Tag: jabre barber

Will Texas A&M WR Moose Muhammad III step up after Cyrus Allen’s season-ending injury?

Texas A&M senior wide receiver Moose Muhammad III will be called up after Cyrus Allen’s season-ending injury

Texas A&M (8-2, 5-1 SEC) is only a slight favorite ahead of facing Auburn (4-6, 1-5 SEC) on Saturday night inside what should be a packed Jordan-Hare Stadium, as the Aggies are in a must-win situation before hosting No. 3 Texas in the 2024 season finale a week later.

On Monday, head coach Mike Elko revealed that during Texas A&M’s 38-3 win over New Mexico State, junior wide receiver Cyrus Allen’s in-game arm injury has now sidelined for the remainder of the season, creating an opening in the depth chart.

On its face, the name that makes the most sense to elevate up the depth chart is senior WR Moose Muhammad III, who, despite barely seeing the field this season for unknown reasons, is still the most athletic receiving option who could open up the passing game for starting QB Marcel Reed.

With the ability to play in the slot and Z-receiver spot, Muhammad has sporadically shown off his skillset set, including catching a touchdown against New Mexico State on an impressive reception in the back of the end zone.

Moving senior WR Jabre Barber (27 receptions, 281 yards) to the slot looks like the smartest move, while senior Jahdae Walker and Muhammad will likely share snaps at the Z.

Despite the Tigers’ record, Auburn’s 44th-ranked pass defense can be exposed if Texas A&M OC Collin Klein comes in with a balanced game plan. This means Muhammad, who has consistently shown the ability to get open in the middle of the field, needs to help Marcel Reed establish a passing rhythm early.

Muhammad III has recorded six receptions, 55 yards, and two touchdowns on the year in just five statistical appearances.

Texas A&M will face Auburn on the road on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 pm. CT. The game will air on ESPN.

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Notable Pro Football Focus grades after Texas A&M’s 34-24 win against Mississippi State

Here are some of the notable PFF grades from Texas A&M’s 34-24 win over Mississippi State

14th-ranked Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) remains in first place in the SEC standings after defeating Mississippi State 34-24 on Saturday afternoon, as the Aggies will host 8th-ranked LSU inside what could be a sold-out Kyle Field in Week 9.

While a win is a win, Texas &M’s offense left too many plays on the field, mainly due to starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s poor footwork and accuracy issues that led to two costly interceptions. However, enough plays were made through the air and on the ground, including junior running back Le’Veon Moss’s two rushing touchdowns.

Defensively, head coach Mike Elko and DC Jay Bateman made several adjustments that led to an impressive second-half outing, as the Aggies pressured Bulldogs freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren and essentially shut down Mississippi’s passing attack.

After the game, Pro Football Focus released the latest grades from the matchup. Here are the most notable grades on both sides of the ball for every Texas A&M contributor:

Offense:

Quarterback Conner Weigman finished the game with a team-low 48.5 PFF grade, a 36.1 offensive grade, and 33.1 passing grade within a clean pocket. Weigman’s two interceptions came in a clean pocket, as the signal caller was only pressured. Overall, this was one of his worst career performances.

On the offensive line, starting right guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams was stellar once again, finishing with the second highest pass blocking grade (85.8), while starting left tackle Trey Zuhn led the team with an 88.2 pass blocking grade, which is good for third among 209 offensive tackles.

In 38 snaps, senior wide receiver Jabre Barber finished with a team-high 78.9 offensive grade, and and 80.4 receiving grade after leading the team with 92 receiving yards.

Defense:

Defensively, junior linebacker Scooby Williams led the unit with an 84.6 defensive grade, paired with a 84.9 run defense grade and a 77.7 pass rushing grade after recording six tackles and two tackles for loss, including his first career interception.

Sophomore linebacker Taurean York led the Aggies with 12 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, earning 69.0 defensive grade and a team-high 84.7 tackling grade in one his his better career performances.

