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Texas A&M’s disappointing 2014 was mostly the result of a defense that ranked near the bottom of many conference categories.
With six returning starters and one the SEC’s top returning pass rusher in Myles Garrett, Texas A&M has the ingredients to improve its defense.
Former LSU coordinator John Chavis, hired away for $1.5 million, is the headliner. But here are five other reasons why the defense can get better.
1. Myles Garrett was just a freshman last season
Garrett came to the Aggies as the highest-rated defensive prospect the team has ever landed, and he didn’t disappoint. Garrett finished 2014 with 11 1/2 sacks, a feat that broke a freshman SEC record and was good for second-most in the conference. He needs to work on stopping the run, and also will face more double teams. But the end’s ceiling is extremely high, and Aggies fans will enjoy to watch him grow this season.
2. Garrett is getting experienced help on the line
Senior Julien Obioha is a returning starter who played opposite of Garrett last season. He’ll be pushed by junior Daeshon Hall, who recorded 4 1/2 sacks in limited playing time. Alonzo Williams also returns at defensive tackle. Garrett is the star of the line, but it is the other members who make this unit Texas A&M’s strongest.
3. Offensive stability and an improved run game
It seems counterintuitive, but Texas A&M will need to improve on offense before it can help its defense. Luckily, quarterback Kyle Allen and company have the tools to limit the defense’s time on the field and improve scoring efficiency. Senior Tra Carson (133 rushing yards in the Liberty Bowl) is the Aggies’ most experienced running back. A tweaked philosophy from new offensive line coach Dave Christensen and the emergence of James White should help limit the defense’s time on the field as well.
4. Otaro Alaka is coming into his own
The defensive MVP of the Liberty Bowl, the sophomore linebacker was a bright spot on the Aggies’ weakest unit. His 33 tackles didn’t place him on any SEC leaderboards, but Alaka finished the season strong. He sat out the spring with a shoulder injury, but Alaka is back and atop the depth chart for what could be a breakout season. True freshman linebacker Richard Moore also has the talent for an Alaka-like emergence.
5. Kevin Sumlin is making it a priority
It may seem obvious that the head coach wants to improve on his weaker side of the ball, but Sumlin is pulling out all the stops in doing so. Hiring coordinator John Chavis away from LSU was a huge move, and Sumlin’s recruiting staff continues to make inroads on top defensive prospects – the commitments of Daylon Mack and Justin Dunning prove as much. Safety Armani Watts is another high-profile recruit who could blossom as a sophomore, and JUCO transfer Justin Evans will help at the position as well. From Houston to College Station, Sumlin has proved he is an offensive mastermind. Now he’s letting a defensive one elevate the Aggies to the next level.
Mike Shaw is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Missouri, Texas A&M and Arkansas. Follow Mike on Twitter @michaelvshaw
