One position that Jimbo Fisher has issues recruiting and keeping has been linebacker over the past few years. So, after losing the two five-star recruits in back-to-back years with Harold Perkins Jr and Anthony Hill Jr switching to close rivals, it left Aggie fans feeling a little jaded. While the two-starting starting spots are solidified, the depth behind Cooper and Russell is still being worked out. JSU transfer Jurriente Davis is also an option for some playing time.
But a freshman linebacker has been catching everyone’s eye, including Jimbo. Here is what he had to say about Taurean York
“Very mature. He’s a kid that is 18 going on 30, and I say that from a standpoint of how he learns and how he acts.”
“He’s a very intelligent guy and a very well-rounded guy that has had a very good camp. A true freshman that can make calls for you.”
you could give a man a fish and let him eat for a day, or you could teach a man how to fish and he can eat forever 🎣🤠 #GigEm #Sg 🏴☠️ @CoachSantucci @CoachDurkin @AlexGarwig pic.twitter.com/IXxUEVy0xI
— Taurean A. York 🏴☠️ (@TaureanYork5x) December 20, 2022
The Temple native may not come in as a highly touted five-star recruit, but he is a very productive high school athlete that was named the 12-6A Defensive MVP three years in a row. Standing at 6-0 feet, 220lbs, there is some worry about how he might hold up in SEC play; however, he makes up any perceived physical hindrances with his knowledge of the game.
Jimbo is not the only coach that praises the maturity and intelligence of the game. All you have to do is talk to any of his high school coaches or teammates.
“There’s so many things to talk about with Taurean. It’s pretty special, to be honest,” Temple defensive coordinator Dexter Knox said. “He’s so intelligent and studies the game so much. You don’t see a high school kid care as much as he does. He’s got two parents at home who love him and you can see how he’s been raised.
“He’s never satisfied. When we get done with a game, he expects to have the game film (available to watch) within an hour. He knows the ins and outs of this defense. When we need to make checks at halftime or during the game, he can handle it. That makes it fun for a defensive coordinator, because it’s like having another coach on the field. He’s always on.”
After the reports of possible locker room turmoil that saw multiple former top recruits transfer out, York is the type of player you need in this team. His leadership qualities will pay dividends, and if he continues to impress, the Mike linebacker position will be well taken care of for the next few years.
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 Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=7]
[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk727 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]