Tag: Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy

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.

Five takeaways from Texas A&M’s 31-23 loss to Oklahoma State in the TaxAct Texas Bowl

After falling to Oklahoma State in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Wednesday night, several young Aggies showed up and showed out.

Texas A&M’s 2023 season, along with the Jimbo Fisher era, has finally ended after falling to the No. 20 Oklahoma State Cowboys 31-23 on Wednesday night.

While the news regarding A&M’s depleted roster, as just 48 scholarship players were available due to injury and the transfer portal became the dominant narrative, it was Aggie freshman quarterback Marcel Reed’s record-setting performance that potentially provided a blueprint for what new head coach Mike Elko will bring to the program in 2024 and beyond.

After injuring his non-throwing arm after the first play of the game, A&M QB Jaylen Henderson’s frustrating departure led to one of the more memorable performances by an Aggie signal-caller in program history, as Reed, in just his second appearance on the year, passed for 361 yards, the second most yards against a Power 5 opponents since former QB Kellen Mond’s 430 against Clemson in 2018.

Outside of Reed’s introduction, several players on offense and defense stepped up, most notable 12th Man representative and linebacker/safety Sam Mathews, who led the team with 14 tackles and an interception, played his last game in an Aggie uniform, and man, was it a memorable one.

Focusing on the future, Elko and his staff have plenty of talent to work with on both sides of the ball, and by the looks of it, the current quarterback room looks borderline elite heading into next season.

Here are five things we learned from Texas A&M’s bowl game loss to Oklahoma State.

Texas A&M Spring Football 2023: Defensive line position breakdown

Texas A&M will return a talented front seven next season, and the position group is shaping up to be an absolute terror for the rest of the SEC.

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 the front seven for the Maroon and White.

While a large part of the Aggies’ 2022 regular season woes were a result of inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball, the defense managed to hold up its end of the bargain. Texas A&M finished last season with an average of 21.2 points per game surrendered to their opponents, which ranked 25th in the nation.

Even amid a year of injuries, suspensions, and inexperience from younger players, The Aggies’ front seven flashed their potential in 2022 as a dominant force to come in the SEC. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone after Jimbo Fisher pulled in a historic recruiting class, but what would make foes worried is that this position group still has so much potential heading into next season.

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

Returners (2022 season stats)

  • DE – Sophomore Shemar Stewart (12 games) / Sophomore LT Overton (11 games)
  • NT – Senior McKinnley Jackson (8 games) / Senior Isaiah Raikes (12 games) / Redshirt Sophomore Albert Regis (11 games)
  • DT – Junior Shemar Turner (11 games) / Sophomore Walter Nolen (10 games) / Redshirt Freshman Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy
  • EDGE – Redshirt Junior Fadil Diggs (8 games) / Sophomore Enai White (7 games) / Sophomore Malick Sylla (12 games)

Key thoughts and predictions:

That historic 2022 recruiting class was headlined by the likes of No. 1 defensive lineman Walter Nolen, Shemar Stewart, L.T. Overton, and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy. All those aforementioned names flashed their upside a season ago, but now with a year of experience in their back pocket, it sets up this defensive line group to absolutely roll over their opponents next season.

It won’t happen overnight, and there is plenty of work and refinement needed between spring ball and Week 1, but this projected starting lineup should have Aggie fans ecstatic for the fall.

We’ll see how the final depth chart shakes out after spring practices, but a likely starting lineup could be Fadil Diggs on the edge, with McKinnley Jackson, Stewart and either Nolen or Shemar Turner rounding out the front four.

Don’t let the outside noise and talking heads get you too worked up by singling out A&M’s offense. It would be negligent to see what’s brewing on the defensive line for the Maroon and White in 2023. It’s shaping up to be a beautiful sight for the Aggie faithful, and an absolute terror for the rest of the SEC.

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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Oklahoma Sooners included in top 10 for 5-star DT David Stone

Oklahoma Sooners make top 10 for 2024 five-star defensive tackle David Stone.

Just a day after the Oklahoma Sooners more than likely put the finishing touches on signing their 2023 recruiting class, the Sooners received some encouraging news about one of the top 2024 guys in Oklahoma native David Stone.

