Texas A&M’s 2022 season was an abysmal failure on its face, made up of a 5-7 record coupled with a 2-6 SEC record, including a six-game losing streak to boot. However, bright spots, like the Aggies’ young defense and the ascendance of quarterback Conner Weigman existed outside of running back Devon Achane, now a member of the Miami Dolphins, who had an incredibly productive season. Still, it’s time to flush 2022 and bank on a 2023 rebound campaign.
The Aggies’ 2023 offseason has been an interesting one, to say the least, consisting of several big highs and epic lows, but so far, the positives have outweighed the negatives. Good Bull Hunting contributor Will Stone, who also graded Texas A&M’s offseason on Friday, provided a dense and highly informative list in report card format. I’m here to give an overall grade based on what I have seen as someone who covers the program daily, with more developments coming down the pipeline as we get closer to fall camp.
To start, Texas A&M lost a total of 27 players to the transfer portal, and yes, I myself have said 30-plus as the actual number has developed a myth-like persona; it’s 27, and seven players from the 2022 recruiting class. Jimbo Fisher’s history with the transfer portal is similar to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ spending in free agency; the Aggies did add key pieces to the defensive backfield, including cornerbacks Tony Grimes, Sam McCall, and Josh DeBerry, while linebacker Jurriente Davis and offensive lineman Finn Dirstine should help field a depth void for each unit.
Offensively, wide receivers Jahdae Walker (6-4) and Jordan Anthony (5-9) represent outside length (Walker) and track speed in the slot (Anthony), while running back David Bailey presents and powerful and experienced depth piece in an already crowded RB room. Nearly every player who transferred failed to see the field last season.
Coaching-wise, longtime offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey’s dismissal led to the hiring of play-calling savant Bobby Petrino, who brings some personal baggage. Still, as we’ve seen repeatedly, every coach deserves a second chance, especially someone whose impressive resume speaks for itself.
In an attempt to revitalize what has been a slow and predictable offense under Fisher, adding an explosive element with the talent on the roster was a no-brainer, as Fisher’s hesitancy to give up the play-calling duties has finally ended, with trust being instilled in Petrino, something we saw during the Maroon and White Spring Game. From a scheme perspective, Will Stone said it best based on what we saw from Petrino this spring, combined with his time as the Head Coach of Arkansas.
“We saw clips of spring practice where Jimbo was hands-off and it was Petrino handling the quarterbacks, and even the players themselves have been saying in interviews that the offense is different and Petrino is calling the shots. And while the offense in the spring game looked similar to what we’ve seen, Petrino’s influence was obvious. The scheme in the run game was different (featuring more gap concepts), we saw deep shots off of play-action from under center, and there were a few “easy-button” plays sprinkled throughout the game (something we just didn’t see much of from Jimbo).”
Lastly, Texas A&M will return 16 players (8 on offense, 8 on defense), including all five starters on the offensive line, the entire starting wide receiver unit (Evan Stewart, Moose Muhammad, Ainias Smith, Noah Thoams), and outside of quarterback Haynes King’s departure to Georgia Tech, the quarterback room is solidified with sophomore Conner Weigman, senior southpaw Max Johnson, and incoming freshman Marcel Reed.
Defensively, safety Demani Richardson and defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson return for their final senior seasons, as both will lead deep units loaded with young five-star talent from the 2022 cycle who poise to take the next step in their development after incurring their “baptism by fire” season.
So, including everything I just stated, Texas A&M’s 2023 offseason deserves a solid B+, reaching A- territory if we also add the Aggies’ 9th-ranked 2024 recruiting class. Things are finally looking up for the Maroon and White on the Gridirion, and with just seven Saturdays away from the 2023 season, football is (almost) back, baby!
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.
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