Texas A&M’s acsending linebacker corps is one of the keys to defeating LSU

Texas A&M’s linebacker corps will need to play at a high level against LSU offensive attack

Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) heads back to Kyle Field for a Week 9 primetime showdown against 8th-ranked LSU after defeating Mississippi State 34-24 on Saturday night.

Behind an improved second-half defense, the Aggies held off the Bulldog’s passing attack and improved to 4-0 in SEC play and 2-0 on the road in the conference.

This week, Texas A&M’s defense will now prepare for the LSU Tigers‘ 25th-ranked offense and junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Still, freshman running back Caden Durham could be a bigger problem if the Aggie run defense is up to snuff early in the game.

One of Texas A&M’s position groups that looked like a weakness coming into the season was at linebacker. Against LSU, plugging the running gaps and preventing missed tackles is one of the many keys to victory.

Sophomore LB Taurean York was the only returning backer with any experience until head coach Mike Elko utilized the transfer portal, landing former Florida LB Scooby Williams and former Pitt LB Solomon DeSheilds.

Williams, who is coming off a career game against Mississippi State after recording six tackles, two tackles for loss, and his first career interception, described how the linebacker rotation has improved due to constant competition.

“Each and every day, whether it’s an off day or Coach is drilling us in practice, we’re always in competition with each other and trying to get better.”

“We were overly prepared, and that starts during the week in practice. … All of that adds up over time, and y’all get to see the results on Saturdays.”

After Williams’ career day, all you can do is be proud of your accomplishment and move on to the next game. But, hey, it was pretty cool to see the junior linebacker continue making an impact.

“It meant a lot to me. It was crazy.” “At the crib, I was like, ‘What am I going to do if I get a pick?’ … Coach Elko was yelling about ball security, so I was just making sure I didn’t give it back to the offense.”

Another Texas A&M linebacker to watch against the Tigers is sophomore Daymion Sanford, whose closing speed, tackling, and pass-rush prowess have made him a secret weapon for Elko and DC Jay Bateman.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Linebacker Taurean York featured in our Texas A&M Countdown to Kickoff

Taurean York is entering a new leadership position this season

The countdown to Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener against Notre Dame is just two days away.

Ten days remain before the 7th-ranked Fighting Irish head to College Station for a primetime showdown. New Aggies head coach Mike Elko has completed the long journey to accepting the position, going through his first offseason, and finishing his first fall practice period with the team this month.

Aggies Wire will focus on one player daily for the next ten days, ranking the Top 10 players on the 2024 roster. Coming in at No. 2 on our list, sophomore linebacker Taurean York is coming off his brilliant 2023 season, starting every game during his freshman campaign.

A favorite of new head coach Mike Elko, York was previously committed to Duke during Elko’s first season in Durham before ultimately signing with Texas A&M, so it’s fair to say reuniting felt pretty darn good.

York was second on the team in tackles (74) last season while recording three sacks and a forced fumble. His closing speed and defensive instincts made him one of the most dependable players on the roster, knowing that the defense was always in good hands, no matter the situation.

Heading into the first season, where helmet communication will be utilized, York will continue to relay the defensive calls as the starting middle linebacker, playing in front of one of the most talented defensive lines in the country.

In just his second season, York has taken on a leadership position within the program, as his recent appearance during SEC Media Days showed a player with maturity well beyond his 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 Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Coach Mike Elko names Texas A&M linebacker candidates that may start next to Taurean York

It’s abundantly clear who the best linebacker is at Texas A&M. However, who starts next to sophomore Taurean York is a giant question mark.

For anyone who watched Texas A&M football last year, it’s abundantly clear who the best linebacker on the team is. However, who starts next to sophomore Taurean York is a giant question mark.

On Saturday afternoon, Aggies head coach Mike Elko named three candidates who could start alongside York this season: sophomore Daymion Sanford, junior Scooby Williams and senior Solomon DeShields.