Stone, a five-star defensive tackle in the 2024 class, released his top 10 schools on Friday afternoon.

The Sooners made the cut along with the Michigan State Spartans, USC Trojans, LSU Tigers, Texas A&M Aggies, Oregon Ducks, Tennessee Volunteers, Florida Gators, Miami Hurricanes, and Alabama Crimson Tide.

Oklahoma has formed a good relationship with Stone. Todd Bates’ reputation as a leader, mentor, and developmental expert who can put players in the NFL, gives Oklahoma an excellent chance here.

When looking at the rest of the field, the competition is stiff. Michigan State has positioned itself well and has already secured Stone’s last official visit per a report by Chad Simmons of On3. The Spartans pulled another Oklahoma native in the 2023 cycle, Bai Jobe.

USC has former Oklahoma defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux recruiting Stone hard. It was Thibodeaux’s relationship with Stone when the former was in Norman that has USC still in contention. Texas A&M and Alabama can’t be ignored as they sign five-star defensive linemen every year now and Stone will be heavily pursued by the Sooners’ future SEC goes..

Oklahoma just signed two five-star defenders to their 2023 class. It’s the first time they brought in a five-star defender since Caleb Kelly in 2016. They have yet to sign a five-star defensive tackle in over a decade and despite finishing in the top two for Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy and David Hicks, the Sooners still are empty-handed in that department. Both went to Texas A&M. Stone gives the Sooners a shot to break the streak.

Stones’ timeline as it stands all but guarantees there may be another cut down of teams to a top five sometime around the summer and then visits will start.

With Stone being at the top of Oklahoma’s recruiting big board for 2024, we’ll be monitoring his recruitment here at Sooners Wire.

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Texas A&M Player Profile: Defensive Lineman, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy

Texas A&M Player Profile: Defensive Lineman, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy

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.

Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy enters his freshman season at the edge/defensive end position with the Aggies after flipping his commitment from Oklahoma to Texas A&M, committing to the program on December 15th and officially enrolling on January 11th. you’ve probably heard the term “coup” when describing specific player acquisitions in the 2022 class, and Brownlow-Dindy fits that bill, as Jimbo Fisher and his staff made a last-minute effort, yielding success as the talented young defender chose maroon and white over crimson and cream. During his time in Florida, Brownlow-Dindy was a two-sport athlete in track and field (shot put) and football, winning a state title at the 4A state track meet in the discus and finishing in second place in the shot put during his junior year. He also trained in mixed martial arts as a child, showing his athletic prowess at a young age. From his freshman to his sophomore season playing varsity football for Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Florida, Brownlow-Dindy recorded 53 total tackles, 12 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles, coupled with 22 quarterback hurries. During his 2020 junior season, he was named as a Lakeland Ledger All-County first-team selection and helped Lakeland make Florida’s 7A state playoffs during a shortened season due to the Covid pandemic. At the end of his 2021 senior season, Brownlow-Dindy completely showed out, accumulating 18 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, 7 sacks, and 13 hurries, but did sustain a hand injury that required surgery during the season. Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy oozes talent and potential, and will finally suit up with the team this summer after missing spring football due to injury.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Lakeland, Florida

Height: 6-3

Weight: 276lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking

Class of 2022: 5-Star player ranking, 2nd ranked player in Florida, 4th ranked defensive line prospect in the country

Depth Chart Overview

Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (Freshman) is currently projected as the primary backup defensive end in Texas A&M’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme, led by the first year defensive coordinator for the Aggies, D.J. Durkin. Brownlow-Dindy is slated as the backup to first string defensive end, Fadil Diggs (Sophomore). He will also be in rotation with defensive ends, Enai White (Freshman) and Leebeus Overton (Freshman).

