No one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.
5. College Football News Preview 2020: Texas A&M Aggies Offense 3 Things To Know
– The offense wasn’t as consistent or as dynamic as it probably should’ve been. It was able to beat up on the weak, sputtered too much against the strong, and overall it was underwhelming, finishing 72nd in the nation overall and 62nd in scoring.
On the plus side, the offense was able to keep most games at its own pace. It ran a deliberate style that helped dominate the time of possession battle, but it also seemed to take the team out of a groove. At times, it looked like it was hard to rev up the machine.
Any improvement starts by getting more out of the line. Four starters are expected back – it’s really all five starters with interior blocker Ryan McCollum back after being hurt for most of last year – but the pass protection wasn’t nearly good enough and the ground game was just okay.
CFN in 60 Video: Texas A&M Aggies Preview
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– Kellen Mond has to rise up and become a star. The veteran quarterback has been fine – he threw for almost 2,900 yards with 20 touchdowns and nine picks, and he ran for 500 yards and eight scores – but like the rest of the team, the consistency wasn’t there. Again with the O line – Mond didn’t get a whole lot of time against the better defensive fronts.
With almost no experience behind him, getting the backups some meaningful reps – most likely redshirt freshman Zach Calzada and sophomore James Foster – is a must.
Top target Jhamon Ausbon is back after catching 66 passes for 872 yards and five scores, and 6-5, 260-pound sophomore Jalen Wydermyer is a great-looking tight end, but Quartney Davis and Kendrick Rogers are gone after leaving early for the NFL – and going undrafted. It’s a deep corps, though, and it’s getting even better with superstar recruit Demond Demas about to become a big deal.
– Raise your hand if you’re a Texas A&M running back who’s not transferring. Leading rusher Isaiah Spiller is back after coming up with 946 yards and five scores, and Mond will do his part, but the next three leading rushers are all taking off to the transfer portal.
Jashaun Corbin is a Florida State Seminole as part of the five running backs taking their talents elsewhere. Some okay running back prospects are coming in, but they’re not as highly rated overall as the receivers. Speedy freshman Devon Achane will get his shot in the rotation, but 193-pound sophomore Ainias Smith will likely be the No. 2 guy early on.
NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Texas A&M Aggies Defense 3 Things To Know
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Texas A&M defensive line prospect Justin Madubuike
You know what’s an offensive lineman’s worst nightmare? A defensive opponent who hits them in the mouth from the first whistle, and keeps doing it for four quarters (or more, if necessary).
What’s what makes Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike a prospect nobody will want to line up against.
One of the most disruptive defensive line prospects in the 2020 NFL draft, Madubuike recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his nonstop playing style, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: What can you tell me about the scheme you guys ran at Texas A&M?
Madubuike: We ran a 4-3 defense at Texas A&M. We often moved to a 3-4 front on third downs. That allowed us to create a little more pressure on the edge and blitz up the middle. We primarily lined up in a 4-3 though. We ran a lot of stunts. We had many different pressure packages. Everything was designed to impact the pocket.
JM: What did your coaches ask of you in that system?
Madubuike: They counted on me to cause havoc in the backfield, basically. I was consistently trying to get pressure on the quarterback. We were always looking for the big play as a defense. Whatever I can do to make the quarterback uncomfortable, that was pretty much my goal.
John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports
JM: Is that the scheme you’d be most comfortable in at the next level?
Madubuike: I can play in pretty much any scheme. I’ve played in a few different styles of defense. I’ve pretty much seen it all on both sides of the ball. We’ve played against so many different styles of offense. I feel comfortable with everything I’ve seen or played in. I understand how to make plays at both the defensive end and defensive tackle position. I feel comfortable with anything that asks me to create some pressure and stress out the quarterback.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing on the defensive line?
Madubuike: I love putting my hand in somebody’s throat and just pushing them all the way backwards. I love sacking the quarterback. I’m always looking to cut off the offense’s momentum. That’s how I like to play, dirty and physical. That’s what football is all about.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
Madubuike: It was a fun experience. It’s definitely a different experience. There’s a lot going on but I definitely enjoyed the process and everything that came with it.