Considering that Sanford is the only member of that trio who played in College Station last year, he may be the frontrunner. Although, the two transfers do come to Aggieland with more collegiate experience.

Sanford played in all 13 games as a true freshman. He was a four-star recruit coming out of Paetow High School in Katy, Texas.

Williams is well acquainted with the SEC after spending three years with the Florida Gators. In 25 total contests, he racked up 70 tackles, with 35 of the solo variety.

DeShields played at Pitt for four years. He took a redshirt season in 2020 after competing in four games as a true freshman. Afterwards, DeShields displayed his durability by suiting up in 38 total games for the Panthers.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.

Here are the Top 5 Texas A&M defensive players that need to make an impact this spring

Ahead of spring football, here are five Texas A&M defensive players who need to improve, starting next month.

It may be early in the offseason, but Texas A&M’s spring football season is less than a month away, and all eyes will be on how new head coach Mike Elko and his impressive coaching staff will help what should be an elite defensive unit, led incoming senior defensive lineman Shemar Turner, former Purdue Edge Nic Scourton, who led the Big 10 in sacks (10) last season.

Not to ignore the 22 transfers that are due to make an immediate impact, but looking at the current roster members that need to take the next step in their collective development will help dictate what Aggie fans should look forward to during spring football, which is now less than a month away.

While Turner’s return basically solidifies A&M’s defensive line, younger members in trenches, including DJ Hicks and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, showed flashes during their extended snaps in the Aggies bowl loss to Oklahoma State and are both deemed to play much larger roles in 2024.

Including several players in the secondary and a linebacker competing for a starting job, here are the five Aggies on defense that need to step up during spring football, heading into the 2024 season.

Aggies linebacker depth on the upside following spring game performance and key transfer addition

Following a promising spring game performance, the Aggies’ linebacker unit is beginning to flash its depth thanks to a key transfer portal addition.

Questions surrounded Texas A&M’s linebacker unit heading into their spring program, but after a promising performance in the Aggies’ exhibition game, alongside a big addition via the transfer portal, this position has a nice mix of talent to make an impact both now and into the future.

Heading into the Maroon and White spring game, Chris Russell Jr. and Edgerrin Cooper were handed the starting reigns for this unit and that same belief hasn’t changed. Both of these two bring much-needed experience to a position that was lacking depth through spring.

Russell is solid as the Mike linebacker, but he’s arguably better suited when playing on the move and blitzing the opposing quarterback. Cooper has excellent closing speed and can make plays in the open field. However, at 6-3 and 230 lbs, he’s not particularly imposing when it comes to his size, which means he could struggle when taking on bigger blockers.

Enter the true x-factor with the addition of Jurriente Davis, who was ranked as the No. 1 transfer portal LB out of Jackson State. While the Aggies have some very capable starters and promising youth for the future, this unit needed a splash via the transfer portal and they got one with Davis.

As we’ve covered here at Aggies Wire, Davis’s tape shows a player that thrives as an off-the-ball linebacker, primarily at the Will position in the Aggies’ 4-2-5 defensive scheme. He’s equipped to tackle what’s in front of him and provide a solid pass rush when needed thanks to his speed and downhill quickness.

Making the jump from FCS to FBS competition is a significant one, make no mistake about it, so the transition will be key to observe for Davis. I don’t think it’ll be a case of “baptism by fire” as Davis’ talent and experience should make the adjustment a smooth one.

While the trio of Russell, Cooper, and Davis shows promise for the Maroon and White in the near term, the Aggies also have a handful of bright prospects that should develop nicely in the future. Second-year Martrell Harris flashed his closing speed in the spring game, while first-year Daymion Sanford is a converted pass rusher who has length and can run.

Freshman Taurean York is a little undersized when it comes to mass (217 lbs for now), but he should easily bulk up in due time. Additionally, he has a nice grasp of the defense and he’s proven useful in coverage as one of the bright spots called out by the coaching staff during spring practice.

