Tag: kam dewberry

Mike Elko provides several key offensive line updates ahead to Texas A&M’s fall camp

Chase Bisontis is officially switching to guard

The 2024 season is just weeks away, and in just a month, Mike Elko’s inaugural season with Texas A&M will kick off the season against Notre Dame inside a packed Kyle Field on Saturday, August 31.

On Tuesday, Elko took questions from the local media in College Station to officially open up the fall practice schedule, and thanks to the journalists in the room, the former Duke head coach provided key updates regarding nearly every position group, including the offensive line.

Over the years, it has become a proven fact that every college football team’s offense is only as good as its O-line, providing the quarterback time to scan the field and holes in the running game to move the ball down the field. For Texas A&M, the trenches were a disaster during former HC Jimbo Fisher’s final season at the helm.

This offseason, new additions combined with nearly every 2023 starter returning gave O-line coach Adam Cushing plenty to work with. According to Elko, this group may not be a predominant strength, but they have steadily improved.

“From where we were to where we are, it would be hard to stand here in front of you and tell you it’s a strength. We’ve made a lot of strides and really improved.”

“It will be significantly better than it was in the spring.”

While left tackle Trey Zuhn III and, likely, former Kansas OL Ar’maj Reed-Adams will start at left tackle and left guard, respectfully, nearly every other position is still up for grabs, including the center position. Elko noted that while Mark Nabou and former Utah OL Kolinu’u Faaiu are the primary competitors, junior Kam Dewberry is reportedly in the mix.

According to Elko, sophomore Chase Bisontis will officially slide into guard after starting nearly every game at right tackle this season.

“Chase (Bisontis) has been a guard all the way. He has never left guard. We feel that’s the right spot for him.”

“He has been a guard since day one with us.”

Elko’s quote may worry some Aggie fans, but the truth is that improvement from where this group was last year should more than help Collin Klein’s offense thrive with Conner Weigman under center.

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 Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas A&M’s Bryce Anderson and Kam Dewberry discuss Mike Elko’s impact so far

During Kam Dewberry’s youth football camp, the junior was joined by A&M starting safety Bryce Anderson

Ahead of Texas A&M’s 2024 football season, which will also serve as new head coach Mike Elko’s inaugural campaign with the program after two seasons heading Duke, two key members on the roster provided a sneak peek into what to expect as soon as the season opener vs. Notre Dame.

Amid the excitement of Texas A&M baseball’s College World Series Finals appearance, Aggies starting safety Bryce Anderson and junior offensive lineman Kam Dewberry took a moment from their busy schedules to share some valuable insights. Thanks to local Houston reporter Aaron Wilson, we now have a better understanding of how Elko plans to utilize their skills this fall.

While heading the camp amongst a large group of aspiring youngsters, Dewberry, who will compete for a starting spot at left or right guard this fall, discussed what he has been preaching to kids regarding what it takes to unlock their untapped potential on the field:

“You gotta know and love the grind. It’s gonna be grind, whatever it takes. You gotta love this game.”

Also in attendance, junior do-it-all safety Bryce Anderson has returned to the safety room under Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman after spending a majority of the 2023 season at nickel corner while recording 55 tackles, an interception, and four pass deflections on the year.

Joining Dewberry in giving back to the youth, Anderson briefly discussed Elko’s vision for the defense this coming season:

“Coach Elko is a defensive-minded coach. He’s going to put me in a position to make plays now with my position change, moving to free safety, where I can really show off my athleticism.”

Both young men will continue to train and gear up this summer ahead of fall camp in early August, as Texas A&M will host a likely top-5 ranked Notre Dame team on Saturday, August 31.

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Texas A&M sophomore left guard Kam Dewberry has ‘successful surgery’

The towering 6-foot-4, 330-pound Aggies offensive lineman announced via X on Tuesday afternoon that he recently had a successful procedure.

Texas A&M sophomore left guard Kam Dewberry announced via X on Tuesday afternoon that he recently had a successful procedure, though the specifics behind said surgery remains unknown.

The towering 6-foot-4, 330-pound Aggies offensive lineman was a 4-star recruit in 2021 coming out of Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas. As an underclassman in 2019, he was named a Sophomore All-American by MaxPreps after receiving a first-team all-district selection.

Dewberry appeared in seven games and made five starts in 2022 during his true freshman campaign. He earned the Aggie Offensive Top Newcomer award and was named a Freshman All-American by The Athletic. This past season, Dewberry played in all 12 games for Texas A&M.

With two of three potential starting quarterbacks, sophomores Jaylen Henderson & Conner Weigman, also returning from respective successful surgeries, having Dewberry healthy for the 2024 season will be key for head coach Mike Elko and offensive line coach Adam Cushing. Whether everyone is ready to go by August is to be seen.

