Tag: Texas A&M 2023 Football Season

Jimbo Fisher provides an update on CB Tony Grimes’ lack of usage against New Mexico

During his weekly SEC Teleconference, Aggies HC Jimbo Fisher provided an update regarding cornerback Tony Grimes recent lack of play time.

During Texas A&M’s 2023 opening season matchup vs. New Mexico last Saturday, former North Carolina cornerback Tony Grimes was surprisingly missing from the defensive backfield throughout the game’s entirety. While fans and media members alike questioned the random disappearing act,  one answer could be that Texas A&M’s cornerback room is much deeper than we thought entering the campaign.

Leading the Aggies defensively against the Lobos, former Boston College CB Josh DeBerry had himself quite the debut, totaling ten tackles and the lone interception on the night. At the same time, freshman Jayvon Thomas and junior Tyreek Chappell finished out the starting rotation.

Grimes, who was the first player that Texas A&M added through the transfer portal, is a former five-star recruit who spent his first three seasons of eligibility as a Tar Heel. During his time at North Carolina, he totaled 97 tackles, 74 solo tackles, 19 pass deflections, and one interception. 36 of those tackles and seven of those pass deflections came during the 2022 campaign.

On Wednesday, just three days before the Aggies travel to South Beach to take on the Miami Hurricanes, on Saturday afternoon, Fisher joined his weekly SEC Teleconference for a total of seven minutes with local reporters, and finally providing an answer regarding Grimes’ absence was given a somewhat cryptic answer:

“No, he was available. Tony is doing really well. He is a really good player. He is going to be a really good player. And he is going to help us a lot this year. It was a scenario where he did not get in there. But he is going to be a really good player. We are very happy with him.”

Look, this is a classic Jimbo-esque answer, but if I were to place an assumption on how the rotation will look come Saturday against the Hurricanes, Grimes, due to his length and press-man coverage ability on the boundary, will finally see the field on a pre-planned snap count.

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]

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

Here is the initial injury report for Texas A&M before heading to Miami, Florida, to take on the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon

Texas A&M (1-0) is just a couple of days removed from their opening season victory over New Mexico, defeating the Lobos 52-10 in one of their more dominant season openers during Jimbo Fisher’s tenure with the program.

Behind the arm of starting quarterback Conner Weigman (18/23, 236 yards, five touchdowns), with three of his touchdowns going to sophomore wide receiver Noah Thomas, while the impressive debut for cornerback Josh DeBerry (10 tackles, one sack, one interception) was a sense of comfort for every Aggie fan unsure of the defensive backfield depth.

On Monday, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher once again sat down with the media to reflect on the win while officially shifting focus to Saturday’s road test vs. the Miami Hurricanes, who are coming off their blowout victory after defeating Miami (OH) 38-3 last Friday. Most importantly, he provided a brief update concerning the Aggies’ injury report before they leave for Florida.

Early reports last week indicated that starting center Bryce Foster would potentially miss the season opener as he returned from a previous minor injury. Still, after starting and finishing the game, he looked as healthy as he’s been since his freshman season. Starting right tackle Reuben Fatheree dressed out for the game. Still, he needed another week to make his way back to the starting lineup, and interestingly enough, he was listed as the second-team left tackle as opposed to his regular right tackle position.

Lastly, transfer linebacker Jurriente Davis, who left Saturday’s game with a minor injury, is “banged up,” according to Fisher, but should be able to return as soon as Saturday.

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]

Transfer cornerback Josh DeBerry had a strong debut against New Mexico

Josh DeBerry’s strong outing gives the Aggies hope some stability is coming at the cornerback position

The Aggies came out swinging with a “that’s what it should look like” win over New Mexico, and Boston College transfer Josh DeBerry might have solidified his starting spot for the next few weeks.

The cornerback position had a battle all off-season long, with Tyreek Chappell being the only one with extensive SEC experience. After losing Denver Harris and Smoke Bouie to the transfer portal, Jimbo hopped in the portal and brought in multiple defensive backs to add depth.

DeBerry, a former three-time All-ACC defensive back, was competing to play opposite Chappel against front-runner Tony Grimes and freshman Jayvon Thomas in preparation for the season opener at Kyle Field. While the Aggies did use multiple CBs throughout the game, DeBerry not only started, he had one of the better games on the defensive side of the ball.

He awarded the defensive staff’s decision to start him with a back-breaking interception with under three minutes in the second quarter and a big sack later in the game. His presence was felt all game long and noted in our Five takeaways from the game.

Josh DeBerry was brought in via the transfer portal to help shore up the losses in the secondary, and his addition is already reaping benefits. He led the Aggies with ten tackles while playing physical versus the run and the pass and was sticky in coverage. He also had 1.5 tackles for loss as well as a sack after a well-timed blitz around the corner.

Seeing someone take control of that open position early allows for some stability in the secondary before the lead into league play. DeBerry’s initial work sample for the Maroon & White is encouraging moving forward.

