Skinny - Last year was the Aggies worst year since 2004, as they played for new coach Mike Sherman. Despite the influence of the 12th man, Texas A&M fans shouldn't have to much to cheer about this season. If they played in the North division, they would finish as a middle of the pack type of team, but playing in the stacked South they'll be at the bottom with little hope of finishing better. Jerrod Johnson is a solid option at quarterback and WR Jeff Fuller, WR Ryan Tannehill, and TE Jamie McCoy all provide solid receiving options. Fuller and Tannehill are only sophomores and should be even better. The Aggies hope a back up quarterback develops, so Tannehill can focus on receiver without the threat of being back up quarterback and practicing for emergency play. Cyrus Gray was one of the better backs out of high school and will see the prominent running role in this years offense as Mike Goodson leaves. The offensive line won't be too good, which will be the main thing holding the offense back. The defense was pretty bad last season and with the exception of a few players in the secondary and the defense line, the defense will be pretty new. The Aggies will win a few, but just gaining bowl eligibility should be the goal.
Strength - Wide Receiver
The passing attack was strong last season for the most part with Jerrod Johnson starting most of the season, as new coach Sherman decided to go against the incumbent Stephen McGee. Ryan Tannehill is the back up quarterback going into camp, but he is also the leading receiver for the team. He is a talented third year sophomore and should be incorporated highly into the offense. The biggest threat could be sophomore Jeff Fuller. Fuller had 50 receptions and 9 TDs as a true freshman last season and will have a years experience heading into this season. Terrence McCoy returns as the third option and provides a solid target. TE Jamie McCoy is a second team Big 12 selection and remember 1st teamer is Jermaine Gresham, showing McCoy's talent.
Weakness - Offensive Line
The unit has five returning starters. The bright side is Evan Eike was a 2nd team freshman All-American last season and Matt Allen is a transfer from LSU. Beyond that this unit isn't too great. They had a dynamic back in Mike Goodson behind them last season, and he struggled to gain yards. Jorvorskie Lane was something like 270 pounds and he couldn't do anything in very limited action behind the line last season. Cyrus Gray provides a potentially dangerous target for the Aggies, but he must run behind something. The unit gave up a ridiculous 39 sacks last season and their run defense was one of the poorest in the nation, especially considering the talent.
Key Game - 11/21/09 Baylor
Baylor is my surprise pick, but this matchup could very important for the Aggies. They should be able to win 3 in the non-conference and a win versus Iowa State is highly likely. An upset or win versus either Kansas State or Colorado on the road would give them 5 wins heading into the next to last week (The last week is probably not winnable in a very important contest to Texas, as it could have National Title implications). Having 5 wins, a reasonable guess, going into this game would mean the game means the difference between 12 and 13 games. After failing to play last season, Aggie players should be hungry to return to the post season, but to beat Baylor the new linebackers must step up and be able to contain the elusive Robert Griffen.
Key Player - Cyrus Gray
The passing game should be good as the bulk of the players from last season return at receiver and quarterback. Gray will be asked to assist a running unit that struggled mightily last season. He'll have to use his athletic prowess to overcome the weakness of the offensive line and he will really have to take what's given to him and take full advantage. Mike Goodson was a capable receiver in addition to running the ball, so Gray would be best if he could showcase more dynamic play in the passing game, in addition to his work as the feature back running between the tackles. Gray is undersized at less than 200 pounds, so developing hands in crucial or he could take a beating on the ground.
Impact Freshman - Rhontae Scales
Predicted Big 12 finish - 6th (South)
Top 5 Players
1. TE Jamie McCoy
2. WR Ryan Tannehill
3. FS Trent Hunter
4. WR Jeff Fuller
5. QB Jerrod Johnson
Views
No comments:
Post a Comment