Former head coach Jimbo Fisher can partially blame the shaky secondary he put on the field during his final season with the program, as more than half of Texas A&M’s losses last season were due to 100-plus yard performances from receivers taking full advantage of the lack of speed and length on the boundary.
New head coach Mike Elko immediately diagnosed the problem after watching the film, especially in last season’s loss to Alabama, as former wide receiver Jermaine Burton wrecked the Aggie secondary for 9 catches, 197 yards, and two touchdowns.
Knowing that the transfer portal was the only answer combined with young cornerbacks and safeties on the roster, Elko landed seven corner and safety transfers, led by former Kansas State CB Will Lee III, who has been one of the program’s top performers over the last two games.
After Saturday’s 52-10 win over McNeese State, Lee spoke to the media after recording his first interception with the program. He noted how the secondary is playing more aggressively while gaining confidence with tougher matchups ahead.
“We are more aggressive and communicative. We ended up being more focused on locked on everything we are supposed to do. I feel like that showed in our play today.”
One of the biggest moves this offseason was Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman opting to move junior defensive back Bryce Anderson back to safety full-time. With the addition of safeties Trey Jones and Marcus Ratcliffe, the Aggies are one of the more athletic defensive backfields in the conference and should only get better as the season rolls on.
After two games, Texas A&M’s pass defense is ranked 33rd nationally, with two interceptions and 257 passing yards allowed thus far.
Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.
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