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=7]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk727 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]

‘We can keep growing in what we do and how we execute.’ Jimbo Fisher previews Texas A&M’s Week 2 road test vs. Miami

Here is everything Texas A&M Head Coach Jimbo Fisher had to say ahead of the Aggie’s week two 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, Head coach Jimbo Fisher 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.

‘I felt good. Like coach Petrino always says, we got to feed the studs.’ Conner Weigman, Noah Thomas, and Edgerrin Cooper reflect on the Aggies 52-10 opening season win

Here is everything Conner Weigman, Noah Thomas and Edgerrin Cooper said after the Aggies 52-10 opening season win over the New Mexico Lobos

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 playcalling has been welcomed with open arms as the Aggie’s up-tempo offense with multiple formation looks with truly a sight for sore eyes. On Saturday night, the studs were indeed fed.

The underrated performance that deserves more attention is the immediate impact of the former Boston College cornerback Josh DeBerry, who led Aggie’s defense with ten tackles, seven solo tackles, one sack, one interception, and a pass deflection; now that’s production. As a collective, the defense exercised some 2022 demons against the run, holding the Lobos below 100 yards on the ground, a feat that they failed to achieve last season.

For the first time in 651 days, Texas A&M scored 40 plus points in a game; welcome back, offense.

After the game, Conner Weigman, Noah Thomas, and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper spoke to the local media to reflect on the victory, as the focus now turns to their pivotal road test against Miami next Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. Here is everything Fisher had to say after the game.

‘We had time to throw the football. The maturity up front is showing.’ Jimbo Fisher reflects on the Aggies 52-10 opening season win

Here is everything Texas A&M Head coach Jimbo Fisher had to say after the Aggies 52-10 opening season win over the New Mexico Lobos

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 playcalling has been welcomed with open arms as the Aggie’s up-tempo offense with multiple formation looks with truly a sight for sore eyes. On Saturday night, the studs were indeed fed.

The underrated performance that deserves more attention is the immediate impact of the former Boston College cornerback Josh DeBerry, who led Aggie’s defense with ten tackles, seven solo tackles, one sack, one interception, and a pass deflection; now that’s production. As a collective, the defense exercised some 2022 demons against the run, holding the Lobos below 100 yards on the ground, a feat that they failed to achieve last season.

For the first time in 651 days, Texas A&M scored 40 plus points in a game; welcome back, offense.

After the game, Jimbo Fisher and select players spoke to the local media to reflect on the victory, as the focus now turns to their pivotal road test against Miami next Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. Here is everything Fisher had to say after the game.

Transfer Portal Mass Exodus? Texas A&M returns the most starters in the SEC for 2023

After months of claiming that Texas A&M’s roster was in turmoil, the Aggies will officially return the most starters in the SEC this season.

A surprise to many, Texas A&M’s 27 transfer portal departures were virtually mere blips in the matrix, as the 2023 roster is stacked with a bevy of proven experience and talent, including a bulk of the returning 2022 recruiting class, headlined by sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman and wide receiver Evan Stewart.

There’s more! Not only are the Aggies more than well equipped to rebound after their worst season in nearly 14 seasons, but they also lead the entire SEC in returning starters with 19, more than doubling Alabama (9) and Florida (9) while the Aggies offensive line returns all five starters, a unit poised to finally take the next step after experiencing multiple injuries and poor play in 2022.

This fall, several position battles have proved the depth at Head Coach Jimbo Fisher’s disposal, including freshman cornerback Jayvon Thomas, who has reportedly battled with Grimes for one of the starting corner roles, opposite starter Tyreek Chappell. While the loaded defensive line rotates throughout the season, the quarterback competition between Conner Weigman and Max Johnson is closer and closer to coming to a head. Whoever wins the job will be well-equipped with an elite wide receiver rotation, including Ainias Smith, Evan Stewart, Moose Muhammad III, and Noah Thomas.

Texas A&M will kick off the 2023 season against New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 2. and will air on ESPN at 6:00 p.m.

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]

Senior offensive lineman Layden Robinson speaks to the media before the first practice

Aggie Football: Everything senior offensive lineman Layden Robinson had to say before the first practice

The excitement is brewing in College Station as the Aggies kick off the season with their first practice for the 2023 football season. Jimbo and Layden sat down and gave us a little bit of what to preview of what to expect and what they learned after a below .500 finish caused them to miss out on a bowl game.

If you want to check out what Coach Fisher said first, we have his quotes ready for you at Aggies Wire. But be sure to return to get the pulse of the team from the perspective of a player’s point of view. Overall, the common theme for the past few months has been the offense will probably be more dynamic due to the hiring of Bobby Petrino and the young talent now having an off-season college workout program.

The Aggie faithful will not have to wait much longer before we get to see the team in action, but until then, we will continue to provide you updates leading up to the start of the football season.

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=7]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk727 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]