In the midst of his high school playing career, Brownlow-Dindy became nationally known as a top prospect after his testing numers in the short shuttle (4.4) and vertical (34.5) gave him an “elite” status, paired with his play on the field as one of the most athletic interior defenders in country. Brownlow-Dindy’s 6-3, 276lb frame give him the versatility to play inside and out, and during his time playing inside, he displayed very strong, quick hands and a dangerous first step out his stance, finishing his tackles at the point of attack, and winning his pass rush reps without having to utilize a collection of pass rush moves. Because of his atheleticism, strength, closing speed, and lateral agility in space, his projection at defensive end for Texas A&M makes sense in order to truly unlock his potential as an athlete, although because of his experience at defensive tackle, things could always change as camps begin to answer the depth chart questions. Overall, look for Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy to see the field as soon as the 2022 season take flight.

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5-star DL Lebbeus Overton commits to Texas A&M

2022 5-star defensive lineman Lebbeus Overton chooses the Aggies over Oklahoma, Ohio State, Oregon, and Georgia.

Well, it was fun while it lasted.

Once a part of the sweepstakes for five-star defensive lineman Lebbeus Overton, the highly-touted member of the 2022 class has committed to the Texas A&M Aggies. It doesn’t come as much of a surprise as recruiting services 247Sports and On3 were trending Overton toward Texas A&M in recent days. Still, the Sooners have to be disappointed they didn’t get a chance to host Overton on an official visit.

Originally, Overton had plans to visit the University of Oklahoma in April, but in recent days cancelled that visit along with one to Ohio State as he planned to make his commitment decision.

The No. 17 player in the 2022 class was initially a part of the 2023 class before reclassifying to the current recruiting cycle. Now he joins an already impressive Aggies recruiting class that was No. 1 in the nation with eight five-star players prior to Overton’s commitment.

Overton is one of six defensive linemen committed to Aggies along with former Oklahoma Sooners commit Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy.

Time will tell what the impact on the field will look like, but the Aggies are making a strong push to challenge Georgia and Alabama at the top of the SEC in the next several years.

For Oklahoma, the Sooners have three defensive lineman committed for 2022; Gracen Halton, Alton Tarber, and Cedric Roberts. As Brent Venables looks to reshape the Sooners defense not even getting an official visit with Overton hurts.

However, the Sooners got some good news for their 2023 defensive line class as Peter Woods included the Sooners in his “final four” teams ahead of his commitment that will likely come this summer.

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What possible names could Brent Venables fill the defensive line coaching position with at Oklahoma?

Here’s a look at five names of coaches the Oklahoma Sooners should reach out to for their next defensive line coach.

We took time to compose a list of names Sooners head coach Brent Venables could reach out to regarding Oklahoma’s current vacancy for a cornerbacks’ coach.

Now, it’s time we address the other opening on Oklahoma’s staff: defensive line or defensive tackles coach. Miguel Chavis will be handle defensive ends.

The role previously belonged to Calvin Thibodeaux, a former player who returned to his alma mater to coach for the Sooners. Thibodeaux was responsible for being the lead recruiter on Ronnie Perkins, Perrion Winfrey, Reggie Grimes, Isaiah Thomas and Josh Ellison among others.

After not being retained by Venables, for whom he played while at Oklahoma, he has taken the same position at SMU.

Thibodeaux was a valuable asset for the Sooners. He recruited well and for his efforts, was named one of the Rivals’ top-25 recruiters of 2018 and ’19. His players loved him. He had landed the commitment of a top-10 ranked player, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, who decommitted and signed with Texas A&M.

Who replaces Thibodeaux for Oklahoma? Let’s take a look.

Where the decommits from Oklahoma’s 2022 recruiting class ended up

Where did the players go that decommitted from the Oklahoma Sooners 2022 recruiting class?

While the 2022 recruiting class ended up as a top 10 group, it’s hard not to look back and consider what could have been. Though it’s no fault of the current coaching staff, assistant holdovers included, the Oklahoma Sooners had quite a few decommits, even from Lincoln Riley’s tenure as the head coach, that negatively impacted the 2022 class.

Over the last year and a half, the Oklahoma Sooners lost commitments from three five-star players, four four-star players, and one three-star player. They’ve seen them go to current and future conference foes. Notably Texas, TCU, and Oklahoma State nabbed once-Oklahoma Sooners commits. If the Sooners move to the SEC sooner rather than later, they’ll face players that ended up at Missouri and Texas A&M.