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.

Texas A&M OL Trey Zuhn will officially return for the 2024 season

Texas A&M OL Trey Zuhn III is the fourth Aggie to announce his return in 2024 through NIL partner, Texas United.

Texas A&M’s football roster in the beginning stages of the offseason has already dealt with significant attrition, as more than a dozen players have entered the transfer portal. At the same time, several 2024 commits have either flipped or de-committed this month.

Three veteran players have also declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, including wide receiver Ainias Smith, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, offensive lineman Layden Robinson, and standout linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who will likely be the first of the four to hear his name called.

On Friday, two more vital members of the 2023 roster announced their return for the 2023 season, starting with star running back Le’Veon Moss, followed by starting left tackle Trey Zuhn III, one of the toughest players on the team, bar none. Appearing in all 12 games during the 2023 redshirt sophomore season, Zuhn was consistently one of the highest-rated pass blockers on an otherwise porous offensive line per Pro Football Focus.

Heading into the 2024 campaign, quarterback Conner Weigman will be back in the saddle after his season ended prematurely due to injury, and while the rest of the O-line is finally due to improve under new offensive line coach Adam Cushing, Zuhn’s trustworthy play while protection Weigman’s blindside has to help new head coach Mike Elko sleep better at night.

Including Zuhn and Moss, four Texas A&M starters have announced their returns.

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Texas A&M OL Kam Dewberry announces that he will return for the 2024 season

Through Texas A&M’s official NIL partner, Texas United, sophomore OL Kam Dewberry announces his return for the 2024 season.

Texas A&M’s football roster in the beginning stages of the offseason has already dealt with significant attrition, as more than a dozen players have entered the transfer portal. At the same time, several 2024 commits have either flipped or de-committed this month.

Three veteran players have also declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, including wide receiver Ainias Smith, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, offensive lineman Layden Robinson, and, as of Tuesday, All-American linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.

On Monday, sophomore safety Bryce Anderson announced, through the Aggies’ official NIL partner “Texas United,” that he would be returning for the 2024 season. Two days later, sophomore offensive lineman Kam Dewberry joined the bandwagon, announcing his return on Wednesday night. In the same format associated with Texas United, Dewberry was tagged  in a post stating “Locked In.”

Entering the program as a four-star versatile offensive lineman in the Aggies’ 2022 recruiting class, Dewberry, who served at multiple spots in the trenches during his freshman season, appeared in seven games with five starts and was named to 2022 The Athletic Freshman All-American Team.

This season, Dewberry’s play time surprisingly decreased. Still, he showed promise every time he touched the field, appearing in nearly every game. He is poised to make an even more significant impact in 2024 while contending for a starting spot at right guard with Layden Robinson’s departure.

Under new offensive line coach Adam Cushing, expect stark improvement in pass protection, which took a deep stumble in Steve Adazzio’s final season with the program.

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Texas A&M’s offensive line play will likely determine the final outcome vs. Miami

After a solid showing in the Aggies 52-10 win over New Mexico, Texas A&M’s experienced O-line will need to win, and win consistently in the trenches vs. Miami.

Texas A&M (1-0) and Miami (1-0) entered the 2023 season with clean slates after matching each other record-wise with dismal 5-7 finishes in 2022, both experiencing more lows than highs, with their worst finishes in over a decade.

After going head-to-head last season, the Aggies narrowly defeated Miami 17-9 after previously losing to Appalachian State. While many of us saw this as a potential turnaround going forward, the parity of college football took us all for a loop for the preceding nine weeks.

Turn the page to the first weekend of September, as Texas A&M’s took care of New Mexico 52-10 behind starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s five touchdowns, while Miami’s balanced offense and impressive ground game aided the Hurricanes to their 38-3 drubbing of the visiting Miami (OH) Warhawks on Friday night.

Off to solid and convincing starts, the Aggies will now travel to South Beach, which, by most of the Miami fanbase, has been dubbed as a “revenge game,” even though the Hurricanes failed to reach the endzone in their first meeting. Even though Texas A&M holds several advantages on paper, specifically from a talent perspective, I believe that the game will be determined in the trenches between the Aggies’ offensive line vs. Miami’s defensive line.

In years past, Texas A&M’s O-line under Fisher’s reign has benefitted in size but lacked the athleticism and versatility needed to win in the SEC consistently. Still, after several key recruiting gains paired with experienced veterans, things are finally looking up in 2023. Against New Mexico, the Aggies looked much improved in pass protection, only allowing two sacks on the night. While their run blocking is still a work in progress, there’s clear potential.

