Tag: Donovan Green

Everything Texas A&M TE Max Wright had to say before the Aggies’ 13th spring football practice

Ahead of Texas A&M’s spring practice, the Aggies tight end spoke on a number of topics including the Maroon and White game, the QB battle, and the upside of the offensive line going forward.

As spring football begins to wind down for Texas A&M a few key members of the football program took a few minutes to sit down with the media ahead of the team’s 13th practice.

In addition to head coach Jimbo Fisher and safety Demani Richardson, tight end Max Wright answered questions for roughly 11 minutes on Tuesday. With the Aggies entering a pivotal 2023 season in a matter of months, Wright had plenty of topics to touch on from how Bobby Petrino utilizes tight ends, how Conner Weigman and Max Johnson make each other better, to the promising upside of the offensive line and its depth.

The full video of Max Wright’s press conference can be found below, as well as our breakdown of each key topic covered during his session with the media.

Texas A&M Spring Football 2023: Tight end position breakdown

Texas A&M is loaded at the Tight end position and will use spring ball to determine the rotation for the 2023 season

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, with this deep-dive focusing on the talent in the backfield.

In comparison to a quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, selecting a starter at a tight end is based more on the scheme, especially for Texas A&M’s pro-style/spread offense. As it currently stands, senior Max Wright is No.1 on the depth chart due to his experience and reliability as a blocker, yet younger receiving options such as the sophomore trio of Donovan Green, Jake Johnson, and Theodor-Melin-Ohrstrom provide a boost in the passing game, so either way, the Aggies are in a good place from a depth perspective.

To sort out the current depth chart, here are the returners and new additions to the tight end room ahead of the 2023 season.

Returners (2022 season stats)

  • Senior Max Wright: 9 receptions, 129 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
  • Sophomore Donovan Green: 22 receptions, 233 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Sophomore Jake Johnson: 1 reception, 2 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns
  • Sophomore Theo Melin Ohrstrom: No stats in 2022
  • Sophomore Fernando Garza III: No stats, played mostly special teams in 2023

Departures

  • Junior Blake Smith (transferred to Oklahoma): 2 receptions, 1 yard

Incoming additions

  • Freshman Jaden Platt (4-star recruit, Class of 2023)

Key thoughts and predictions:

Before Jimbo Fisher arrived at Texas A&M, Tight ends, other than for blocking in 12-man personnel packages, were non-existent in Kevin Sumlin’s spread offense, but once Fisher implemented his pro-style system, the position became a premium. Last season, the ascendance of then-freshman Donovan Green due to Max Wright’s lingering injury issues opened up the offense in the seam, while becoming a favorite in the passing game for quarterback Conner Weigman.

Bobby Petrino’s revamped offensive approach should provide opportunities for not only Wright and Green to thrive in the passing game, but utilize Jake Johnson’s large stature and route running ability (6-5, 235 lbs) to expose the middle of the field, and simply create mismatches against defensive backs.

So, where does Theodor-Melin-Ohrstrom fit? the Stockholm, Sweden product earned the offensive scout team award during the team banquet last season. As a 4-star prospect in the 2022 class, Ohrstrom needed a full season of learning the game on American soil, possessing all the tools to develop down the line, as the April 15th spring game provides a great opportunity to show just how much he’s learned over the past year.

Lastly, the talented freshman Jaden Platt is definitely a name to watch out for this spring, though his immediate future on the gridiron is all up to how quickly he can learn the offense, so for now, pencil him as a highly intriguing backup option.

So, my prediction this spring is that Max Wright and Donovan Green will fight for the No. 1 spot, while Jake Johnson and Theo Ohrstrom will see their snaps increase and battle for the No. 2 and No. 3 spot.

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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Texas A&M Football’s 2022 true freshmen class graded fifth-best at Pro Football Focus

Texas A&M’s true freshmen were thrust into starting action last season, and their contributions were commended by Pro Football Focus.

The Texas A&M Aggies are roughly a month out from their April 15th Spring Game and all eyes will be on the practices leading up to the action. Plenty of questions surround this season’s trajectory, but there’s also been a jolt of hope based on how the Maroon and White closed out last season.

While their 5-7 record in 2022 was an eyesore, you have to commend the Aggies on finishing the year with an emphatic upset win over LSU, all while leaning on a handful of true freshmen down the stretch.

The Aggies’ efforts warrant accolades in the eyes of Pro Football Focus, who graded last year’s true freshmen class as the fifth-best in 2022.

