INSIDE SLANT
Whatever slaps Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman felt on his backside last season never seemed quite right.
The 9-4 finish, which culminated with a berth in the Cotton Bowl, included a share of the Big 12 South crown, something A&M had not sniffed since claiming the conference title in 1998. The Aggies also swept their in-state Big 12 rivals for the first time since the inception of the league in 1996.
"It wasn't a great season. It was a good season because we were able to come back and do some things,'' said Sherman, who stands .500 (19-19) entering his fourth season with the Aggies. "But it certainly wasn't a great season. We didn't win the bowl game, and we didn't play well early in the season."
Expectations soared, however. To the point the Aggies have no excuse but to start and finish strong in 2011. No fewer than 18 starters return among 60 lettermen, including top playmakers such as quarterback Ryan Tannehill, running back Cyrus Gray and wide receiver Jeff Fuller. They figure to lead a prolific attack after the Aggies ranked fifth in the Big 12 in total offense (441.8) and scoring (31.2) last season.
There is a disclaimer to consider regarding the Aggies' experience. Tannehill did not start until midway through last season, when Sherman benched Jerrod Johnson. So those six starts account for all of the senior's experience at quarterback after playing as a receiver before that.
Tannehill always considered himself a quarterback, though. As a freshman, he brashly told Sherman he was the Aggies' best QB while listed third on the depth chart. And now, the proven support he counts on at the other skill positions should ease any additional transition and growth he must make for the Aggies to contend in the Big 12.
The greater concern for A&M is on defense. That unit made considerable strides last season after Tim DeRuyter was hired as coordinator. Afterward, Sherman made sure to secure DeRuyter by convincing athletic director Bill Byrne to give the coach a raise.
Still, one of the most versatile defenders in the country, hybrid linebacker Von Miller, is gone after winning the Butkus Award and going second overall in the NFL draft. The Aggies' top tackler from a year ago, linebacker Michael Hodges, also departed. Leaders must emerge among potential standouts, such as cornerback Coryell Judie, who also rates as one of the Big 12's top return threats.
"You absorb the fact that you lost a great player with other guys stepping up and more familiarity with what you're doing," Sherman said.
If the former NFL coach (Green Bay) is doing the right thing, the Aggies should return to the glory years they enjoyed when they ushered in the Big 12. In fact, they could be great.
NOTES, QUOTES
--With rumors floating that Texas A&M is discouraged enough by the new Longhorn Network to consider jumping to the SEC, the possibility exists for the Aggies to exert a powerful role in the future of the Big 12. Especially after A&M president R. Bowen Loftin raised concerns, telling the San Antonio Express-News the network and its potential programming, which includes the possibility of Texas high school football games, caused "a great deal of uncertainty right now for us and the conference.''
During Big 12 media day, commissioner Dan Beebe attempted to ease any fears about a Big 12 breakup and said the majority of A&M graduates and fans want to see the Aggies remain in the conference and aligned with the rival Longhorns.
--Last season marked the first time since 1999 that Texas A&M finished ranked in both polls, standing as high as 19th in the final Associated Press poll. The 1999 squad was also the last at A&M to be ranked higher than No. 17 (2005) in any preseason poll.
--The 60 lettermen A&M returns is easily the most in the program's history. The previous high was 50 in 1998 and 2010. The Aggies lost just 15 lettermen off the 2010 squad. A&M players were named to 11 award watch lists.
--A&M improved 50 spots in the national rankings for total defense, going from 105th in 2009 to 55th in 2010 under first-year coordinator Tim DeRuyter. That inspired coach Mike Sherman to seek a raise for DeRuyter, who was given a $225,000 bump.
SPOTLIGHT ON SEPTEMBER: The Aggies do not leave Texas until Oct. 22 after playing four of their first five games in College Station. Not that the schedule is ultra-soft. A&M faces resurgent SMU in the opener. Then on Sept. 24, the best early clash on the Big 12 schedule is a visit from Oklahoma State. Both teams feature potent attacks, so the last team with the football could win. Or, improvement on defense from one of the aspiring conference contenders could shape the outcome.
KEYS TO SUCCESS: Avoiding complacency is the first directive for the Aggies after they won six straight to close the regular season and factored into the Big 12 South chase a year ago. Ryan Tannehill was inserted at quarterback, and his only defeat came against LSU in the Cotton Bowl. He returns, along with nine other offensive starters. Expectations have certainly changed, and talent exists for A&M to contend in the Big 12, but the Aggies cannot be misled by last season's season-ending flourish. Key contributors, including RB Cyrus Gray, WR Jeff Fuller and WR Ryan Swope must improve to reach the next level.
AREAS OF CONCERN: Although the defense made great strides last season, cutting almost 70 yards off the average it allowed in 2009 as the worst unit in the Big 12, playmakers must be replaced. LB Von Miller was taken second overall in the NFL draft after winning the Butkus Award. And LB Michael Hodges will be missed after leading the team in tackles. Still, this is a unit that learned how to tackle, cover gaps and create opportunities after Tim DeRuyter was hired as defensive coordinator. Opportunistic leaders should step forward, beginning with CB Coryell Judie, who doubles as an electric kick returner.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I really don't worry when they give me the schedule. This is what it is. You'll play the schedule. I really don't lose too much sleep over the schedule. This is who we have to play; this is what we signed on to do." -- Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
HEAD COACH: Mike Sherman, fourth year at Texas A&M, 19-19 career, 19-19 at Texas A&M.
MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: QB Ryan Tannehill -- The senior helped save the Aggies' season a year ago when he stepped in for the erratic Jerrod Johnson and engineered six straight wins to close the regular season. Although he was recruited to A&M as a quarterback, Tannehill had mostly played as a receiver in his first 30 games. His transition was remarkable, as was his composure. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,638 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. With a veteran supporting cast, the numbers could get even better as A&M relies on Tannehill for leadership.
BREAKOUT STAR: RB Christine Michael -- OK, this is a bit unfair since Michael was the starter in 2010 before an injury cut short his season. That led to the emergence of RB Cyrus Gray, who was just as instrumental as Tannehill in resurrecting the Aggies' season. Still, if Michael returns with his form intact, the Aggies will feature a strong duo. Michael gained 631 yards last season with a 5.0-yard average. Certainly he adds competition at the position.
NEWCOMER TO WATCH: DT LaMarc Strahan -- If nothing else, the junior-college (Blinn) transfer will be easy to spot. At 6-4, 365, he can fill a gap quite easily just standing still. During spring camp, the A&M staff liked the potential they saw in Strahan and envisioned using him as a fill-in while substituting liberally along the defensive front to keep linemen fresh. With 18 starters returning overall, few opportunities exist unless newcomers force themselves into action. Backups, however, will be groomed.
ROSTER REPORT:
--QB Johnny Manziel, a true freshman, will compete with a pair of redshirt freshmen, Jameill Showers and Matt Joeckel, for the backup spot behind returning starter Ryan Tannehill.
--RB Christine Michael well be monitored closely after suffering a broken right leg in the eighth game last season. Michael actually participated in spring drills, when he declared himself 95 percent, and is completely healthy entering fall camp.
--CB Coryell Judie (shoulder), CB Lionel Smith (shoulder), CB Terrence Frederick (shoulder), SS Steven Campbell (foot), LB Garrick Williams (sports hernia) and DL Gavin Stansbury (knee) were among the Aggies who missed the spring game. Sherman declared his entire squad was healthy as fall camp approached.
No comments:
Post a Comment