As Aggies Wire contributor Pete Hernandez recently pointed out, Hurricanes defensive lineman Leonard Taylor, outside of star safety Kam Kinchens, is by far the most dominant defender the program has to offer, recording 24 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 1 INT last season.

While Texas A&M’s offensive line seems to emulate a revolving door after what the starting unit looked like on Saturday, this is simply a byproduct of the immense depth O-line coach Steve Addazio has at his disposal. Of course, I’m referencing offensive tackle Reuben Fatheree II, who was still recovering from a knee issue before surprisingly suiting up against New Mexico. Instead of lining up at his original right tackle spot, he would shift over as the second-string left tackle behind starter Trey Zuhn. In contrast, vaunted freshman tackle Chase Bisontis made his impressive debut in his place. Now that’s quality depth.

In the interior, the return of center Bryce Foster and right guard Layden Robinson, coupled with the sophomore duo of Kam Dewberry and Mark Nabou at left guard, will be counted on against the likes of Leonard Taylor, who Miaim defensive coordinator Lance Guidry will likely move around throughout the matchup.

This is the first real test for the Maroon Goons, and with everything I’ve just described, there’s simply no excuse for this unit not to find success against a stout opponent like Miami, no matter where the game is played.

Texas A&M will face the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, Sept. 9, which will air on ABC at 2:30 p.m. CT.

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Texas A&M’s Offensive line depth resembling shades of 2020’s elite unit

Texas A&M’s 2023 O-line returns all five starters from last season, including some highly versatile depth at all five positions.

Earlier this week, Texas A&M Head Coach Jimbo Fisher and Aggies starting left tackle Trey Zuhn took a multitude of questions from the local media before their eleventh practice of fall camp, and from this writer’s point of view, both Fisher and Zuhn’s beaming confidence regarding the progress the offensive line has made this offseason provides much-needed context with just two weeks before the Sept. 2 season opener.

For Fisher’s talented yet unproven roster to accomplish any of their lofty goals this season, it begins and ends in the trenches. For the first time since the memorable 2020 9-1 campaign, they might have the horses to compete, and the depth behind the starting five is a big reason why.

Fisher, who has consistently praised the versatility of freshman tackle Chase Bisontis and redshirt freshman guard/center Mark Nabou threw out another intriguing name from his list, as former tight end and current redshirt sophomore tackle Dametreous Crownover, who has continued to stand out this fall as yet another versatile depth piece.

“Chase Bisontis is doing a great job,” Fisher stated. “Dametrious Crownover is having a phenomenal camp. … Mark Nabou has really become a jack of all trades. He is playing center, guard and tackle. He is playing and playing well.”

In a snapshot view, the Aggie’s complete O-line, both starters and backups, is presently constructed as follows:

  • Left tackle: (RS) Trey Zuhn III. Backup: (FR)  Chase Bisontis
  • Left guard: (S) Kam Dewberry. Backup: (RS JR) Aki Ogunbiyi
  • Center: (JR) Bryce Foster. Backup: (RS FR) Mark Nabou
  • Right guard: (RS SR) Layden Robinson. Backup: (JR) Jordan Spacojevic-Moko
  • Right tackle (Jr) Reuben Fatheree II. Backup: (RS SO) Dametrious Crownover

The starting five is more than set, as Foster, Robinson, and Fatheree will hopefully handle the right side for all 12 (hopefully more) games this season, barring injury. Yes, injury is just an annoying part of the position, especially for the Aggies last season, so that versatility mentioned above, a bulk of the O-lineman has shown this month, will surely come in handy late in SEC play.

“We do it in practice all the time,” Fisher stated. “You are trying to get your best five guys across the board and where each guy can be to get your best five.”

In contrast, Kam Dewberry’s impressive play in the latter half of last season, especially his tape against Alabama, has more than solidified his spot at left guard.

Trey Zuhn, the most vital O-line member, was a sight for sore eyes during Monday’s presser, letting us all know that his previous injuries that hindered development have ceased to become a lingering issue this summer.

“Physically, right now, I’m at 110%. I’m stronger than ever. I’m faster than ever. During the season. I had a couple of nicks and knacks that forced me to miss spring ball, but right now, I’m ready to roll.”

Most importantly, the job of an offensive lineman is to move the body in front of them, something we haven’t seen from the Aggies O-line at a consistent pace since the 2020 season, but from top to bottom, freshman to senior, starter to backup, and according to Zuhn, the hog mollies have been doing just that all fall.

“Having everybody back this fall camp has been great. We’re moving guys around a lot because we want as many guys to play as possible.”

If anything, Fisher has been chasing the dream of recreating the 2020 offensive line for the last two seasons that returned 52 out of 65 career starts, including blue-chip guard Kenyon Green, who is now a starter for the Houston Texans.

