Post game recap: Texas A&M’s Maroon & White spring game ends with a 24-10 Maroon team victory

Texas A&M’s spring game concluded with a 24-10 Maroon team victory

Texas A&M’s annual Maroon & White spring game concluded on what turned out to be a rainy latter half of the afternoon. The Maroon team defeated the White team by a score of 24-10 behind the arm of backup quarterback Marcel Reed and the hands of junior wide receiver Noah Thomas.

As I noted ahead of the game, nearly 20 players, mostly presumed 2024 starters, did not play, including several starters on the offensive line.

Head coach Mike Elko had a plan for all three quarterbacks going into the game. Starter Conner Weigman is still recovering from surgery after a 2023 foot injury sidelined him after four games, but he still made the start for the White team.

Lacking his usual mobility, Weigman only completed 5-14 passes for 47 yards. Still, none of this should be surprising due to the lack of blocking up front and a lack of receiving options compared to the Maroon team.

Quarterbacking the Maroon, sophomore Marcel Reed (10-14, 84 yards, 1 TD) shared reps with senior Jaylen Henderson (8-13, 100 yards, 1 TD) as both found the endzone. Yet, Reed’s mobility and accuracy have made this offseason battle even more intriguing down the stretch.

Making waves offensively, junior wide receiver Noah Thomas has now made his case as the Aggies’ No. 1 wide receiver next season. He led the game with seven receptions, 82 yards, and two touchdowns, including a diving endzone grab for his final score.

Defensively, former Purdue Edge Nic Scourton looks like the team’s best overall player going into the fall, credited with five tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup for the Maroon defense. In comparison, junior Shemar Stewart was equally impressive for the White team, with seven tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss on the afternoon.

From what I saw today, Texas A&M’s transfer portal-heavy cornerback room is filled with length, speed, and, most importantly, experience at a postion group that struggled throughout the 2023 season.

Overall, the offense showed flashes, especially his improvement at running back, as Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens both ran for touchdowns. At the same time, the defense looks like the Aggies’ predominant strength heading into the season opener vs. Notre Dame on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Final Stats: 

White Team: 

  • Total yards: 128
  • Rushing yards: 70
  • Passing yards: 58
  • 1st downs: 6
  • Turnovers: 0
  • Time of possession: 20:51

Maroon Team: 

  • Total yards: 364
  • Rushing yards: 180
  • Passing yards: 184
  • 1st downs: 21
  • Turnovers: 1
  • Time of possession: 39.09

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.

Texas A&M sophomore DL Shemar Stewart set to return to College Station for 2024 season

He’s Back! Aggies sophomore defensive lineman Shemar Stewart will be returning to College Station for the 2024 season.

In a huge announcement, Texas A&M sophomore defensive lineman Shemar Stewart will be returning to College Station next season.

According to Texas Aggies United, the official name, image, and likeness partner of Texas A&M Athletics, Stewart will be “back for more” in 2024.

Stewart is a man among boys, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 285 pounds. He is a native of Miramar, Florida, and graduated from Monsignor Pace Academy in 2022.

As a true freshman, Stewart appeared in all 12 games for the Aggies and made six starts. He recorded 23 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks last year. He earned the Defensive Top Newcomer award during the annual team banquet.

This season, Stewart played in 11 games but saw a dip in his production. The sophomore logged 10 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks. However, he did recover a return of a blocked kick for a touchdown during the season.

Texas A&M begins the 2024 season at home against Notre Dame on Aug. 31.

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 Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

WATCH: Texas A&M safety Jared Kerr lays the boom stick on QB Mike Wright, leading to a fumble return TD from DT Shemar Stewart

Texas A&M has taken a dominant 41-10 lead over Mississippi State after Jared Kerr’s sack on QB Mike Wright led to a Shemar Stewart scoop and score!

Being a quarterback in the SEC is tough; that’s a given, but when you have to go against one of the best pass rushes in the county on the road and at night, things could get reckless.

Texas A&M’s offense behind third-string quarterback Jaylen Henderson may be the storyline, but give it to the Aggie’s 15th-ranked defense, who have taken over this game in the second half, as the second-ranked pass rush, who have now recorded 36 sacks on the year, just produced one of the best defensive highlights on the year.

Just minutes after halftime, Mississippi State’s first possession in the 3rd quarter, quarterback Mike Wright stood in the pocket while reading through his progressions, and just when he thought he was in the clear, A&M sophomore safety Jared Kerr shot through the gap like a bullet train to lay a brutal sack on the former Vanderbilt signal caller, leading to fumble, which was picked up by sophomore DT Shemar Stewart who rumbled his way to the end zone for a scoop and score.

In the Aggies’ next offensive possession, Jaylen Henderson hit wide receiver Jahdae Walker to take an imposing 48-10 lead with a full quarter left. This team is playing confidently, and for all the social media-based chatter surrounding head coach Jimbo Fisher’s job security, I’m sorry to say that this isn’t helping increase fan apathy.