While the stats don’t immediately jump off the page, their numbers speak volumes given that many were thrust into SEC action ahead of schedule. Quarterback Conner Weigman embodies that revelation, throwing for 896 yards and eight touchdowns in five starts following a hand injury to Max Johnson that knocked him out for the year.

Based on how Weigman performed after being thrown into the fire it looks like he fits the bill to be the future of the program.

It would be remiss to overlook the contributions from the other true freshmen in College Station last year, including Evan Stewart, who led Texas A&M with 643 receiving yards. Donovan Green caught two touchdowns as the Aggies’ starting tight end, and starting guard Kam Dewberry and edge defender Shemar Stewart both logged snaps as true freshmen.

So when you judge the book by its cover, A&M’s record last year gets nitpicked, and perhaps it’s justified based on preseason expectations. But upon the realization that the Aggies relied on a number of true freshmen, their contributions should be recognized.

That 38-23 upset over the Tigers at Kyle Field could prove to be a sneak peek of this roster’s potential in 2023 and beyond. This true freshmen class managed to weather the storm and ended last season with an emphatic win, so you can only imagine what their ceiling looks like in year two.

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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Multiple Aggies make Mid-season Freshmen-All American Teams

Multiple Aggies make Midseason Freshmen-All American Teams

One of the bigger stories coming into Texas A&M’s 2022 season was the 2022 recruiting class finally hitting the field while looking to live up to their billing as the greatest recruiting class in history. At the midpoint of the season, the Aggies are 3-3 and 1-2 in the SEC, yet the weekly bright spot has consistently been the play of the freshman class, making a notable impact on both offense and defense six games in.

Earlier this week, freshman cornerback Denver Harris was added to The Athletic’s Midseason All-America Freshman Team after accumulating 14 tackles, and 10 solo tackles so far this season and playing a pivotal role in coverage against Mississippi State and Alabama.

On Thursday, freshman starting left tackle Trey Zuhn and freshman defender Shemar Stewart were selected to the Midseason Freshman All-American team’s 1st team Offensive line (Zuhn) and 2nd team Defensive line (Stewart) by College Football News. Trey Zuhn has started every for the team despite dealing with some recent injury issues, while Stewart has recorded 15 tackles, 6 solo tackles, and 1.5 sacks so far this year.

Lastly, Tight end Donovan Green was added to On3’s Midseason Freshman All-American Team on Thursday, as the highly athletic and versatile offensive weapon, accumulating 9 receptions for 107 yards, and scoring his first touchdown against Alabama in Week 6.

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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Mid-season virtual report card: Texas A&M Aggies offense

How would you grade the Aggies offense through the first half of the season?

Texas A&M is in the midst of a much-needed break as the team has played six games so far this season, sitting at a disappointing 3-3 with another six games left to show that the program is indeed progressing, just at a gradual speed.

So, as we are officially at the mid-point of the 2022 season for the maroon and white, Aggies Wire is here to hand out a couple of mid-season grades, focusing on the offense and defense so far as the team will prepare to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks on Oct. 22nd next weekend.

Offense: D+

Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

To know one’s surprise, the grade fits the performance, and after six games played, the Aggie offense has been statistically one of the worst in the country, ranked 110th nationally, and in the bottom half of most individual offensive statistics as well. The blame game has been pervasive to say the least, whether head coach Jimbo Fisher’s play calling, issues at quarterback, or the poor play of the offensive line is the primary blame for their lack of consistency, and especially ball control, a metric that Fisher prides himself, ranking 109th at 27 minutes per contest.

What has kept this group from receiving an F grade? Running back Devon Achane, and the recent emergence of freshman pass catchers Evan Stewart, Chris Marshall, and tight end Donovan Green. Achane is well known as one of the fastest and most versatile backs in the country and currently ranks 4th in the nation in all-purpose yards with 912 on the year. Stewart finally broke on the scene in Texas A&M’s recent loss to Alabama, recording 8 receptions for 106 yards, while Marshall and Green also made their presence felt against the Crimson Tide.

Lastly, the quarterback situation and the offensive line issues can be summarized in a similar fashion, as both have been marred by inconsistency, especially in critical moments in nearly every game this season. Going from Haynes King to Max Johnson and then Haynes King again due to Johnson’s recent hand injury is obviously not a recipe for success, but even King’s statistically impressive performance against Alabama (253 passing, 2 touchdowns) does not inspire confidence due to his mechanical issues still being a constant issue. We will finally learn if the reports surrounding King’s rumored injury have any merit early next week.