JM: Taking every part of the combine into account, what do you feel is the overall impression that you left on the 32 teams out there?
Madubuike: I think I proved that I’m one of the best defensive players in this draft class. I’ve been a little overlooked throughout my collegiate career, and I’m not sure why that is. I can’t control any of that stuff. Whoever drafts me, they’re getting a guy that loves the game. I’m full of energy and ready to wreak havoc on Sunday’s. I’m gonna do whatever it takes to help make the team successful.
(AP Photo/Sam Craft)
JM: How do you approach your rush plan throughout a particular game? What goes into that decision-making process for you?
Madubuike: Play-calling is the biggest thing for me. I’m always trying to execute the play to the best of my ability. I notice things during my film study throughout the week. My teammates and I will discuss that over the course of a game. We might mention something to our coaching staff. We were all good communicators at Texas A&M. We were always looking for ways to work through difficulties or match-ups. There’s always something that can be adjusted or tightened up. I can always tidy up my stance. I can always narrow my stance. There’s always something to work on and fix. That’s basically how I approach it.
JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before COVID-19 shut everything down?
Madubuike: I wasn’t able to get any workouts in. I had a bunch of private visits planned, but I didn’t make it to many of them. I made a private visit to Tennessee to meet with the Titans. That was actually the only visit I was able to get in before everyone was pulled off the road.
JM: It sounds like you had a few other visits planned. Have you moved those visits to the phones? Have you used FaceTime with any teams recently?
Madubuike: Yeah, I’ve been very busy with that. I’ve spoken with the Saints, Eagles, Vikings and Bengals recently. Those are the ones that immediately come to mind. I’ve spoken with a bunch of teams, really.
JM: Who are some of the best offensive linemen you’ve gone up against?
Madubuike: I like to think of offensive linemen as units more than individuals. LSU, Clemson and Alabama come to mind. All three of those offensive lines were pretty good. They had a bunch of big, strong guys up front. They were all pretty physical. It’s no surprise, those were some of the best teams in the country. It’s tough to single any of those out.
(AP Photo/Sam Craft)
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?
Madubuike: I love to smack them in the mouth from the opening whistle. I’m always looking to hit somebody. My level of physicality remains extremely high throughout the entire game. They’ll shut it down eventually. They can’t keep up with me. Nobody can match my physicality. There’s where I make my money. It’s all about making big plays.
JM: At this point in time, are you more comfortable as a run stopper, or pass rusher?
Madubuike: I can’t really pick between the two. I think I do a great job in both of those areas. I’m really strong in both areas. I love getting sacks, though. I’m always looking to create pressure on the quarterback.
JM: What can you tell me about your pass rush arsenal?
Madubuike: I’m gonna knock his jaw off his face and push him back into the quarterback. My hands are extremely violent. I can get on the edge and use my quickness as well. I’m big, physical and strong. That’s the name of the game.
JM: Do you have a go-to move?
Madubuike: I like using a swipe-scissors on the edge. If that doesn’t work, I can counter back inside. I can attack multiple gaps. I like using the long-arm as well. I can mirror my hands. Things of that nature.
JM: When a team uses a draft pick on Justin Madubuike, what kind of guy are they getting?
Madubuike: They’re getting a guy that’s gonna come in ready to work from day one. I’m not gonna party because I got drafted. That’s nonsense. It’s time to work. I’m playing against the best in the world now. It’s time to get to work. I’m gonna be on the same page as my coaching staff. That’s the kinda guy they’re getting, a big, strong, physical and violent football player.
The New Orleans Saints connected with Texas A&M wide receiver Quartney Davis, a middle-class wide receiver prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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NFL teams have busy in adjusting to league-mandated travel restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, conducting meetings with 2020 NFL Draft prospects over teleconference that would normally be held in person. The New Orleans Saints are no exception; last week, they interviewed Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, and recently followed up by video conferencing with his teammate, wide receiver Quartney Davis.
The Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson reported that Davis spoke with the Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings over video chat services, having previously gone through a pre-draft workout for the Arizona Cardinals and several meetings with the Houston Texans. Projected to be picked on the third and final day of this year’s draft (The Athletic’s Dane Brugler grades Davis as a fifth- or sixth-round selection), he’s clearly intrigued teams with holes at wide receiver.
While the Saints have addressed the position through a short-term fix (Emmanuel Sanders’ two-year contract was finalized on Monday), they could certainly use another wideout to push Tre’Quan Smith for the third spot on the depth chart behind Sanders and Michael Thomas. While Smith has reeled in 10 touchdown passes during his first two NFL seasons, he’s been too inconsistent with 48 receptions in 29 career games (including the playoffs), an average of just 1.7 catches per game.
Maybe Davis would be able to compete with Smith outright. He’s an unremarkable athlete (having timed the 40-yard dash in 4.54 seconds at 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds, with a catch radius of 75 3/4 inches) but played well enough for the Aggies, notching 99 receptions for 1,201 yards (with 11 touchdown grabs) in two years before leaving school early for the NFL. He might be someone the Saints consider should they be unable to land a similar, higher-graded target such as Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk earlier in the draft.
Texas A&M WR Quartney Davis video conferences with Saints, Eagles, Vikings; worked out for Cardinals, met with Texans at combine, Senior Bowl: https://t.co/BD96cR8qmy
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Texas A&M wide receiver prospect Quartney Davis
If your favorite NFL team is looking for a well-rounded wide receiver prospect who can do it all, Texas A&M’s Quartney Davis is up for the challenge.
A complete pass-catcher who became the top target for the Aggies in 2019, Davis recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his decision to make the early jump from the college ranks, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: What can you tell me about your decision to forego your remaining eligibility and enter the 2020 NFL draft?
QD: I felt like it was the right decision for me to make. I’m very confident in that decision. With my play style and the position that I’m in right now, I know that I’m ready for the next level. I have a daughter and I’m ready to take care of my family.
JM: You really became “the guy” in the Texas A&M offense this past season, following the departure of Christian Kirk. What would you say is the biggest area that you grew in this past season?
QD: I had to understand that I had to be the best version of myself. That’s what happened for me this past season. I came to that understanding. It’s not always about living up to other people’s expectations. You can’t fill your head up with that negative energy. I just needed to understand the things that I needed to do. I put myself in a good head space. It was about accomplishing the things that I had set out for myself. It was more mental than anything. I had to trust the training, the practices and the coaching staff. I put all of that together and just went out there and had fun.
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
JM: You decided not to fully participate in the NFL Scouting Combine, despite being healthy. Why did you make that decision?
QD: I didn’t have any injuries at the combine. I just felt more comfortable with the atmosphere at my pro day. That’s why I made that decision. I’m fully healthy. I actually haven’t had an injury in a long time, thank God.
JM: What was your experience like at the combine?
QD: It was awesome. It was a childhood dream that I got to live out. I still remember when I got the invite. It was early in the morning and I was getting ready to head over to Exos for a day of training. The combine invite was just sitting right there in my email. I immediately became extremely excited. I thought about it every single day after that. When I got there, I enjoyed everything that came with it. There’s a lot that goes on out there but it was a great feeling. I enjoyed every second of the experience. It feels like an accomplishment. I waited my entire life for that. It was an honor.
JM: Did you have many formal or informal interviews out there?
QD: I had a ton of them. I actually had more formals at the Senior Bowl than I did at the combine. I had a ton of informals at the combine.
JM: Including the Senior Bowl, who are some of the teams that you’ve met with formally throughout this process?
QD: I’ve met with the Bills, Ravens, Titans and Steelers, just to name a few. I actually spoke to the Titans’ general manager and some of their position coaches. I can’t remember if that was a formal or informal though. I’m trying to remember some of the others. I met with so many teams in a row, it’s kinda hard to remember any more than that. Those are the ones that come to mind right now.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
JM: The COVID-19 virus has obviously impacted your pre-draft schedule, but were you able to get in any private visits or workouts before the shutdown went into effect?
