College Football Preview 2013

The Eagle FRIDAY

August 30, 2013

There’s no stopping him Many tactics were tried, few succeeded. How will teams go about trying to stop Johnny Manziel this season? | 4

A welcome return Tackle Jake Matthews came back for his senior season at Texas A&M to start alongside his younger brother Mike on the offensive line. | 6

Challenges ahead Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder has had success getting his players to exceed expectations | 3

INSIDE

• Focus back on field | 2 • Evans eyes Biletnikoff | 5 • Cessna grades Aggies | 8 • SEC previews | 10-17 • A&M depth chart | 19

College Football 2013 • Friday, August 30, 2013 The Eagle

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Eagle photo by Stuart Villanueva

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Getting back to on-field matters Resolution to tumultuous offseason brings hope for one of A&M’s most important seasons

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exas A&M finally will play football Saturday.

And for three-plus hours there won’t be questions about Johnny Manziel’s playing status, only rejoicing when he trots onto Kyle Field for warmups, then a standing ovation when he leads the offense out in the third quarter.

What a glorious day, time again to enjoy the talents that made him the first freshman to win the Heisman. Considering the opponent will be Rice, it should be a banner day for the Aggies.

But what about the rest of the

Table of contents Snyder’s tall task: Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder’s defense exceeded expectations in Year 1, now he has to do it again with a defense peppered with underclassmen.........3 Who’s going to stop him?: Teams have used different techniques to stop Johnny Manziel with varying success............................. 4 Evans’ lofty goal: After an All-SEC freshman season, Mike Evans has his sights set on the Biletnikoff Award .................................. 5 All in the family: Tackle Jake Matthews returned to A&M to start alongside his younger brother Mike on the offensive line ................ 6

ROBERT CESSNA Texas A&M Sports

season? That’s a tougher question because no one knows what effect the allegations against Manziel will have on this team in the long run, not even the players themselves. It should be a rallying point. Cam Newton

See CESSNA, Page 7

Cessna grades the Aggies: See where the Aggies strengths and weaknesses lie ........... 8 All hands on deck: A&M backup QBs have a habit of being counted on in key spots, this year is no different ...................................... 9 SEC team previews/capsules: See how the rest of the SEC stacks up this year.... 10-17 Texas A&M team capsule and depth chart: The Aggies depth chart has plenty of youth as they are counting on underclassmen on offense and defense ..............................19

2013 Texas A&M schedule Date Opponent

Time

8/31 Rice Noon (ESPN) 9/7 Sam Houston State 6 p.m. (PPV) 9/14 Alabama^ 2:30 p.m. (CBS) 9/21 SMU TBA 9/28 at Arkansas^ TBA 10/12 at Ole Miss^ TBA 10/19 Auburn^ TBA 10/26 Vanderbilt^ TBA 11/2 UTEP TBA 11/9 Mississippi State^ TBA 11/23 at LSU^ TBA 11/30 at Missouri^ TBA ^SEC games

2012 Texas A&M results Date Opponent

Result

9/8 Florida^ Loss, 20-17 9/15 at SMU Win, 48-3 9/22 South Carolina State Win, 70-14 9/29 Arkansas^ Win, 58-10 10/6 at Ole Miss^ Win, 30-27 10/13 at Louisiana Tech Win, 59-57 10/20 LSU^ Loss, 24-19 10/27 at Auburn^ Win, 63-21 11/3 at Mississippi State^ Win, 38-13 11/10 at Alabama^ Win, 29-24 11/17 Sam Houston State Win, 47-28 11/24 Missouri^ Win, 59-29 1/4 Oklahoma# Win, 41-13 ^SEC games 11-2 overall, 6-2 SEC #Cotton Bowl

College Football 2013

Snyder looks to exceed expectations Snyder’s success

Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder helped the Aggies outperform expectations in their first season in the SEC — a conference known for its defense. Here’s how Snyder’s defense stacked up in SEC play.