The Aggies O-line has honestly been average at best since their elite performance in the 2020 season while failing to live up to preseason expectations based on three returning starters on the right side in sophomores Bryce Foster and Reuben Fatheree, and junior Layden Robinson becoming stable forces.

Injuries have plagued the group throughout the year, yes communication issues against elite SEC defenses (and even Appalacian State) have virtually killed multiple offensive drives no matter who the quarterback has been. The expectation is that the longer the established starting group plays together, they should be able to iron out their fixable issues through the next six games.

Here’s to hoping that smoother roads are ahead for the Aggies offense for the next six weeks.

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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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Texas A&M Player Profile: Tight end, Donovan Green

Texas A&M Player Profile: Tight end, Donovan Green

Going into the 2022 football season, Aggies Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas A&M roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Jimbo Fisher this season.

Donovan Green is entering his freshman season at the tight end position for Texas A&M, part of a position group rich with young talent and experience, but currently lacks a true number one option. As a Top 5 ranked tight end prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, Green’s young career began to blossom at Dickinson High School in Dickinson, Texas, starting on the varsity football team during his 2018 freshman season but saw the least amount of playing time in his career while only appearing in 3 games, recording 2 receptions for 24 yards. Green began to ascend during his 2019 sophomore season, with 34 receptions for 615 yards and 5 touchdowns, with an average of 18 yards per reception, noting his big-play ability.

After his limited Covid afflicted 2020 junior season he tallied only 13 receptions for 269 yards and 1 touchdown, Green still averaged an impressive 20.7 yards per reception in 8 games played. In his final 2021 senior season, Green broke out with a best career touchdown total with 9, while recording 27 receptions for 602 yards with a 22.3 yards per reception average.

Donovan Green received a number of accoladed during his career at Dickinson, including Texas District 24-6A first-team selection at Tight end during his 2019 season, Texas District 24-6A Co-offensive player of the year and first-team selection at Tight end during his shortened 2020 season, and the Texas District 24-6A MVP during his 2021 senior season, as well as a Class 6A second-team all-state selection by the Texas Sportswriters Association.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Dickinson, Texas

Height: 6-4

Weight: 235lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking

Class of 2022: 4-Star player ranking, 19th ranked player in Texas, 4th ranked tight end prospect in the country

Depth Chart Overview

Donovan Green is currently projected as a rotational/backup tight end in Texas A&M’s pro-style offense, led by head coach, Jimbo Fisher, and offensive coordinator, Darrell Dickey. On the depth chart, Green is presently in a rotation with fellow true freshmen tight ends Jake Johnson and Theodor Melin-Ohrstrom.

From a scouting perspective, Green has great size at 6-4, 235lbs with room to add weight, giving him the size combined with his speed and athleticism to line up in multiple spots at tight end. Due to the fact that he will be asked to perform as an in-line blocker during certain packages, his blocking skill is adequate at this point in his development, displaying strong hands while showing good pad level and solid bend, and using his size and high-end athleticism to finish his blocks.

As a receiver, he is naturally gifted but still raw in some areas, displaying great hands, adequate balance and body control, and a solid vision, with the early ability to adjust to the ball. Green’s best trait is his rather large catch radius, with the potential to become a legit seam destroyer and outside threat against small defenders. As it will most likely take some time for Donovan Green to find his footing in his first season with the Aggies, never underestimate the advanced learning curve these current players and prospects possess and remember that the current completion at tight end has only just begun.

Players’ Photo Gallery

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Top in-state tight end, Texas A&M commits says “there will be no visits to Austin”

Donovan Green was on Twitter pondering where he should take his five official visits. Soon there after, he shot down the idea of a UT visit.

Tight end has been a position of mystery in Austin for years now. Before Cade Brewer stepped on campus, no player Texas has recruited at the position has had more receiving yards than M.J. McFarland’s 178 yards in three seasons (2011-2013).

Andrew Beck, who signed and played as an inside linebacker originally, had 435 yards in three seasons as a tight end.

With the hiring of Jeff Banks, the thought would be top tight end recruits would want to play for the former Alabama assistant. Especially within the state of Texas, where he used to be a successful tight ends coach with Texas A&M.

However, that has proven to be unsuccessful early on, especially for one top in-state prospect in particular.

Donovan Green is the top in-state tight end and rated a four-star on the 247Sports composite. He locked down his commitment to Texas A&M in January, adding to the list of Houston area players for Jimbo Fisher.

With on-campus visits opening up for recruits, Green was on Twitter contemplating where he should take his five official visits. His top six schools before committing were Florida, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC. “Could new blood be in the water?” he asked.