QD: I actually met with the Arizona Cardinals before things really came to a halt. We had a nice meeting. We did a small, minor workout. It was more of a meeting that allowed them the opportunity to get to know me. They showed me some of the things that they do in their offense with their wide receivers. It was more of an individual thing. They appreciate the way that I move and play the position. I had a few others that were in the process of being scheduled when everything got shut down. We didn’t have any other meetings officially on my calendar but we were having those discussions when the virus really shut everything down.
JM: How do you describe the way that you play the wide receiver position?
QD: I love route running. I try to be a creative route runner. I try to understand leverages and learn different releases to combat press. I like to be physical. I like to use my speed and quickness.
JM: Do you attack a smaller cornerback differently than you do a bigger one?
QD: I don’t really look at size to be honest. When it comes to playing against my opponent, I try to understand his technique more than anything. That’s what dictates it for me. I try to understand what he’s trying to take away from me. I’m well aware of the things that I’m trying to do against him. It’s more about technique and play style than it is about size.
JM: Who are some of the best cornerbacks you’ve ever gone up against?
QD: A.J. Terrell from Clemson definitely comes to mind. Trevon Diggs from Albama was another one. Both of those LSU corners were good ones, Derek Stingley Jr. and Kristian Fulton. I played against Trayvon Mullen last season. I played against better corners in 2018 than 2019 to be honest. Lonnie Johnson Jr. was another one. Rashad Fenton from South Carolina, he’s with the Chiefs now. He was good. I went against a bunch of tough corners in 2018.
JM: What kind of guy is Quartney Davis going to be at the next level?
QD: I’m gonna be a consistent guy. I’m gonna work hard and bring energy to the locker room. I’m excited for what’s next. I’m gonna put on a show for our fans. I appreciate everybody that comes to the games to watch us play. I’m trying to build a great name for my family, my team and myself.
NFL teams are adjusting to the new reality of doing business during the coronavirus pandemic, forced to interview draft prospects remotely over video chat services like FaceTime. The New Orleans Saints are one franchise that has embraced that option, having reportedly met with several prospects at linebacker remotely. Now we have another name on their board in Texas A&M defensive lineman Justin Madubuike.
Justin Melo over at Draft Wire reported that Madubuike spoke with the Saints and several other teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Before NFL-mandated travel restrictions were put in place, Madubuike also made a formal visit to the Tennessee Titans facility as one of 30 trips teams are each allowed to host.
So why all the interest? Madubuike has been a force for the Aggies, putting up impressive college game tape filled with bright moments. He declared for the draft early after his junior year, having put up 40-plus tackles in each of the last two years (with a combined 105 tackles in his career, totaling 24.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks). He also logged five forced fumbles and four pass breakups in his time at College Station. On top of that, Madubuike intercepted a pass and returned it 18 yards in 2019, no small thing for a 6-foot-3, 293-pound wrecking ball.
Madubuike was a participant at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, where he turned in performances in the 40-yard dash (4.83 seconds) and the three-cone drill (7.37 seconds) that are great for an athlete of his size, while also impressing with 31 reps on the 225-pound bench press. He’s obviously put in the work teams want to see in the weight room.
If he aces his interviews with NFL personnel, Madubuike should be a slam-dunk pick on the second day of April’s draft (which features rounds two and three). While the Saints have their starting interior duo locked in between David Onyemata and Malcom Brown, former first-round pick Sheldon Rankins is no sure thing to hit the ground running in a contract year.
If there’s going to be another delay in his recovery (Rankins missed time early last season from a previously-torn Achilles tendon, and ended the year on injured reserve), someone like Madubuike might make sense as a long-term investment on the depth chart. He and Saints fan folk hero Shy Tuttle would allow the Saints to run very deep at an important position for the foreseeable future.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Texas A&M defensive line prospect Justin Madubuike
Justin Madubuike | DL | Texas A&M
Elevator Pitch
Madubuike is an athletic and violent interior defender who offers good short-area quickness and the strength to hold his own when defending the run. His consistency could use some improvement, and he’s not the lengthiest defensive lineman out there, but he has solid starting potential at the next level.