Category (Rk.) Scoring defense................21.0 (5th) Rushing ........................... 149.4 (8th) Passing ..........................243.5 (10th) Total defense................. 392.9 (8th) Opp. 3rd down %..............33.1 (5th) Sacks..................................... 20 (7th)

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See SNYDER, Page 18

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Of the 37 players selected to the SEC all-preseason defensive teams, only two — linebacker Sean Porter and defensive end Damontre Moore — were suiting up for A&M. Along with personnel, Snyder was also introducing the 4-3 defense to players, eight of which were starters, that had primarily runa3-4theirentirestayatA&M. The combination put the Aggies on the defensive, having to defend what they believed they couldaccomplishasmuchasthey did opposing offenses.

A&M ended the season ranked fifthinscoringdefenseandeighth in total defense in SEC play — a conference known for stopping the opponent, especially against the run.

That the Aggies outplayed many teams known for their defense didn’t shock Snyder’s former boss, who while at East Carolina had also wanted to hire Snyder.

“I think he has a package of a greatwealthof knowledgeinthat 4-3,” said Holtz. “His personality, he gets along so well with the players and relates so well to the players and can get them to buy into his system because he is so knowledgeable about it.”

Snyder’s knowledge, intelligence and rapport with his players will again be tested with at

Eagle photo by Stuart Villanueva In his first season as defensive coordinator at Texas A&M, Mark Snyder helped transition the Aggies to a 4-3 alignment that helped hold opponents to the fifth fewest points per game and third-down efficiency in Southeastern Conference play.

The Eagle

Mark Snyder’s theory on a defense making strides from week to week is by working in reverse.

The second-year Texas A&M defensive coordinator knows there is more to defense than stoppingoffensesonthirddowns, but that’s where it begins for the coach of 23 years.

“Hegoesintoagameplanandit starts with third down and works backwards,” said Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz, who Snyder worked under for two years atSouthFlorida.“Thentosecond down, then to first. He starts with third down because of the importanceof it,whetherit’sshortyardageorlongyardagesituations.He alwaysstartshisgameplanswith thirddownatthebeginningof the week. You can be average on first and second down, but if you are good on third down you are going to get a lot of stops and get off the field.”

The premise worked wonders last season for the Aggies, who put up incredible numbers on third down, getting quarterbackJohnny Manziel and the offense back on the field to rack up the stats and points that got a majority of the attention.

“I am a big believer in getting offthefieldonthirddown,getting your offense the football back,” said Snyder before the Arkansas game last season. “Tomorrow’s practice will be totally working on third down, which is a little different than some defensive coordinators. Our goal is 65 percent getting off field.”

A&M reached that goal in Snyder’s first season, stopping its opponent on third down 68 percent of the time.

Itwasanumber,alongwithhow many points A&M surrendered (21.8 per game) over the season, manybelievedwereunachievable in the Aggies’ first season in the Southeastern Conference.

Friday, August 30, 2013

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

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Success on third down key for Aggies’ young defense

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College Football 2013 • Friday, August 30, 2013

What is the recipe for stopping Johnny?

How teams might try to slow down No. 2

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By DAVID HARRIS david.harris@theeagle.com

ow that it appears Johnny Manziel will suit up for the entirety of the 2013 season — barring injury — the biggest question left is an on-field matter.

Is there a way for opposing defenses to stop the reigning Heisman Trophy winner? And how is it done?

The answer to the first question is a little more basic than the second. Despite setting the SEC record for total offense during his debut season — at 4,600 yards — Manziel isn’t actually infallible as a football player. Nobody is.

So, yes, he can be contained.

A repeatable formula for opposing teams to accomplish that is yet to be determined. But here are a few steps they must take if they’re going to keep No. 2 from becoming only the second player in college football history to win two Heisman Trophies.

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Haveathletesonthefield The most obvious is also the most important. The two teams to corral Manziel best in 2012 were Florida and LSU. Against the Gators, Manziel completed 23 of his 30 attempts, but they only went for a meager 173 yards — at an average of only 7.7 yards per completion. The Gators also held Manziel to 3.5 yards per rush with his longest run just 16 yards. LSU, on the other hand, forced Manziel to throw three interceptions, and held him to a 51.8 percent completion rate and only 1.6 yards per rush.

Not coincidentally, LSU and Florida boasted the most athletic defenses in the SEC — and maybe in the country.

The best way to match speed is with speed. The only problem with having a lot of speed on the field is you then give up size. And the Aggies boast a very good offensive line along with four very capable running backs.