So, how close is he to achieving that goal this season? We’ll have to wait and see till the games begin, but if continuity and a lack of reserve talent were an issue in 2022, the progress made by both the starters and depth pieces is a good sign that we might be calling the O-line the predominant strength on offense 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 Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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Aggies offensive line group ranked second-best in the state of Texas

With a handful of starters returning from 2022, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football recently labeled the Aggies O-line as the second best unit in the state of Texas.

Texas A&M Head Coach Jimbo Fisher proclaimed that the unit in the trenches would be the team’s strength in 2023, and at least one outlet is singing the same tune.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football recently ranked the best offensive line groups in the state for the 2023 season, and the Maroon and White landed in second place within the Lone Star State. The top five played out as follows:

1. Texas Longhorns
2. Texas A&M Aggies
3. Baylor Bears
4. TCU Horned Frogs
5. Texas Tech Raiders

The following teams rounded out the best of the rest in the Lone Star State:

6. SMU Mustangs
7. UTSA Road Runners
8. Houston Cougars
9. North Texas Mean Green
10. UTEP Miners
11. Rice Owls
12. Texas State Bobcats
13. Sam Houston Bearkats

DCTF placed the Aggies just behind the Longhorns when it came to their recruiting prowess, although it’s been well-noted that few can compete with Texas A&M when it comes to recruiting in the trenches. With a unit that includes C Bryce Foster, OG Layden Robinson, OG Kam Dewberry, and OT Reuben Fatheree II, the key will be remaining healthy for the 2023 campaign according to Mike Craven:

No team in the Lone Star State outside of the Longhorns recruit the offensive line better than the Aggies. The interior of the offensive line should be stout, especially if Foster stays healthy. The Aggies were a different unit with him struggling with injuries and illness throughout 2022.

He’ll be flanked by two potential NFL players at guard in Robinson and Dewberry. The only real question marks are on the outside, but Fatheree was solid as a freshman two years ago and Zuhn has plenty of potential. Expect a step forward from this group in 2023.

The O-line boasts tremendous upside so long as they remain healthy, but let’s be clear in reiterating that the unit has their work cut out for them if they truly want to become elite. If you turn back the clock to 2022, you’ll recall that this group finished with a dull 50.0 pass-blocking grade per Pro Football Focus, while allowing an average of 2.3 sacks per contest.

Many of those hurdles were a result of injuries, but inexperience was also a key culprit. Having Foster back in the fold should provide a huge boon, as he looks to return to his freshman-year caliber of play when he led all true freshman centers with a 73.0 run-blocking grade per PFF. Added depth in the form of transfers Finn Dirstine and Derek Ferraro, as well as the arrival of incoming freshman Chase Bisontis, should help on the depth front.

With this group among the country’s leaders in returning production, the Aggies must see the experience and rapport within this group translate to strong production on the field. Only then can they stake the claim of being not only among the best in the Lone Star State but potentially in all of college football.

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 Football 2023 Position Preview: Offensive line; An elite unit if healthy

Texas A&M’s offensive line has the makings of an elite group, but the key will be keeping this unit healthy for the long haul of the 2023 campaign.

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.

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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PFF ranks Texas A&M’s 2023 offensive line as a top-10 unit

PFF ranked the best offensive lines entering the 2023 season, and Texas A&M found themselves firmly within the top-10 rankings.

Texas A&M’s 2022 season was marred by a combination of inexperience, subpar play, and injuries, and the offensive line was no exception to this reality. However, the looming 2023 season offers a fresh slate with heightened expectations.

Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus ranked the best offensive lines entering the 2023 season, and with a handful of experienced returners from the last few seasons, the Aggies found themselves firmly within the top 10 rankings. Now, even the most loyal Texas A&M fan should understand that while the praise and confidence in this unit is welcomed, this unit still carries some notable question marks given last year’s struggles.

According to Football Outsiders, the Aggies’ offensive line ranked 64th in sack rate (6.3%) and 101st in run stuff rate (19.9%) in 2022, which measures the percentage of carries by running backs that are stopped at or before the line of scrimmage. Injuries and inexperience played an influential role in the unit’s underwhelming performance and it 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.

However, the hope is that the injury bug does not rear its ugly head once more in 2023, and coupled with the fact that last year’s trials gives this unit a bevy of experience to learn from, it does set them up nicely to bounce back. To aid in those efforts, the Aggies have added some depth up front after landing former Boston College lineman Finn Dirstine.

Additionally, as just one of eight FBS programs set to return all five starters, the offensive line could have the benefit of affinity in comparison to other programs, which seek to bolster their front units via the transfer portal.

Below is the breakdown of how every program that finished in Chadwick’s top 10 offensive line rankings stacks up against each other, based on projected starters as well as returners from the 2022 campaign.