While the Oklahoma Sooners are moving forward after rebuilding their 2022 class creating momentum toward National Signing Day, let’s take a look at where former Oklahoma commits ended up after the early signing period.

Where do the Oklahoma Sooners stand with several big name 2022 recruits?

The Sooners have already started signing their 2022 class. They still have a shot to add several big names. Who are they?

We’ve reached the last month of the year, which means that another college football recruiting cycle is entering its third and final act. Much like any movie, the plot of this particular movie has evolved and we’ve finally reached the endgame where we find out where the movie’s journey has taken all of the characters.

For college football, the movie is the world of recruiting and its twists and turns sometimes feel like it could only be penned by a decorated Hollywood writer.

For the Oklahoma Sooners, the last month or so has been a roller coaster of crazy proportions, and their recruiting world was turned upside down. They lost their head coach of the last five years to USC and had a week-long search to find his replacement. The week of uncertainty cost them recruits across the 2022 and 2023 classes. Bob Stoops and Sooners assistants, followed by the additions of Brent Venables and Jeff Lebby have helped them recover their 2022 recruiting class, providing optimism that 2023 will see similar results.

There is no time like the present and that’s where we are with the Sooners’ 2022 class. Sooners Wire has made it easy to track all of the 2022 commitments with this handy-dandy tracker. With the early signing period already here and the official national signing day in February, a hefty amount of those names will put ink to paper and officially complete the paperwork to become Oklahoma Sooners.

The Sooners are still out on the recruiting trail trying to swing last-minute recruits to join this class. We’ve compiled a list notable names that are trending up or down with the Sooners and updates on other players who are or were Sooners commits below.

247Sports reporter flips crystal-ball projection for Jaren Kanak to Oklahoma

Ryan Wallace of 247Sports’ GoPowercat flipped his crystal-ball prediction for four-star athlete Jaren Kanak to the Oklahoma Sooners.

In the wake of former Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley’s sudden departure to USC, several decommitments have rocked Sooner Nation over the past couple weeks. The most recent was five-star defensive lineman Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy who flipped from Oklahoma to Texas A&M.

Brownlow-Dindy is rated as the nation’s No. 3 defensive lineman and No. 8 player overall in the 2022 class according to 247Sports.

With Brent Venables officially announced as Oklahoma’s new head football coach, there could potentially be some good news on the horizon, though.

247Sports’ Ryan Wallace of GoPowercat.com flipped his crystal ball prediction for four-star athlete Jaren Kanak from Clemson to Oklahoma.

Kanak ranks as the No. 6 athlete and 120th player nationally according to 247Sports’ Class of 2022 rankings. The 6-foot-2, 210 pound product from Hays, Kan., is the top-rated player in the Sunflower state.

Kanak committed to Clemson back on July 30. Here’s what Catch It Kansas wrote about Kanak’s decision at the time.

Kanak’s recruiting took off following a standout showing at the Sharp Performance combine in 2020, and continued through a strong performance in running the second fastest 100 time (10.37) in all of Kansas during track season. Now a 4-star recruit according to both Rivals and 247 Sports, the 6-2 athlete is headed to play for another Kansas native in Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Also a receiver and returner for the Indians, most recruiting services project him as a linebacker or safety at the collegiate level.

Kanak chose the Tigers over 34 other schools, including Alabama, Oklahoma, Michigan, USC, and in-state schools Kansas and Kansas State. He visited the Tigers on the first official day of the recruiting period opening up following extended time without school visits due to the pandemic.

The number 8 athlete in the country, Kanak has drawn comparisons to another Kansas native in Isaiah Simmons. The Olathe native helped lead the Tiger defense to a National Championship before being selected in the top ten of the 2020 NFL Draft. – Catch It Kansas staff

It’s no certain thing that Kanak winds up at Oklahoma. He’s still committed to Clemson right now. However, Venables was the lead recruiter for Kanak, so his decision to become Oklahoma’s new head coach could open the door for the Sooners to pull off a late recruiting flip of their own.

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