing well.”
When healthy, Fatheree and Zuhn are the projected starters on either side of the line. Both tackles started a predominant amount of games at their respective side last season, with Fatheree splitting reps with Jahmir Johnson and Kenyon Green at both tackle positions, respectively.
Bisontis could push for starting reps by midseason. Fisher has never shied away from starting the best player to give his team a competitive edge and more stability. At worse, Bisontis should serve as the No. 3 option and a swing tackle for either side of the line.
Versatility could also make Bisontis the top depth lineman for the upcoming season. Prior to heading to College Station, a majority of his reps came at left guard during his four years at Don Bosco Prep.
The Aggies open the regular season at Kyle Field on Sept. 2 against New Mexico.