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Contain,contain,contain On A&M’s first two series against LSU, Manziel was on cruise control. On those two series, Texas A&M gashed the Tigers to the tune of 141

yards and nine points on the way to a 256-yard half. A lot of that had to do with the Tigers’ defense not being used to Manziel’s elusiveness — especially when he was extending p l ays a n d f i n d ing open receivers downfield.

“When he scrambled, it was very tough as a DB to have to stay on your receiver,” said LSU safety Eric Reid after the game. “You want to come up and help make the tackle.”

LSU started the game out in a basic nickel package (a 4-2-5 alignment), rushing just four, allowing Manziel time to create. After the half, defensive coordinator John Chavis switched to his dime package, throwing a 3-2-6 scheme at Manziel.

With that, he was able to move a safety up into the box, while bringing athletic linebackers off the edge. What they were able to do was contain Manziel, keeping him in the pocket for the most part and forcing him to beat them with his arm — and only that.

The Tigers veteran defenders also stayed disciplined,

never veering off course, even when Manziel was able to escape.

“We stuck to our fundamentals, kept our leverage on and didn’t let him get out of the p o c ke t a s much,” said defensive end B a rkev i o u s Mingo. “Everybody was doing their job and not freelancing.”

After going 11-of-19 passing in the first 15 minutes, Manziel was 5 of 12 in the second quarter, 5 of 8 in the third and 8 for 17

Eagle photo

by Stuart Villanueva

in the fourth. LSU also got an interception in each of the last three quarters.

But pressuring Manziel isn’t the only key. Alabama pressured Manziel also, but they did so with a much bigger front seven, and often times came at him from the interior. Pressuring Manziel put him into a comfort zone on the move. As LSU showed, one way to contain Manziel is to keep him away from the edge.

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Stop the f re e l a n c i n g on third down Manziel was at his best, in 2012, on third down, especially when he was on the run.

Manziel averaged 7.01 yards per carry during the entire season. On third down situations, Manziel averaged 9.08 yards per carry.

On third and 10 or more yards in 2012, Manziel averaged 12.47 yards per carry.

The reason being that Manziel oftentimes freelanced o n t h i r d d ow n .

When he got out of the pocket, it was a “pick your poison” situation for defenders.

F l o r i d a wa s

See MANZIEL, Page 7

Eagle photo by Stuart Villanueva As a redshirt freshman, receiver Mike Evans finished with the second highest total in receptions (82) and third-highest in receiving yards (1,105) in program history. Evans’ goal this season is to win the Biletnikoff Award.

Already among A&M’s best Texas A&M receiver Mike Evans had a phenomenal debut season with the Aggies. As a redshirt freshman, the 6-foot-5 receiver was not far from setting single-season school records for receptions and receiving yards.

Evans hauled in 82 catches for 1,105 yards — seven catches and 102 yards behind Ryan Swope’s 2011 records .

Receptions

Class Junior Freshman Senior Junior Sophomore

said.

He was open a lot during spring practice and has continued to find space during fall camp. The Aggies have moved Evans around a lot more, using him out wide and in the slot.

“He’s got the frame, the body type that you can move at different places,” Sumlin said. “It was really an experiment that’s turned out to be pretty good.”

Beaty said moving Evans around allows them to creat e m at ch u p a dva n t a g e s.

Rec. 89 82 72 72 72

Year 2011 2012 2012 2010 2010

Receiving yards Rk. 1.

2.

3.

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Player Ryan Swope Jeff Fuller Mike Evans Ryan Swope Robert Ferguson

When he plays inside, Evans draws a smaller slot corner or a slower safety. The Aggies have also experimented in fall camp with using Evans and 6-5 Ricky Seals-Jones together in the same formation, putting opponents in a sticky situation, especially in the red zone, where Beaty said he’d like to see Evans flex his muscles more.

“With his frame, we need more production from him down by the red zone,” Beaty said. “He should be a human red zone highlight film him-

Class Junior Junior Freshman Senior Junior

Yds. 1,207 1,066 1,105 913 885

Year 2011 2010 2012 2012 2000

self.”

Everything seems to be lining up for Evans to top his sensational freshman season.

His hamstring is healthy. His quarterback is back to command A&M’s high-powered offense.

It wouldn’t take much improvement in Evans’ numbers for him to re-write A&M’s record book for receiving.

Or, in Evans’ words, for him to accomplish something that no A&M receiver has done.