With still a few days left in the transfer portal it remains to be seen whether any more additions will be made to this unit. If not, then the Aggies have a promising group headlined by veterans that should make an impact this season, followed by some promising talent for the future.

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 Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee

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Texas A&M Spring Football 2023: Linebacker position breakdown

As spring football for the Aggies nears its end, we take a look at the linebacker group which is hoping for a rebound performance in 2023.

Spring football for Texas A&M is well underway, which means it’s every fan’s obligation to parse through the depth chart ahead of what will be an important 2023 season. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered by breaking down each positional battle, and up next is taking a look at a vital piece of the defense in the linebacker group.

Last year’s performance from the group can be summed up in just a few words: much to be desired. To their credit, a combination of injuries and poor performance from the interior meant that opposing defenses very much had their way when attacking the second level. Playing a 3-2-6 didn’t make things any easier as they failed to stunt opponents up front or blitz back seven defenders.

Overall it was a tough season for the unit, whether as a result of their own individual performance or a factor of playing in an inconsistent scheme. The Maroon and White, in large part, have two experienced backers in the fold for 2023, which means next season will be the tale of reloading and rebounding from 2022.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how the current linebacker group is shaping up for the Aggies:

Returners (2022 season stats)

MLB Senior Chris Russell Jr. (12 games, 66 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 defensive touchdown)
WLB Redshirt junior Edgerrin Cooper (11 games, 61 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 5 pass breakups)
WLB Sophomore Martrell Harris Jr. (12 games, 7 total tackles, 1 forced fumble)

New additions

Freshman Taurean York
Freshman Daymion Sanford
Freshman Chantz Johnson

There’s no uncertainty around who will be the starters for this unit come fall. The reigns are in the hands of Cooper and Russell, and the Aggies have a potentially athletic playmaker in Harris backing those two up. But as we saw last season, poor performance and a lack of depth, in large part due to injuries, is one of the many issues that plagued this team. That statement rings true for the defense and this unit in particular.

Freshman Taurean York has flashed his upside in spring camp, but he’s a first-year nonetheless and as the Aggie faithful witnessed last season, throwing in your true freshmen into the fire will undoubtedly result in some growing pains. So, where does A&M go from here in addressing these issues?

We’ll likely find out come April 15, which is when the college football transfer window is set to re-open. Jimbo Fisher and the coaching staff should be particularly active in bolstering their roster depth on the defensive side of the ball, and the linebacker unit is no exception.

While the starters look promising on paper and through spring camp, this coming season is too significant for the Maroon and White to go off the hope that injuries don’t creep up once more in 2023.

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 Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee

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5 lingering questions about the Oklahoma Sooners 2023 recruiting class

We are in the stretch run of the 2023 recruiting cycle, and the Oklahoma Sooners are looking to close strong. From @thatmanbryant

We are exactly two weeks away from the first day of the early signing period. Though a only added to the calendar in recent years, it’s provided another element of excitement and intrigue to the recruiting process.

Oklahoma, as it stands, owns the No. 7 ranked class in the nation. They are headlined by consensus five-star QB Jackson Arnold, who has blown everyone away with his senior season. He and his Denton Guyer team look for a state title at Texas’ highest classification.

While Oklahoma sits inside the top 10, there is room to move up, and Brent Venables and Co. are road-tripping across the country to improve the class.

Oklahoma has several high-profile targets in its sights and they’re well within reach. However, recruiting is about closing. It’s never how you start but how you finish.

Here are five lingering questions about the Sooners’ 2023 recruiting class as we sprint to the finish line for this recruiting cycle.

Recruiting provides optimism for Oklahoma’s future under Brent Venables

What Brent Venables and his staff are doing on the recruiting trail over the last year provides optimism for the Oklahoma Sooners’ future. From @john9williams

Transfer portal season is wild. Players you might have counted on for significant contributions will find new homes, and your favorite team will be left searching for answers. Possibly in the transfer portal, but with a guy like Brent Venables, the optimism comes through what he and his staff are doing on the recruiting trail.