On the defensive line, defensive tackle Shemar Turner and defensive end Rylan Kennedy were consistently in the backfield making plays, finishing with impressive defensive grades and pass rush marks:

Shemar Turner: 84.3 defensive grade (season-high), 76.9 run-defense grade, 75.9 defensive grade, and a 79.2 pass-rush grade.

Rylan Kennedy: 75.9 defensive grade, 53.9 run-defense grade, 70.8 pass rush grade.

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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Initial injury report ahead of Texas A&M vs. Florida

Ahaed of facing the Florida Gators on Saturday, here is the updated injury report for both teams

Texas A&M (1-1) will face the Florida Gators (1-1) in the Aggies’ first true road test of the 2024 season. The program has failed to secure an SEC road victory since the 2021 season.

Under head coach Mike Elko, the first two games have left more question marks than answers, though progress has been made from starting quarterback Conner Weigman after his career-low performance in the opening season loss to Notre Dame.

After it was revealed that Elko will now prepare to face a two-quarterback system once they arrive in Gainsville, the latest injury report has revealed that Texas A&M should be at nearly full strength. At the same time, Florida QB Graham Mertz will attempt to return from a concussion.

Senior wide receiver Jabre Barber, who returned to the lineup after missing the entire offseason due to injury, played eight snaps to test his playing health. Without recording a reception, Elko stated on Monday that Barber, despite being listed as a backup behind starting slot WR Cyrus Allen, should return to full strength by the time Texas A&M plays Arkansas on Sept. 28.

“Still a couple of weeks away. We kind of targeted the Arkansas game as the right timing, and it’s probably still that.”

Concerning linebacker Scooby Williams and running back EJ Smith, both players sat out of last Saturday’s win for precautionary reasons and will be available vs. Florida.

Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Texas A&M’s Week 3 depth chart ahead of facing Florida has been released

Minor changes have been made to A&M’s week 3 depth chart ahead of facing the Florida Gators

Texas A&M (1-1) will face its first true road test of the 2024 season on Saturday afternoon when the Aggies travel to Gainsville to face the Florida Gators (1-1).

In two games, which include a 23-13 opening season loss to Notre Dame and last Saturday’s 52-10 romp over McNeese State, Texas A&M’s question marks outweigh what we know about this team before SEC play ramps up, starting with a matchup that could make or break either team’s season.

On Monday, head coach Mike Elko spoke to the media, quickly noting that despite Florida’s struggles against Miami to open the season, the Aggies will face plenty of challenges on both sides of the ball.

“Offensively, it’s a group that has played a lot of football. Very experienced and talented.”

“Defensively, it’s an SEC group when you look at them. They’re long and tall. … In SEC play, you get a different level of twitch, and we’ll prepare for that accordingly.”

Texas A&M starting quarterback Conner Weigman, who showed improvement after throwing his first two touchdowns of the season against McNeese, will need to continue increasing his level of play coupled with the wide receiver rotation finding more separation in their routes.

Defensively, the Aggie pass rush, which has only produced one sack, should have an opportunity to make an impact against both Florida quarterbacks who will look to test Texas A&M’s secondary.

A new depth chart shows several depth-based offensive changes with a new week ahead.

https://twitter.com/carterkarels/status/1833181881455485377?s=61&t=kAVEkOSdiWQ6uID4FtpLTA

At center, the season-ending injury to Mark Nabou has led to freshman OL Ashton Funk taking over as the backup option behind starter Koli Faaiu. At wide receiver, senior Jabre Barber, who returned to the lineup after playing eight snaps vs. McNeese, is now listed as a backup slot receiver behind Cyrus Allen. However, according to Elko, he will unlikely be at full strength before Texas A&M faces Arkansas on Sept. 28.

Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Texas A&M WR Jabre Barber will reportedly suit up vs. McNeese State

Jabre Barber could see the field vs. McNeese State

Just minutes before Texas A&M will face McNeese State in week 2 of the 2024 college football season, several players will not suit up for the game, while one of the head coach Mike Elko’s critical transfer portal additions is dressed out for the first time this season.

Ahead of the 11:45 a.m. kickoff, it has been reported that former Troy wide receiver Jabre Barber is suited up while participating in pre-game warmups. The senior is slated to see the field after missing most of the offseason due to injury.