“Biletnikoff [Award],” he said.

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Player Ryan Swope Mike Evans Ryan Swope Jeff Fuller Ryan Swope

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The Eagle

Any fears of a sophomore slump for star wide receiver Mike Evans couldn’t have persisted for too long.

“He’s been unmerciful [in fall camp],” said Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin.

Evans is in a similar situation to quarterback Johnny Manziel — except not on such a national level. Neither were highly recruited out of high school. Former coach Mike Sher man brought in both without much fanfare. Both redshirted their first season, developing a rapport on the scout team.

And both turned in incredible perfor mances during their first shot at the collegiate game. As has been documented everywhere, Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman.

Evans, on the other hand, fought through a lingering hamstring injury to become the Aggies’ most dangerous receiver. He led the team with 82 catches and 1,105 yards, earning himself a spot on the All-SEC Freshmen Team.

Evans’ height (6-foot-5) and length helped him become Manziel’s safety valve.

Facing third-and-19 on his own 1-yard line, down 10 points to Ole Miss midway through the fourth quarter, Manziel looked to his right and flung up a go-route to Evans. He outjumped the cornerback, made the catch and spurred an improbable comeback victory.

Even though Evans was

able to put up gaudy statistics his freshman season, wide receivers coach David Beaty said he’s still nowhere near his ceiling.

“He’s starting to become where he’s a little bit more of a polished receiver,” Beaty said.

“He knows he’s still got a little ways to go.”

Reason being, Evans didn’t start playing football until his senior season at Galveston Ball High School. He was a basketball player, through and through, but thought he’d give football a shot. Sumlin joked that he decided to focus on football because “he didn’t have a jump shot.”

T hough Sumlin may be right, it also had to do with Evans having a brighter future in pads.

“The first day we put on pads [in high school],” he said, “I got an offer from Tulane.”

A common sight during his freshman season was Evans making a catch, limping off the field and stretching his hamstring — an injury that nagged him throughout the season. He toughed it out and played in all 13 games. But, now he’s fully healthy and Beaty said he’s not afraid of the weight room.

“He had a great season last year,” Beaty said. “But he probably outworks everyone in that [wide receivers] room.”

Evans’ offseason workouts were nothing outrageous; instead he worked on the fundamentals for his position.

“Getting faster, running better routes, increasing separation and getting open,” Evans

Friday, August 30, 2013

By DAVID HARRIS david.harris@theeagle.com

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WR Mike Evans has his eyes on an even bigger season after his superb debut

College Football 2013

An encore performance

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College Football 2013 • Friday, August 30, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle

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A&McountingonMatthews Brothers will play important roles on Aggie O-line

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

It’s diff icult to gauge how valuable a player is to a team before he’s played a down as a starter.

New offensive coordinator Clarence McKinney had no problem expounding on what it meant though to have sophomore Mike Matthews at center for this season.

“I’m extremely happy to have Mike Matthews here because I truly believe if he wasn’t here Jake wouldn’t be here,” McKinney said.

Jake Matthews is Mike Matthews’ older brother by two years and was rated by most NFL Draft experts as one of four elite college offensive tackles and a sure first-rounder if he would have foregone his senior season.

As it was, Matthews elected to return to A&M, citing a number of reasons, including an opportunity to move from right tackle to the more celebrated left tackle, playing for a national contending team, getting his degree and to team on the same offensive line with his younger brother.

“Just the opportunity to play with him,” Jake said. “I enjoyed doing it so much in high school I wanted to do it again.

It’s always something real special when you get the chance to play with your brother, especially in a sport like this and playing O-line just because it’s a close-knit group.”

Jake’s decision was significant for the Aggies, knowing they were already going to have to replace All-America tackle Luke Joeckel, who ended up being the second player taken in the draft.

The Aggies’ lofty preseason ranking of No. 7 has a lot to do with Matthews’ return and the caliber of the offensive line.

And although Jake has been a unanimous preseason f irst-team All-American, he is the f irst to acknowledge that his little brother will be thought of as more than the guy that brought Jake back to Aggieland for one more goaround.

He’s the guy that is out there; he is like the new Spencer Nealy. He’s always been that way growing up. You’d think we were raised by different parents. [He’s] the guy always yelling, excited and stuff.

