Tag: Mark Nabou

Texas A&M’s sixth spring practice reveals new competition at center

During Texas A&M’s sixth spring practice, several returners and newcomers have continued to work out at the center spot.

Practice No. 6 for Texas A&M football took place on Tuesday, with most media members present. Outside of the health of presumed starting quarterback Conner Weigman, there’s plenty for Aggie fans to be excited about ahead of head coach Mike Elko’s inaugural season.

One storyline that has received little attention thus far has been starting center Bryce Foster’s continued absence during the last two spring periods due to his responsibilities in track & field in the discus event.

While this is appropriate on its face, his lack of availability amid the coaching change, especially concerning getting to know new OL coach Adam Cushing from a scheme perspective and gaining symmetry in the trenches, is something to monitor. With plenty of competition already in the works, GigEm247’s Carter Karels noted the players who are already competing for the backup and possibly starting center spot.

Heading into his redshirt sophomore season, versatile guard Mark Nabou started at left guard for most of the 2023 season, including several starts at center due to Foster’s injury issues. He looked natural in both positions.

Karels also noted that transfer OL Darian Hinton and incoming redshirt freshman TJ Shanahan are also taking reps at center, at least providing adequate depth at one of the most critical positions connected to any quarterback’s lasting health.

Bryce Foster’s 2023 season was average at best, but that doesn’t mean he still doesn’t have what it takes to excel in the interior. However, perhaps the coaching staff should consider a potential change to guard due to his natural strength and size—something to consider.

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 OL duo Chase Bisontis and Mark Nabou announce their return for the 2024 season

It’s official: Texas A&M offensive linemen Chase Bisontis and Mark Nabou will return for the 2024 season.

During Wednesday’s national signing day, Texas A&M and new head coach Mike Elko were as busy as ever, signing 12 players, including three four-star offensive linemen, as many of the issues that plagued the Aggies in 2023 stemmed from poor play in the trenches.

Even better news: new offensive line coach Adam Cushing is poised to have nearly every starting offensive lineman from last season returning in 2024, as it was announced on Wednesday night that starting right tackle Chase Bisontis and reserve guard Mark Nabou, who started multiple games at center and left guard last season, will also return in 2024.

After withdrawing from the transfer portal on Tuesday night, Bisontis, who dealt with the annual freshman “baptism by fire” season, steadily improved down the stretch due to his elite traits and brute strength.

Mark Nabou’s ascendance as one of the team’s highest-rated blockers not only provided a consistent impact when his name was called, but with the departure of veteran right guard Layden Robinson, Nabou may be the perfect fit to fill said void, placing fellow returnee Kam Dewberry at left guard.

In a similar fashion to every returning player, Bisontis and Nabou, through Texas A&M’s NIL initiative Texas United, posted their announcements on X, cementing what could be one of the better offensive lines in SEC play, if, and that’s a big if Adam Cushing can unlock this groups potential finally.

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.

Five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. South Carolina

Will the O-line show a sign of life? is QB Spencer Rattler a threat? here are five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. South Carolina

We’re slightly past the halfway point of the 2023 college football season. For Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC), head coach Jimbo Fisher and his talented but underwhelming offense have plagued any sense of consistency, recently dropping two consecutive SEC matchups against Alabama and Tennessee.

While Fisher’s coaching future in College Station remains a mystery, the final five games of the regular season will likely provide more answers down the line, especially if what we’ve seen from the Aggies since reaching 4-1 after decisively defeating Arkansas to reach 2-0 in the SEC.

Yes, quarterback Conner Weigman’s season-ending injury certainly threw a wrench in the Aggies’ offensive plans. Still, second-year O-line coach Steve Addazio’s failure to fix the blocking issues in the trenches has put then-backup signal caller Max Johnson under constant duress, virtually destroying any rhythm in both the passing and running game since.

However, facing a Gamecocks defense that allows more than 30 points per game should give the offense confidence heading into the matchup.

This week, we have provided several storylines to help provide the full scoop on what to expect on Saturday afternoon.