On Wednesday, head coach Mike Elko revealed that Barber was quickly progressing in rehab but didn’t provide a specific timeline. Well, this weekend was the return date, after all.

During his final season with Troy, Barber recorded 75 receptions, 999 yards, and five touchdowns. He possesses the quickness and versatility needed to contribute to the receiving game this season and provide starting quarterback Conner Weigman with another receiving weapon.

Concerning the players that won’t dress out, junior linebacker Scooby Williams and senior running back EJ Smith will miss the game for undisclosed reasons.

https://twitter.com/billyliucci/status/1832450394079088640?s=61&t=DBshhonBhwymDMwbcNpMwQ

Texas A&M will host McNeese State on Saturday, Sept. 7, for an early kickoff at 11:45 a.m. The game will air on the SEC Network.

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Texas A&M HC Mike Elko provided an update on injured Aggie wide receiver

Texas A&M HC Mike Elko is optimistic that one of the Aggie’s receiving options could be back sooner than later.

Texas A&M’s 2024 season continues on Saturday. The Aggies will host McNeese State on Saturday afternoon, just a week after falling to Notre Dame 23-13 inside a packed Kyle Field.

This week, the emphasis is on offense. Starting quarterback Conner Weigman is determined to put his career-low performance behind him after throwing for just 100 yards and two interceptions. The redshirt sophomore noted that his feet were off while his emotions were high.

On the contrary, Texas A&M’s wide receiver rotation failed to gain separation consistently, leading to Weigman having to rush things mentally. However, OC Collin Klein needs to do a better job scheming receivers open.

On Wednesday, head coach Mike Elko revealed that former Troy wide receiver Jabre Barber is progressing in rehab and is “getting closer” to returning to the rotation sooner rather than later. Elko spoke to reporters during his weekly SEC Teleconference.

During his final season with Troy, Barber recorded 75 receptions, 999 yards, and five touchdowns. He possesses the quickness and versatility needed to contribute in the receiving game quickly this season.

Texas A&M will host McNeese on Saturday, Sept. 7, for an early kickoff at 11:45 a.m. The game will air on the SEC Network.

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20 Aggies named to the 2024 Senior Bowl watchlist

20 Texas A&M football players were recently named to the 2024 Senior Bowl watchlist

Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener vs. Notre Dame is just a week away. The Mike Elko era will officially begin after an eventful offseason of building his coaching staff and roster.

Unlike most new head coaches, the former Aggie defensive coordinator isn’t starting from scratch. He helped recruit a handful of the current veterans on the 2024 roster before departing for his two-year head coaching stint at Duke.

Equipped with plenty of talent and experience, led by redshirt sophomore starting quarterback Conner Weigman, it has revealed that 20 current offensive and defensive starters/reserves have been named to the 2024 Senior Bowl watchlist.

Held in Mobile, Alabama, on an annual basis, the Senior Bowl provides another opportunity for veteran collegiate players to prove their worth to NFL scouts ahead of each NFL draft. For Texas A&M, the player list is composed of original recruits and transfer portal players:

  • WR Jabre Barber
  • K Randy Bond
  • DL Josh Celiscar
  • CB Tyreek Chappell
  • LB Solomon DeSheilds
  • CB Jaydon Hill
  • CB BJ Mayes
  • TE Garrett Miller
  • WR Moose Muhammad III
  • OL Ar’maj Reed-Adams
  • DL Albert Regis
  • DL Nic Scourton
  • RB E.J. Smith
  • DL Shemar Stewart
  • WR Noah Thomas
  • DL Shemar Turner
  • TE Tre Watson
  • QB Conner Weigman
  • LB Scooby Williams
  • LT Trey Zuhn III

Texas A&M will host Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31. The game will be at 6:30 p.m. CT and will air on ABC.

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Mike Elko provides several injury updates ahead of Texas A&M’s fall camp

One of Conner Weigman’s potential top receiving options is on the fast track to returning

We’re exactly a month away from Texas A&M’s season opener vs. Notre Dame, as Mike Elko’s team will start fall practice on Wednesday, which will continue next month before opening things up on Saturday, August 31.

