If you can take any positives away from Texas A&M’s 2024 season-opening loss to Notre Dame, it was the play of the Aggie O-line against one of the better defensive lines in the country, as improvement in the trenches has been sought after for the last three seasons.
Featuring several new faces, including former Kansas guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams, new O-line coach Adam Cushing was tasked with moving players around to find the best fit for every 2023 starter/reserve, which included shifting former starting right tackle Chase Bisontis to left guard due to his size and strength.
Taking over a right tackle, junior OL Dametrious Crownover came into the season at 6-7 and 330 pounds, winning the job over veteran tackle Reuben Fatheree, who has dealt with injury issues over the past two seasons.
After watching the game tape, SEC college football analyst Cole Cubelic noted Crownover’s textbook pass protection rep during one of the cleaner pockets provided to starting quarterback Conner Weigman. Crownover showed solid footwork, delivered his first punch efficiently, and pushed the pass rusher away from the pocket.
https://twitter.com/colecubelic/status/1831803727826841852?s=61&t=7Grt_BRNEg2xS6KG8YO0rg
However, watch the rep from Ar’maj Reed-Adams at right guard, who finished his defender with pure power, which is a great sign heading into SEC play. Even with junior center Mark Nabou’s season-ending injury, former Utah center Koli Faaiu enters the fold with plenty of size, understanding of leverage, and starting experience to keep things rolling.
Texas A&M will host McNeese State on Saturday, Sept. 7, for an early kickoff at 11:45 a.m. The game will air on the SEC Network.
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