With a good blend of speed and power in his game, Madubuike has plenty of physical traits to like.
The Texas A&M alum has good explosiveness when he accelerates off the snap, and his speed makes him a tough player for opponents to block. He has solid agility in the open field, allowing him to make tackles in space against the run or chase down scrambling quarterbacks. Madubuike is a powerful and determined defender who complements that speed with heavy hands and a lower body that packs plenty of strength. He is able to eat up gaps against the run, holding blocks and being able to free himself up to make the tackle.
Madubuike has shown some potential in his hand usage, and the flashes he has shown project him as a three-down lineman with value on passing downs. He blends violence and quickness well with his hands, varying his plan of attack depending on the situation. He has offered glimpses of stringing together moves and developing counter attacks, and he often wins the battle with his blocker when he does so. His production in his two years as a starter was also impressive, as he finished with 11 sacks and 22 tackles for a loss in that time frame.
Weaknesses
For Madubuike, it’s not about a lack of tools, it’s about putting them all together and being more consistent with them.
He can play with force in his frame, but the power of his punches at the initial point of contact can be hit or miss. His counter moves are displayed few and far between and should be utilized more often when he doesn’t immediately win at the point of attack. While his power shows up in spurts, his ability to deal with forceful jabs and mauling offensive linemen could be worked on a bit.
Madubuike also has occasional balance issues, as he tends to get knocked over when said forceful jabs are applied to him. He has obvious athletic gifts, but working on his body control and maintaining a low center of gravity could help him out. He also tends to lean over a bit too much when he gets engaged with a blocker.
The New Orleans Saints promoted linebackers coach Michael Hodges to replace Mike Nolan, who joined Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.
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The New Orleans Saints lost linebackers coach Mike Nolan to the Dallas Cowboys back in January, where he’ll work with new head coach Mike McCarthy as defensive coordinator. While the Saints took their time in making it official, there was little doubt about the direction they’d take in replacing Nolan.
It’s been a long time coming. The Athletic’s Katherine Terrell reported that Hodges was running point for the Saints at last month’s Senior Bowl by conducting interviews with linebacker prospects. Hodges has been with the Saints since 2017, climbing the ladder from a defensive assistant post to assistant linebackers coach in 2019, and now he’s running the show at that position group. He has his work cut for him with starters Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso returning from injured reserve, but things should be fine with first-team All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis leading the unit.
This change should be the only big shakeup on the Saints coaching staff this offseason. They lost just two coaches in this year’s hiring cycle, with Nolan leaving for Dallas and assistant defensive backs coach Leigh Torrence joining the New York Jets. With a largely-intact coaching staff and a talent-rich roster, the Saints are clearly expecting to run it back again in 2020.
The Hawley vs. Post game location was decided by … the final score of the LSU vs. Texas A&M game?
Saturday night’s college football matchup between the LSU Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies had people watching for more reasons than seeing if LSU would earn its first undefeated regular season in eight years.
The 2A Division I regional final matchup between No. 5 Hawley (13-0) and No. 6 Post (13-0) was using the combined final score of the LSU-A&M game to determine which team will be the home team.
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LSU won the game 50-7 for a combined score of 57 points, which means Post will be the home team. If the score would have been even, Hawley would have been the home team. The game is schedule for 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Mustang Bowl in Sweetwater.
The Home team for the State Quarterfinal game between Hawley and Post will he decided by the combined final score of tonight’s LSU vs. TAMU football game.
Odd total = Post Home Team
Even total = Hawley Home Team
Typically to determine sites and whether a team will be home and away for a playoff contest, coaches and athletic administrators in Texas typically use the “zip code game.” One coach picks a town and the other answers odd or even for the zip code. Things have evolved from actual coin flips. It’s you might see zip code books in a coach’s office next to the latest book about football.
Hawley has advanced to the regional finals for the first time in program history after falling short in the area round for six consecutive seasons.
Post is in the fourth round of the playoffs for the first time since 2001.