On Tuesday, Elko, along with starting quarterback Conner Weigman, wide receiver Noah Thomas, and safety Bryce Anderson, took questions from the local media while providing a key injury update regarding two of A&M’s key contributors.

First, defensive lineman Enai White is reportedly still recovering from his previous knee injury and will not be available for the start of fall camp. The junior is looking to earn a rotational spot across the Aggies’ loaded D-line.

However, the most significant news was that former Troy wide receiver Jabre Barber, who nearly recorded 1,000 receiving during the 2023 season, injured his foot during the spring and had surgery immediately after. However, initially thought to miss the start of the regular season, Barber is now on track to return much sooner rather than later.

Barber’s versatility, soft hands, and crisp route running can solidify Texas A&M’s receiving depth and provide Weigman another reliable option in the passing game third down situations.

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Here are the Top 5 incoming offensive transfers to watch out for during spring football

Here are five of the incoming transfer portal members on offense for Texas A&M to watch during the start of spring football 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 the offense, especially quarterback Conner Weigman, take the next step in their development.

While Weigman is coming off his season-ending injury after just four games last season, it may take some time to readjust, meaning every offensive playmaker available, especially the veterans coming out of the transfer portal, must step up to make his help him reach his potential.

Gaining 22 experienced players from the portal this offseason, additions including wide receivers Cyrus Allen and Jabre Barber could be key contributors next season, with the chance to show out next month during the spring football period.

However, after Texas A&M’s horrific blocking last season directly resulted in multiple quarterback injuries, including Weigman’s, several newcomers in the trenches will also be players to watch next month.

Here are five offensive transfer portal players to look out for during the spring football period.

Texas A&M senior WR Jabre Barber proclaims lofty, yet realistic goal after transferring from Troy

“I feel like I can go for 50 catches and I want to get past that 1,000-yard mark,” Barber admitted. “I know I have to put in a lot of work.”

Texas A&M senior wide receiver Jabre Barber has been an Aggie for just over a week but he’s already formed a lofty goal for the upcoming season in College Station.

Barber chose Texas A&M in the NCAA Transfer Portal on Jan. 5. This week he spoke with Carter Karels, the Aggies beat writer for 247Sports, about his plans for the 2024 campaign.

“There is not a guaranteed role. It is about coming in and being your best. I know I am up to compete,” Barber told Karels. “I can be versatile. I can play in the slot, as well as the outside, motion out of the backfield. Or as a wide receiver, motioning over and pulling me to the end to where I can just work as a 1-on-1 player between me and the DB. I can be all over the field, not just in the slot. I can do more than that and show my versatility.”

Barber is 5-foot-10, 174 pounds and was a 2-star prospect coming out of Dothan High School in Alabama. He took a redshirt year in 2020 after appearing in three games at Troy.

Over the last three years, Barber has racked up the statistics for the Trojans. In 32 games, he tallied 132 receptions for 1,674 yards and 10 touchdowns. A majority of those numbers came this past year. During the 2023 season, he recorded 75 catches for 999 yards and 5 scores, just barely falling short of 1K.

“When I got into the locker room and looked at my phone — I am in a group chat with my close buddies. They were telling me, ‘You had 999 yards. You were one yard short.’ I am just like, ‘Whoa, what?'” Barber recalled. “I feel like I can go for 50 catches and I want to get past that 1,000-yard mark. I know I have to put in a lot of work. But I have a lot of belief in myself that I can do that and prove to my quarterback, Conner Weigman, that he can trust me to throw me the ball.”

Barber explained to Karels that associate head coach and running backs coach, Trooper Taylor, made a significant impact in his decision to play home games at Kyle Field.

“Sitting down and talking with the coaches, it started to feel a little bit like home,” Barber said. “The Duke coach, coach Trooper, he talked to me a lot. He made me feel like home a little bit more. So that is what made me a little more comfortable, how they made me feel welcome.”

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