Texas A&M tackle Jake Matthews on his younger brother Mike’s talkative nature on the field

“[Mike] can hold his own, that’s for sure,” Jake said.

“He’s really sound on his technique, takes a lot of pride in that and he never really busts any plays. I think he can be a special player.”

Although the brothers live in the same house and talk regularly, Mike, for the most part, kept quiet when it came to Jake’s life-altering decision.

That didn’t mean he wasn’t ecstatic when Jake told their family and then the team he was going to finish up his eligibility at A&M. “I wasn’t going to tell him, ‘Hey you got to stay, we’ve got another opportunity to play together like in high school,’” Mike said. “If he did go, I would have been happy for him because I know it’s a dream of his just like mine, so I’m not going to take that from him.

At same time when he told me I was really excited because it is another opportunity like we had in high school and that was one of the funnest years in football I’ve ever had.”

The two started at Elkins for a season, Mike at center and Jake at left tackle, just as they will line up in Saturday’s season opener against Rice at Kyle Field.

He added that his mother, Carrie, was just as happy since the logistics of keeping up with all the Matthews, older brother Kevin has played two years in the NFL, was made easier with Mike and Jake playing three yards apart rather than 3,000 miles and in different leagues.

Carrie Matthews’ time on weekends is already spread thin. Former Aggie center Kevin Matthews, the second of

five boys, is presently with the Washington Redskins and her husband, Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, is an offensive line coach with the Tennessee Titans.

There is also Luke, who is 13 and is said to be bigger at his age than any of his older brothers.

While Jake slides over from right to left tackle to replace Joeckel in protecting the Aggie quarterback’s blind side, Mike must fill the shoes of Patrick Lewis, a four-year starter, the last three of which were at center.

“Center is most definitely my natural position,” Mike said. “I’m not a big lanky guy so I don’t see myself at tackle.

I’m only 6-2, so shorter but it kind of adds to my game because I’ve got a natural leverage advantage.”

Another asset the 6-foot-2, 285-pound Mike has for the position is he’s the more vocal of the two brothers, a trait needed as the signal caller of the offensive line.

“He’s the guy that is out there; he is like the new Spencer Nealy,” said Jake, who is three inches taller and 20 pounds heavier than Mike.

“He’s always been that way growing up. You’d think we were raised by different parents. [He’s] the guy always yelling, excited and stuff. If he messes up I will get a little more angry than I did with Pat [Lewis] sometimes, but he’s doing a good job of making the calls.”

As the new guy on the block, taking control can be intimidating, especially when your older brother is watching your

Eagle photo by Stuart Villanueva Tackle Jake Matthews (below) returned for his senior season to start alongside his younger brother Mike (above) for the first time since they played in high school.

every move.

“Sometimes it gets a little weird, I’m calling out the protection and I’ve got these guys three years older than me, bigger than me, got 50 pounds on me and I’m telling them what to,” Mike said. “We know it’s for the greater good of the team so we can get the job done.”

The Matthews brothers will be joined on the line by Cedric Ogbuehi, who moved from guard to Jake’s old spot at right tackle, and guards Jarvis Harrison, a 6-5, 325-pound junior, and 6-5, 311-pound redshirt freshman Germain Ifedi.

“I think we can [be as good as last year’s line],” Mike said.

“With the confidence and level of athleticism I think we can get the job done.”

• NOTES — The first person Jake told he was coming back was his father. Mike found out moments before the two were going to watch last season’s national championship game. “He was like, ‘OK, cool,’ and then we watched the game,” Jake said. “I know he’s happy though. I know he’s excited just like I am.” ...

Despite Jake starting last season and Mike coming off the bench the two were never on the field together for a play from scrimmage. ... Mike says he’s not sure it’s true but that he has been told he looks most like his father,Bruce,who played 19 years for the Oilers/Titans organization.

Continued from 2

remains the great unknown.

