Texas A&M Football Predictions 2009
Written by InfoPlays
No matter which quarterback, Jerrod Johnson or Ryan Tannehill, earns the starting job, the Aggies must be better on the offensive line. The transfer of former LSU lineman Matt Allen should help matters, along with the development of converted defensive lineman Lucas Patterson. Texas A&M has added speed and athleticism on defense, and with a break or two, it’s not totally out of the question that the Aggies could return to bowl eligibility. Currenly, the NCAA football lines have the Aggies listed at +3000 to win the Big 12 Championship.
Offense: Second-year Texas A&M coach Mike Shermann believes that every great team has been good up front. The Aggies weren’t very good up front at the start of last year, and a barrage of injuries to offensive linemen caused A&M to grow progressively worse. They finished 11th or 12th in the Big 12 in ‘08 in scoring, rushing and total offense. A dramatic improvement hinges on keeping three returning starters healthy and developing the youngsters up front. Projected starter Lucas Patterson started on the defensive line last season, but he’ll shift over to the O-line this season to help shore things up.
The Texas A&M Aggies return playmakers at the skill positions, led by junior quarterback Jarrod Johnson who set a school-record with 21 touchdowns passes while starting just 10 games. But there is sophomore Ryan Tannehill fighting for the job behind him, with the loser of the battle likely ending up at receiver opposite explosive sophomore Jeff Fuller, who has great hands and body control. Sohpmore tailbacks Cyrus Gray and Bradley Stephens are also weapons, with true freshman Christine Michael pushing them with his rare combination of power and breakaway speed.
Defense: A&M is still light years away from returning to the dominant Wrecking Crew days in the late 1980s and early ‘90s. But there’s no question this unit will take a step forward in 2009 after producing just 16 sacks and allowing 449 points last season. Defensive end/outside linebacker Von Miller is a versatile player who can do it all for the Aggies. He’ll lead a front that includes sophomore tackles Tony Jerod-Eddie and Eddie Brown.
The Aggies are committed to playing faster linebackers, which means youngsters like Garrick Williams, Kyle Mangan and Ricky Cavanaugh could take over for seniors such as Anthony Lewis and Matt Featherston. The secondary needs to dramatically improve in 2009 as well, and A&M features a pair of outstanding safeties in sophomore Trent Hunter and senior Jordan Push to lead the way. The Aggies possess promising corners in sophomore Terrence Frederick and junior college transfer Coryell Judie.
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