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.

Shemar Stewarts’ return to Miami is a business trip; plain and simple

Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart is a Florida native, but friendships are put on hold when the Aggies travel to face the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Revenge may be a dish served cold, but for the Miami Hurricanes, that’s impossible ahead of Saturday’s home rematch vs. Texas A&M on Saturday as we’re looking at a 90-degree scorcher.

For the Aggies, opening the season with a 52-10 blowout win over New Mexico behind starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s five-touchdown performance is a product of his natural ability and new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino’s “QB-friendly” system. A 38-3 drubbing of Miami (OH) for the Hurricanes saw a team with potential but notable flaws.

Defensively, the Aggies’ loaded defensive line did its job, limiting the Lobos to only 94 yards on the ground, led by Boston College transfer cornerback Josh DeBerry’s impressive debut, netting ten tackles and an interception on the night.

Receiving less of the spotlight due to his lack of in-game statistics, sophomore defensive end Shemar Stewart’s impact was still felt, making his way to the backfield several times. As a native Floridian himself, this weekend’s pivotal road matchup has its connection to Stewart’s roots. On Monday, Stewart, alongside 12th Man Sam Matthews and Josh DeBerry, sat down with the local media to preview the matchup, leading to Shemar finally revealing why he chose A&M over his hometown Hurricanes.

“Mainly because the coaches and the staff treated me like a family and never lied to me. My parents didn’t want me staying home (in Miami) at all. It’s Miami. The nightlife can be pretty distracting.”

As funny as his answer may be, focusing on his football and academic future will always be the No.1 priority. At the same time, his strong relationships with the Aggies coaching staff sealed the deal less than two years ago.

Like the rest of his Aggie teammates, it’s all business once the plane lands in Miami, and when it comes to the friendships he’s made along the way in the Sunshine State, many of whom play for the Hurricanes, it’s all business on Saturday afternoon.

“I always wanted to go there. When I was first getting recruited, I wanted to go there. I had to choose a different route in the end. I still have many friends on that team, but come Saturday, we ain’t friends anymore.”

Texas A&M sloppily defeated Miami 17-9 behind the then-starting quarterback Max Johnson and former star running back Devon Achane, but let’s be honest, scoring nine points without reaching the end zone and branding this a “revenge game” is quite the choice. Still, Stewart knows that no matter what message is being echoed throughout the weeks, the Aggies are more than ready for the challenge ahead.

“I know they want to get revenge on us after last year. But that ain’t gonna happen this year. Maybe some other time. Not this time.”

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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‘It feels different in the locker room… We are ready for Miami.’ Sam Mathews, Josh DeBerry and Shemar Stewart preview Texas A&M’s week 2 road test vs. Miami

Here is everything Sam Mathews, Josh DeBerry and Shemar Stewart said ahead of the Aggies road test vs. Miami

Texas A&M kicked off their 2023 college football season in exhilarating fashion against New Mexico on Saturday night, downing the visiting Lobo’s 52-10 behind starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s incredibly efficient performance, throwing for 236 yards for 18/23 (78% completion). Five touchdowns without an interception, becoming the first player in Aggie history with five touchdowns in a season opener.

Standing out more than any player on the field, sophomore wide receiver Noah Thomas is on his way to a breakout season, finishing the night with six receptions for 74 yards and three touchdowns. In comparison, star receiver Evan Stewart led the offense with eight receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns on the night, as new OC Bobby Petrino’s play-calling has been welcomed with open arms as the Aggie’s up-tempo offense with multiple formation looks was truly a sight for sore eyes. On Saturday night, the studs were indeed fed.

Defensively, the Aggies limited the Lobos to 91 yards on the ground and 222 total yards. At the same time, Boston College transfer cornerback Josh DeBerry led the team with ten tackles, seven solo tackles, one sack, and an interception on the night.

On Monday, Linebacker, special teamer, and 12th Man Sam Mathews, alongside cornerback Josh DeBerry and defensive end Shemar Stewart, spoke to the media to reflect on the Aggies’ 52-10 win over New Mexico while shifting focus to their crucial week two road test vs. Miami on Saturday afternoon.

Here is everything all five players had to say before taking on the Hurricanes on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.

‘It feels different in the locker room… We are ready for Miami.’ Sam Mathews and four other players preview Texas A&M’s week 2 road test vs. Miami

Here is everything Sam Mathews, Evan Stewart, Josh DeBerry, Bryce Foster, and Shemar Stewart said ahead of the Aggies road test vs. Miami

Texas A&M kicked off their 2023 college football season in exhilarating fashion against New Mexico on Saturday night, downing the visiting Lobo’s 52-10 behind starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s incredibly efficient performance, throwing for 236 yards for 18/23 (78% completion). Five touchdowns without an interception, becoming the first player in Aggie history with five touchdowns in a season opener.

