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 cornerback unit is coming off an impressive 2022 campaign in which they allowed just 162.1 yards per game through the air, which was the best mark in the SEC. However, some key departures leave this unit with questionable depth heading into the new season.
Returning production: Junior Tyreek Chappell returns after appearing in 11 games last season, having logged 44 total tackles and eight pass breakups. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished with a 65.9 overall defensive grade and a 69.8 coverage grade.
Sophomore Bryce Anderson returns for what could shape up to be his breakout season, having appeared in 11 games last season while recording 28 total tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. As a true freshman, Anderson finished with a 66.9 overall defense-grade and an 80.9 run defense grade.
Rounding out the returning production is redshirt sophomore Deuce Harmon, who appeared in four games last season while logging nine total tackles.
Departures: Junior Jaylon Jones departed Aggieland after declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. Jones was selected in the seventh round by the Indianapolis Colts after appearing in 10 games for Texas A&M last season, recording 33 tackles with two pass deflections and one fumble recovery.
Incoming sophomore Denver Harris transferred to LSU, Marquis Groves-Killebrew transferred to Louisville, Myles Jones transferred to Duke, Brian George transferred to Houston, and Josh Moten entered the portal but has yet to find a new program. Defensive back Smoke Bouie had transferred to Georgia but has since departed the team.
Final Observation: With the exception of Anderson’s likely breakout campaign as the nickel corner, the Aggies will rely on transfer additions Tony Grimes and Sam McCall to lead the group. Boston College transfer Josh DeBerry adds some veteran depth behind them, but otherwise, the unit does not boost nearly as many experienced players as the other positions on the roster.
To put it gently, it’s less than ideal for an Aggies team heading into a significant 2023 season. However, with fall camp just around the corner, it provides a perfect opportunity to build a good rapport with the new faces on the roster. That, coupled with a string of good health for the long haul of the season, should put Texas A&M in good shape.
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