This time a year ago, the Oklahoma Sooners’ 2022 recruiting class fell apart and dropped from inside the top 10 to 28th in the country in 247Sports team recruiting rankings. Lincoln Riley’s departure for USC left the Sooners recruiting class in shambles.

[autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and his staff arrived in Norman and got to work, and finished the 2022 cycle strong. Oklahoma ended up with the No. 8 recruiting class in the cycle. Sure, the Sooners have since lost Nick Evers and Alton Tarber, but that shouldn’t diminish what they accomplished in less than two months in Norman.

Fast forward to now, and the Sooners are sitting with the No. 7 recruiting class in the 2023 cycle with a chance to make it a top five or even top three group by national signing day in February.

The Sooners have 22 commits in the cycle. Two five-star players and 11 four-star players. Led by [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] and [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag], the Sooners are in a great spot for 2023, even if they don’t add anyone else. However, they’re probably going to add another handful of commitments and signings over the next two months.

They’ve been projected to land five-star safety, and Notre Dame transfer Peyton Bowen and still have a shot to land five-star Texas A&M defensive line commit [autotag]David Hicks[/autotag]. In addition to the five-star targets, the Sooners could land a few more four-star targets as well.

Oklahoma may circle back to Arkansas commit and Tulsa native Micah Tease and have made an offer to Texas A&M commit and high school teammate of Hicks, Daymion Sanford.

it remains to be seen what the Sooners will do in the transfer portal this winter, but they look to be headed for a strong finish on the recruiting trail.

Despite a 6-6 season, the future remains incredibly bright for Oklahoma in large part because they’re recruiting their tails off. By February, they will have landed two top-10 recruiting classes, with the 2023 class trending toward one of the best recruiting classes in the modern era.

Brent Venables and his staff have work to do this spring on the field and in the film room to improve upon their first season in Norman. However, they’re building something with their last two recruiting classes that will lay the foundation for years to come.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

What’s next for Oklahoma? 5 offseason storylines follow

Oklahoma may not play for almost a month but there are still plenty of things to monitor in the coming weeks. From @thatmanbryant

It’s been just over a year since Lincoln Riley’s defection to Southern California. The Oklahoma Sooners have just completed their first regular season under first-year head coach Brent Venables. It wasn’t pretty but the Sooners find themselves bowl-eligible after a 6-6 season.

The only thing consistent about this team was their inconsistency.

Week to week we never knew what we would get from them. With only the bowl game remaining, Oklahoma has the ability to showcase itself one more time and get over .500 with a win.

With that said, there are notable storylines to follow as we get closer to the offseason even while the Sooners prepare for the eventual bowl game to come. Take a look at the five storylines we’ll be looking at with the regular season behind us.

OU, Bedlam to play host to big names with a number of prospects descending on Norman

Oklahoma takes on in-state rival Oklahoma State for Bedlam and will be doing so with a massive group of recruits in attendance. From @thatmanbryant

There’s a fairly significant amount of importance surrounding Bedlam this year. The amount of games left between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State has been reduced significantly with Oklahoma’s impending move to the SEC on the horizon.

We may have 2023 and 2024, but the rivalry will cease as we know it in the next few years. Every game has always mattered but these last few, like the one on Saturday night, will mean a lot more.

Additionally, Oklahoma is fighting for bowl eligibility. They need one more win to participate in 2022’s bowl season.

Lastly and arguably most importantly, Oklahoma has its biggest recruiting weekend of the football season with Oklahoma State coming to town. We’ll revisit 2022 Bedlam several years from now and look back and remember it as a pivotal moment in Oklahoma’s last five to ten years.

There are some big-time names across multiple recruiting classes that will be in attendance for Oklahoma including five-star DT and Texas A&M commit David Hicks and recently dubbed 2024 five-star DT David Stone. More than 20 recruits have already committed to being in Norman, some via social media and others per OUInsider.com.