Focusing on the players that need to make this weekend, here are the five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. South Carolina.

Texas A&M Football 2023 Midseason Grades: Offensive Line

Texas A&M’s offensive line midseason report card is in, and it’s an ugly sight to behold as the team comes off a pivotal bye week.

The Aggies Wire team is doing the same with Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2), looking to take a breather and reassess heading into the bye week. Namely, there’s no better time to take a pulse check on how the Aggies have fared through the first half of the season, with a deep dive on each positional group.

Next up, we’re looking at the Aggies offensive line, headlined by Bryce Foster, Layden Robinson, Trey Zuhn III, Chase Bisontis, and Mark Nabou Jr.

Highlights

We’ll be blunt; this section of the breakdown will not be expansive. The Maroon Goons were much more promising early on in the season, and when it comes to run blocking, they’ve been solid. Their 63.2 run-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus, is decent, and they’re only allowing 2.0 sacks per game (66th) while gaining just 4.1 yards per carry (80th).

The drop-off in run efficiency was to be expected when losing a talent like De’Von Achane, who declared for the NFL Draft. It’s been a carousel of Le’Veon Moss, Amari Daniels, and Rueben Owens in the backfield. But for the most part, run blocking hasn’t been a stumbling block.

Areas of improvement

“Pass protection” should be bolded with an emphatic emergency alarm stamped alongside it when speaking on areas of improvement. This a huge area of weakness that needs to be addressed by the offensive line, and their second-year coach Steve Addazio. Their 47.5 pass-blocking grade, according to PFF, is absolutely atrocious and marks a decrease from their 49.4 grade in 2022.

The caveat there: last season the unit was plagued with injuries across the board. This season, they’re the ones responsible for the biggest injury this season, after Conner Weigman was pressured and suffered a foot injury back against Auburn, which ended up being season-ending.

Fast forward to today, and their porous pass protection has rendered veteran southpaw Max Johnson to that of an average quarterback. In their latest loss to Tennessee, Johnson was pressured on 64.1 percent of his dropbacks, which was the highest pressure rate since PFF started tracking the metric back in 2014. The Maroon Goons officially made history, and not in a good way.

Final grade: F

Without the ability to point toward injuries for their porous play, responsibility has to fall on o-line coach Steve Addazio for the unit’s putrid performance in SEC play. Bad snaps, miscommunication at the line of scrimmage, and Foster literally tripping over himself are illustrative of fundamental issues that must be corrected.

It falls on Addazio to get this unit prepared for Saturday afternoons, otherwise, this season is ready to steer off course toward utter disaster.

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.

‘I’m ready to go. It’s an exciting time for everybody,’ Conner Weigman, Mark Nabou, and LT Overton on preparing for Auburn in Week 4

Conner Weigman, Mark Nabou, and LT Overton took to the podium Monday afternoon to speak on Texas A&M’s preparation for Auburn, marking the start of SEC play.

We’re three weeks into the college football season, but the real work begins as Texas A&M (2-1) welcomes Auburn (3-0) to Kyle Field in Week 4. The Aggies may be early favorites, but make no mistake that it will be a battle come Saturday as A&M faces their first SEC foe of 2023.

From the sounds of it, the Aggies’ leaders on offense and defense are up for the challenge. Conner Weigman, Mark Nabou, and LT Overton all took to the podium Monday afternoon to speak on the team’s preparation for Auburn.

Weigman spoke at length about his development and competitive mindset which is a staple in every game. He also hinted at some words of encouragement from a certain Aggie legend who was in attendance Saturday afternoon. Nabou and Overton both echoed the belief that the loss to Miami was by no means a step backward. If anything, it was a reminder of the full potential of this football team.

Below are the full press conferences for Weigman, Nabou, and Overton, as well as notable highlights from their time at the podium.

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.

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 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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Texas A&M 2023 college football season countdown: No. 54 Mark Nabou

54 days till the start of the 2023 season! We’re counting down each day with dedicated player profiles, and up next is Texas A&M offensive lineman, Mark Nabou.