Less than 45 minutes later, he shot down the notion that the Longhorns will be getting an official visit.

“Just so it’s known UT is not looking at me so there will be no visits to Austin,” said Green.

Green never seemed to be the biggest fan of the Sarkisian hire, showing his emotions through Twitter once again after the former Alabama offensive coordinator was hired.

He claimed there was “no action at TE” when asked about the reigning national champions.

The Texas-Texas A&M rivalry continues to roll, even if there is no scheduled matchup in sight. Recruiting will be where the displeasure for each other will be held, especially through petty social media battles.

Banks will continue to look for a tight end to be a member of his first recruiting class at Texas. Safe to say that Green will not be one he continues to pursue.

Texas Recruiting: The lone 2022 tight end offer for the Longhorns

The Longhorns have just one offer out to the tight end position for the 2022 recruiting class.

There are quite a few tight ends on the current Texas roster, especially with Cade Brewer returning for another season due to the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID-19.

Along with the return of Brewer, the Longhorns have Jared Wiley and Malcolm Epps behind him. Wiley was the leading receiver among the tight ends on a per reception basis. Epps is more of the hybrid wide receiver and tight end, he is more of a receiver than a blocker.

Texas also has some young talent with Brayden Liebrock out of Arizona. He‘s played sparingly in his two seasons on the Forty Acres. In the 2021 class, Texas will add Gunnar Helm of Cherry Creek, Colorado. Helm is a converted wide receiver and brings another dynamic to the offense. With Steve Sarkisian in charge, tight ends will likely be used a lot more than they have in recent memory.

We recently reviewed the 2022 offers at the quarterback and running back position.

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When it comes to the tight end position, the Longhorns have just one offer. That belongs to Dickinson’s Donovan Green.

Rating

Stars Overall State Position
247 4 87 17 2
Rivals 4 169 24 2
ESPN 4 105 19 2
247 Composite 4 106 18 3

Vitals

Hometown Dickinson, TX
Projected Position Tight End
Height 6-4
Weight 220

The only issue when it comes to Green is that Texas A&M seems like the leader in the clubhouse. With Jeff Banks on the staff, don’t count him out but he will have work to do to get him to Austin. By the time it is all said and done, he likely won’t be the only tight end to receive an offer from Texas.

Notre Dame Latest to Offer Texas Star Tight End

Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish staff addressed that Wednesday as they became the 19th different program to offer a scholarship to 6-4, 210 pound tight end Donovan Green of Dickinson, Texas.

Notre Dame has been Tight End U for about as long as tight end has been a position in college football.  Whether it be Dave Casper, Mark Bavaro, Ken MacAfree or some of the latest greats like Tyler Eifert, Anthony Fasano, Kyle Rudolph or even Cole Kmet, the position has been nothing short of loaded for Notre Dame for quite some time.

Now 2020 signees Michael Mayer and Kevin Bauman appear to have the position headed for just as strong of near-future.

What about after them?

Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish staff addressed that Wednesday as they became the 19th different program to offer a scholarship to 6-4, 210 pound tight end Donovan Green of Dickinson, Texas.

247 and Rivals both don’t have a star rating yet for the current high school sophomore but a look at the schools who have offered him tell you he’s a hot commodity.  Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and Washington are just a handful of the other 18 schools to have offered Green.

6-4, 210 looks monsterous for a high school player but it’s not just his size that sticks out, its his strength as well for a sophomore playing against young men a year or two older than him.

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We may not know where Green decides to attend college for literally years but Notre Dame is in and if I’m a top tight end in the country, I certainly couldn’t help but be interested in them.

Stay tuned to Fighting Irish Wire all year long as we’ll continue to keep you updated on all happenings with not just Green but all things Notre Dame and Notre Dame recruiting.

MICHIGAN OFFER: 2022 Dickinson (TX) TE Donovan Green

The Wolverines offered a big time emerging prospect in the Lone Star state.

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Ratings

Stars Overall Position State
247Sports – – – –
Rivals – – – –
ESPN – – – –
247Sports Composite – – – –

Vitals

Hometown Dickinson (TX)
Projected Position Tight End
Height 6-foot-4
Weight 210-pounds

Recruitment

  • Michigan offered on Feb. 14, 2020, per his Twitter

Offers

  • Alabama
  • Arizona State
  • Baylor
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Illinois State
  • LSU
  • Michigan
  • Oklahoma
  • Ole Miss
  • SMU
  • TCU
  • Texas
  • Texas A&M
  • Texas Tech
  • Washington
  • William & Mary

Film

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Twitter

https://twitter.com/Donovangreen23