Texas A&M Aggies Spring Practice Preview: 3 Storylines To Watch
The Texas A&M Aggies begin their spring practice on March 1. Here are three storylines to follow leading up to the spring game.
Texas A&M Aggies spring practice begins on March 1. Here are three storylines to follow leading up to the spring game.
Where does Texas A&M go from here?
After a 6-0 start, the Aggies faltered down the stretch of the 2016 season, losing five out of seven and placing Kevin Sumlin back where he started: on the hot seat. Three straight 8-5 seasons have the 12th Man antsy, and Sumlin must find some answers to get over that proverbial hump and become a SEC contender again.
Spring will bring yet another quarterback battle, as Trevor Knight’s one season in College Station is over, but the biggest hole that the Aggies must fill is on the defensive line as do-it-all defensive end Myles Garrett is off to make riches in the NFL.
An exciting spring is in store for Aggieland, and here are three storylines to watch out for during Texas A&M’s spring practice.
Texas A&M Aggies Spring Practice Storylines
1. Quarterback Position Open
The main question that will dominate headlines until Kevin Sumlin makes the ultimate decision is who will start under center and take over for Knight. Jake Hubenak filled in for Knight last year, starting three games and throwing for 884 yards and six touchdowns with two interceptions, but it is the incoming true freshman Kellen Mond for whom many people have high hopes.
The quarterback position has been a revolving door for the Aggies since Johnny Manziel graduated, with Kenny Hill, Kyle Allen, and Kyler Murray all expected to be the next big thing, but never panning out. For Sumlin, to find a quarterback that he has for more than one year would be a big asset. Mond, who will gain a lot of experience after enrolling early, could be that guy.
2. How Do You Replace Garrett?
It is almost impossible to replace someone that had the ability to individually dominate a game like Garrett, but the Aggies must do their best if they want to continue to improve under defensive coordinator John Chavis.
One of the players Chavis will look toward is JUCO transfer Micheal Clemons, a 6-foot-6 240-pound pure pass rusher. Two other newcomers, Ondario Robinson and Tyree Johnson, are also expected to get a shot at playing time on the line.
It will most likely take more than one guy to replace the production of Garrett – and also Daeshon Hall – so finding another stud and building depth will be a top priority.
2. Who Besides Kirk?
The wide receiver position was a strong point for the Aggies in 2016, with Josh Reynolds, Christian Kirk, and Speedy Noil all capable of having big games. Now, Reynolds and Noil are gone, leaving Kirk as the only experienced receiver.
One possible replacement is Oregon transfer Kirk Merritt, who resembles Christian Kirk in both power and speed. Senior Damion Ratley could also battle for more playing time, while early enrollees Jhamon Ausmon and Hezekiah Jones will benefit from the extra workouts and opportunity to showcase their skills while gelling with the quarterbacks.