Fear not, ladies and gentlemen, meaningful college football is just around the corner, with the start of the 2023 season just under two months away! Here at Aggies Wire, we’ll be counting down by looking at each Texas A&M football player that corresponds to the number of days left till the start of the football season.

With 54 days until the start of the season, we’re looking at No. 54 for the Maroon and White: freshman offensive lineman Mark Nabou.

Given the sheer volume of confidence the players and coaches have given in favor of Nabou, there should be no reason to question that he’ll be an absolute force in 2023. Jimbo Fisher has consistently praised Nabou’s name throughout the spring, and while his regular season snap volume is scarce, his versatility gives plenty of promise to the Aggies’ frontline unit that struggled with injuries in 2022, as well as saw some departures via the transfer portal.

As a quick reminder, Nabou started a game at guard last season and was moved to center in the spring. He was able to use his mass and pad level to push around older players in the run game, but of course, inexperience left room for improvement. He’ll need to work on his balance and ability to anchor with regard to that aspect of playing upfront, but an added year of experience should aid in that area.

As an example of the team’s confidence in Nabou, Fisher offered some compelling confidence in the offensive line in the aftermath of Matthew Wykoff entering the portal:

“I have been very pleased in the spring. I thought we made some huge developments in the spring. I thought some guys were really coming on, playing well. The young guys are really developing. (Remington Strickland) has had a tremendous spring. (Mark) Nabou played center the whole spring and has had a tremendous spring. Really happy with him. Played some guard, too. (Strickland) has, too. Both of those guys … I am really excited about that whole group on the offensive line.”

No one likes to see players injured, but if that misfortune were to impact the o-line again this season, the Aggies have a more than capable insurance policy in the form of Nabou, who should develop into a sheer force within the trenches.

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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5 sleepers on Texas A&M’s offense heading into the 2023 season

As Texas A&M’s offense looks to make a significant improvement in 2023, be on the lookout for these five sleeper candidates to make an impact.

With just under two months until the 2023 college football season, it means that an emphatic bounce-back campaign from Texas A&M is just around the corner. You know it, I know it, and the 12th Man knows it, and it will take a collective effort to reach that goal.

It’s no secret that for the Aggies to reach success this coming season, it hinges on their offense to make a drastic improvement from their scoring mark in 2022. Last year, the Maroon and White ranked 101st in the country with a scoring average of 22.8 points per game. Spoiler alert: that’s not going to cut it when facing SEC juggernauts such as Alabama and LSU.

With new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino in the fold, it opens the door for some much-needed ingenuity in the playbook to help maximize the star potential on that side of the ball. Sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman could be in for a dark-horse Heisman campaign with no shortage of targets in the likes of Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith, and Moose Muhammad III leading a talented receiving unit.

But truth be told, those names won’t be the only ones to benefit from a revitalized offensive scheme. Once the Aggies take the field, we could see more than a handful of breakout candidates make a name for themselves in 2023.

Here are five players on Texas A&M’s roster you don’t want to make the mistake of sleeping on heading into the fall season.

Ranking the 15 best players on Texas A&M’s 2023 football roster

As Texas A&M prepares for a critical 2023 college football season, here are the 15 best players on the roster based on both production and future potential.

Texas A&M is headed toward a crucial 2023 football season in the coming months, which means they’ll be relying on a handful of key impactful players on both sides of the ball.

Much conversation has been made about the Aggies’ underwhelming 5-7 2022 campaign (2-6 SEC), but what is often overlooked is the contributions made by more than a handful of true freshmen. For being thrust into the fire on a moment’s notice, Texas A&M flashed its potential on offense and by all means stood its ground on defense, which figures to be a promising unit this coming season.

As Jimbo Fisher has noted recently, the trials of last season will serve as a lesson learned and fuel for the future, which means a number of players could be set for impactful, and even breakout seasons.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some names Texas A&M will be counting on this fall.