Texas A&M kicks off the 2023 college football season in just under two months, and while the offseason is nearing its conclusion sooner than later, it’s time to preview what Jimbo Fisher and his staff will be working with from a roster perspective.
Fisher has spoken at length about the offensive line being equipped to be one of the leading strengths of the roster, and outlets such as Pro Football Focus have echoed that confidence by grading them as a top-10 unit. While the upside is there, the key is that this unit stays healthy for the long haul of the 2023 campaign.
Returning production: Senior guard Layden Robinson returns after logging 754 snaps last season, which included four sacks allowed, 11 QB hits allowed, and 20 QB hurries surrendered. Still, according to PFF, his best performance came during the 2021 season, in which his 85.0 run-blocking grade was a top-10 mark among Power Five guards.
Reuben Fatheree II recorded 785 snaps last season, allowing four sacks, six QB hits, and eight QB hurries in 2022. Fatheree will enter his third season as the starting right tackle and posted a 77.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2022, which marked a top-10 grade among SEC tackles.
Trey Zuhn III returns for his sophomore season to protect the blindside, as he earned a 69.3 grade last year as a redshirt freshman. Another returning sophomore who will join him is Kam Dewberry, who will start at left guard after earning a 63.4 PFF grade in 2022.
The only official 2022 starter that isn’t returning is center Bryce Foster, and that’s due to him having missed eight games last season due to a knee injury. However, he led all true freshman centers with a 73.0 run-blocking grade at PFF in the season prior.
Mark Nabou returns after logging just 77 snaps in 2022 (50 pass protection, 27 run protection) with an overall 67.4 PPF offensive grade. He should command more snaps and an increased role in 2023.
Departures: PJ Williams is among the departures after appearing in one game for the Aggies in 2022. Joining him is center Matthew Wyckoff, who entered the transfer portal and subsequently joined Cal back in May.
Final Observation: Injuries and inexperience were factors in the unit’s underwhelming performance in 2022, which showed in the numbers. Texas A&M finished with a dull 50.0 pass-blocking grade and an overall 53.1 passing grade, per PFF. But as long as they stay healthy, it’s hard to argue against the upside and continuity this unit has upfront relative to other positions on the roster.
Much like the team’s overall goal, the O-line must back up what looks like an elite unit on paper. But with a year under the belts of most of these starters, and with some added depth in transfer Finn Dirstine, Derek Ferraro, and the likes of incoming freshman Chase Bisontis, it’s possible this unit becomes of the strengths of the Aggies in 2023.
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