Aggies Defensive Fall Camp 2-Deep Depth Chart Projection
The Texas A&M Aggies' defense was a strong point in what was a down year for their standards in 2022.
Much of the Texas A&M defense's depth contains a good portion of the 2022 recruiting class, but its upperclassmen have risen to the top and will assume starting roles for 2023. Head coach Jimbo Fisher grabbed six defenders out of the transfer portal and a trio of cornerbacks that could start this season.
Here is the All Aggies projected two-deep depth chart for when Texas A&M takes the field against New Mexico.
Defensive End
1. Fadil Diggs
2. LT Overton
1. Shemar Turner
2. Shemar Stewart
Fadil Diggs showed he belongs rushing off the ends of defensive line a season ago, recording a team-high three sacks while nearly 20 percent of his tackles were for a loss. Shemar Turner's extra year of experience gives him a leg up on Shemar Stewart, but don't be shocked if they frequently rotate.
Defensive Tackle
1. Walter Nolen
2. Albert Regis
1. McKinnley Jackson
2. Isaiah Raikes
McKinnley Jackson is Sharpie'd in. He's not going anywhere. However, Walter Nolen lost 30 pounds and, if the No. 2 player in the class of 2022 can combine the speed and power he's capable of, opposing interior offensive linemen beware.
Isaiah Raikes started towards the end of the year, while Albert Regis played in all but one game a season ago. The two combined for 33 tackles, four for loss, 0.5 sacks and a quarterback hit.
WILL Linebacker
1. Edgerrin Cooper
2. Taurean York
This is Edgerrin Cooper's job without a doubt, but Taurean York enrolled early and has gotten valuable time in the linebackers room ahead of his true freshman season. In his high school career, he recorded 435 tackles, recorded 15 sacks and forced 11 fumbles.
MIKE Linebacker
1. Chris Russell Jr.
2. Martrell Harris Jr.
Chris Russell Jr. recorded 66 tackles last season, which was third most on the Aggies' defense. He returns for his senior season looking to anchor the middle of Texas A&M's second level.
Martrell Harris Jr. played in 12 games last season, recording seven tackles and two sacks.
Cornerback
1. Tyreek Chappell
2. Josh DeBerry
1. Tony Grimes
2. Sam McCall
The starters are fairly self explanatory here. Tyreek Chappell returns after carrying over his freshman-year production into 2022, recording 44 tackles and eight pass break-ups.
Fisher dipped into the transfer portal to get Tony Grimes from North Carolina, and he'll likely step in assume the starting spot opposite of Chappell. With the Tar Heels, the Virginia Beach, VA. native recorded 97 tackles, 3.5 for loss, an interception and 19 pass break-ups.
Safety
1. Demani Richardson
2. Jacoby Mathews
1. Jardin Gilbert
2. Deuce Harmon
Demani Richardson was selected as a Preseason Second Team All-Southeastern Conference honoree July 21 after leading the Aggies with 73 tackles, an interception and four pass break-ups. Jardin Gilbert led Texas A&M with a pair of interceptions last season, so he'll be back at the free safety position in 2023.
Jacoby Mathews was the No. 8 safety in the class of 2022, while Deuce Harmon played in four games and logged nine tackles.
Nickelback
1. Bryce Anderson
2. Jarred Kerr
Bryce Anderson had some growing pains in year one in College Station, but had 28 tackles, 3.5 for loss, forcing one fumble and recovering two more. Jarred Kerr got valuable playing time last season, but will have to exponentially outplay Anderson in fall camp and into the season to take the starting nickelback job.
Follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419
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