Aggies Report To Fall Practice as Season Approaches
One needs not to ask coach Jimbo Fisher about the pressure that comes to College Station entering this season. He knows quite well the expectations on display as he enters his sixth season with the Texas A&M Aggies.
Somewhere between SEC bottom-dweller and conference contender lie the Aggies, a program with the talent to compete for SEC titles, but perhaps are missing one link to set them apart. Maybe that "spark" has arrived with new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino rolling into town, but most won't entirely know until Sept. 2 when the Aggies kickoff at Kyle Field against New Mexico.
Fisher might have a better understanding starting Wednesday when players report for the start of fall practice. He'll have 31 days to determine a mountain of issues before taking a snap against the Lobos — ones like which quarterback should take first-team reps and what to do about replacing running back De'Von Achane.
Reporters will be able to meet with the head coach and several players before the start of practice. Fans will be able to catch a glimpse of what to expect on Sunday, Aug. 6, when the Aggies hold practice open to the public at Kyle Field.
Naturally, it's one's inclination to be hesitant about a program's positive outlook without seeing it live. Fisher can say whatever he wants to the public. He can make comments on the podium on the season's outlook. Behind closed doors, he'll even invite the select few into his inner circle to see the findings of the playbook.
That's fine. It still has to be implemented on paper.
The Aggies are coming off their worst finish under Fisher and their first losing season since 2008. The offense sputtered, ranking 93rd in total yards and 101st in scoring. Quarterback play was inconsistent, not to mention injuries began to stockpile by the midway point of the year.
"We've played a lot of young players," Fisher said at SEC Media Days last week. "Now you're bringing a lot of those guys back with experience, and I think our two-deep probably has as much experience as we've had since we've been here."
That's a plus for A&M entering what some might consider a must-win year for Fisher. Both quarterbacks are a year older and have the reps to lead the huddle. The front seven features depth, but also upside in players such as Walter Nolen, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy and Shemar Stewart.
There's an uptick in the youth movement, but the Aggies also return vocal leaders who could have gone pro. Offensive lineman Layden Robinson said during spring drills he was inclined to return for his senior season. Receiver Ainias Smith wanted another shot to close his A&M chapter on the right note following a season-ending leg injury in Week 4.
Defensively, the Aggies bring back linemen McKinley Jackson and Fadil Diggs up front. Edgerrin Cooper is slated to command the middle. Demani Richardson, who's played in 43 games since arriving in 2019, will still have a hold of the secondary.
Not to mention, A&M strengthened its defense via the transfer portal with additions in cornerback Tony Grimes (North Carolina), defensive back Josh DeBerry (Boston College) and linebacker JD Davis (Jackson State).
"I like the dynamic of our group to be able to do that this year, but we'll find out," Fisher said. "There's no promises, no things. I like the group. I think the way we've practiced – and you say that – you know, there's a saying I always say, your actions speak so loud I can't hear what you're saying."
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