Standing out more than any player on the field, sophomore wide receiver Noah Thomas is on his way to a breakout season, finishing the night with six receptions for 74 yards and three touchdowns. In comparison, star receiver Evan Stewart led the offense with eight receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns on the night, as new OC Bobby Petrino’s play-calling has been welcomed with open arms as the Aggie’s up-tempo offense with multiple formation looks was truly a sight for sore eyes. On Saturday night, the studs were indeed fed.

Defensively, the Aggies limited the Lobos to 91 yards on the ground and 222 total yards. At the same time, Boston College transfer cornerback Josh DeBerry led the team with ten tackles, seven solo tackles, one sack, and an interception on the night.

On Monday, Linebacker, special teamer, and 12th-man Sam Mathews, alongside cornerback Josh DeBerry, wide receiver Evan Stewart, center Bryce Foster, and defensive end Shemar Stewart, spoke to the media to reflect on the Aggies 52-10 win over New Mexico, while shifting focus to their crucial week two road test vs. Miami on Saturday afternoon.

Here is everything all five players had to say before taking on the Hurricanes on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.

‘It feels different in the locker room… We are ready for Miami.’ Sam Mathews and four other players preview Texas A&M’s week 2 road test vs. Miami

Here is everything Sam Mathews, Evan Stewart, Josh DeBerry, Bryce Foster, and Shemar Stewart said ahead of the Aggies road test vs. Miami

Texas A&M kicked off their 2023 college football season in exhilarating fashion against New Mexico on Saturday night, downing the visiting Lobo’s 52-10 behind starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s incredibly efficient performance, throwing for 236 yards for 18/23 (78% completion). Five touchdowns without an interception, becoming the first player in Aggie history with five touchdowns in a season opener.

Standing out more than any player on the field, sophomore wide receiver Noah Thomas is on his way to a breakout season, finishing the night with six receptions for 74 yards and three touchdowns. In comparison, star receiver Evan Stewart led the offense with eight receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns on the night, as new OC Bobby Petrino’s play-calling has been welcomed with open arms as the Aggie’s up-tempo offense with multiple formation looks was truly a sight for sore eyes. On Saturday night, the studs were indeed fed.

Defensively, the Aggies limited the Lobos to 91 yards on the ground and 222 total yards. At the same time, Boston College transfer cornerback Josh DeBerry led the team with ten tackles, seven solo tackles, one sack, and an interception on the night.

On Monday, Linebacker, special teamer, and 12th-man Sam Mathews, alongside cornerback Josh DeBerry, wide receiver Evan Stewart, center Bryce Foster, and defensive end Shemar Stewart, spoke to the media to reflect on the Aggies 52-10 win over New Mexico, while shifting focus to their crucial week two road test vs. Miami on Saturday afternoon.

Here is everything all five players had to say before taking on the Hurricanes on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.

Texas A&M Football 2023 Position Preview: Defensive line; Talented group ready to take a leap

With a year under their belt, the Texas A&M’s defensive line should be equipped to take a leap following their baptism-by-fire campaign in 2022.

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.

The Aggies’ defensive line has no shortage of returning four and five-star talent that jumps off the page. But the youth and inexperience proved to be an obstacle last season, and it showed in the numbers. However, with a year under their belt, this assortment of players should be equipped to leap following their baptism-by-fire campaign in 2022.

Returning production:  Sophomore Shemar Stewart returns after having played in all 12 games last year while starting in six. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team. McKinnley Jackson is back at nose tackle after being named defensive MVP for the Aggies in 2022. He appeared in eight games for the Maroon and White.

Former five-star recruit Shemar Turner is back after having started in 11 games in 2022, tallying 32 tackles, including 4.5 for loss. Walter Nolen appears set for a breakout campaign in 2023, having received the Defensive Top Newcomer award in 2022. Fadil Diggs returns after being the Aggies’ best pass rusher last year, tallying three sacks and five tackles for loss before going down eight games into the season.

Rounding out the depth are senior Isaiah Raikes, redshirt junior Albert Regis, sophomores LT Overton, Enai White, and Malick Sylla, redshirt freshman Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, and five-star true freshman D.J. Hicks.

Departures: Tunmise Adeleye departed after transferring to Michigan State during the offseason. Texas A&M also lost true freshman Anthony Lucas to the transfer portal. Lucas appeared in eight games last season before transferring to USC.

Final Observation: There’s no shortage of talent upfront, but it’s key to acknowledge the struggles of last season. The Aggies gave up 208.8 yards rushing per game and managed just 19 sacks in 2022, which means there’s plenty of work to be done when it comes to translating that level of talent into production on the field.

Still, this is a unit that boasts an ideal combination of talent with strong upside, with a few experienced veterans helping lead the group. This unit is among those that fans should temper their expectations, at least to start the season. But if they begin to translate their potential onto the field, it will only be a matter of time before Jimbo Fisher’s belief, in that the strength of this team lies in the trenches, becomes a reality.

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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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.

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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