The question marks the team had before autographgate and Manziel’s summer of fun still remain. Can defensive coordinator Mark Snyder repeat last season’s masterful job of molding another unit littered with unproven freshmen to play like an SEC power? Then there’s the unspecial teams. Place-kicker Taylor Bertolet missed nine field goals and seven extra points last season. He hasn’t looked any better in fall camp, nor has anyone replaced him. Maybe Manziel should work on his kicking — now that his eligibility has been decided. The staff Sumlin put together when he arrived wasn’t of SEC pedigree, but after winning at Ole Miss, Auburn, Alabama and Mississippi State no one cared where they came from, just where they had taken A&M. But three assistants left, including offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury who was named head coach at Texas Tech. Kingsbury sure wasn’t missed at last season’s Cotton Bowl as Manziel ran

roughshod over the Sooners, helping running backs coach Clarence McKinney remove the interim tag in front of offensive coordinator. But will new quarterbacks coach Jake Spavital have the magic touch on the sidelines that Kingsbury seemed to have with Manziel?

It’s all those latter questions that made Alabama an overwhelming favorite to beat A&M on Sept. 14 at Kyle Field even before the allegations against Manziel. That task seemingly has become harder, not easier, in recent weeks as Aggies fretted over the fate of No. 2 as three weeks seemed like three months.

All that anxiety has been replaced by joy and anticipation as A&M embarks Saturday on a season that has the potential to be the best in school history. The last three weeks, though, if it taught us anything it’s success is fleeting. So for now, enjoy Manziel, even if it’s just for a half.

Robert Cessna’s email address is robert.cessna@theeagle.com

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Pray Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said, days before the Cotton Bowl, “I don’t think you stop [Manziel]. Nobody has been able to stop him. I think you try to contain him and try to limit his big plays. Being able to keep him in the pocket is easier said than done … His ability to extend and create plays, there’s not a defense created to defend against that.”

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able to limit his effectiveness on third downs by sending very few pass rushers and having them maintain their pass rush lanes. This kept Manziel in the pocket and blanketed receivers downfield.

Some teams opted to use a spy. However, the issue with that was Manziel was faster than most linebackers and/or safeties opposing teams would throw at him.

Manziel proceeded to eviscerate the Sooners for a total of 516 yards — 287 yards passing and 229 yards rushing — and four touchdowns in a 41-13 A&M victory.

After the game, Stoops said that Manziel is “virtually unstoppable.”

For the final six games of the 2012 season — all A&M wins — Manziel was just that. He threw for 1,750 yards, ran for 707 yards and totaled 23 touchdowns.

Going into the 2013 season, Manziel has a rebuilt offensive line and, arguably, more weapons in the backfield and flanking him at receiver.

Opposing teams have 13 games of film to study. But the Aggies have had a full offseason to develop the system to better suit their star quarterback.

It may sound preposterous, but Manziel could equal his magical 2012 campaign, unless opposing defenses find an undiscovered method to defend a transcendent player.

The Eagle

MANZIEL: Teams at a loss vs. QB Continued from 4

Friday, August 30, 2013

take a huge hit from outside pressures. Those same pressures could slow down Manziel because everyone has their limits, though last year it seemed no matter what he did, he topped it. The bigger the challenge, the better he played, which Alabama and Oklahoma can attest to. Time after time, he was Saturday’s Superman. But can he do it again? Autographgate is a moot point right now, but there’s still his summer of fame to deal with. Could it be his Kryptonite? Many were betting against him repeating his record-setting season before the allegations, which will just intensify his scrutiny. Yet it’s the stage Manziel lives for.

You know he has designs on a second Heisman, a national championship and being the first pick of the NFL draft. He could do it all. He’s that good.

But as talented as Manziel is, and as calm, and as in control Sumlin is, neither has won a conference championship. They need help to make that happen, and that

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and Auburn were under immense scrutiny in 2010 when Newton’s father was accused of offering his son’s services to Mississippi State for money, putting Newton’s eligibility in question. All Auburn did was win the national championship behind Newton, who won the Heisman.

Aggies have visions of a similar ending, especially now that they know they’ll have No. 2 under center.

What a relief, but not everyone saluted the ruling. Manziel haters everywhere along with alums of the other 13 Southeastern Conference and all Big 12 schools have a different hope. They’re probably rooting for someone to step forward with new information that Manziel did indeed get paid. They’d like to see the Aggies be this year’s Arkansas. Last year, the Razorbacks had what many thought was their best team since joining the SEC. The players, coaches and fans talked of playing in the national championship, but

they couldn’t shake the aftermath of former head coach Bobby Petrino, whose affair got him fired. Arkansas finished 4-8, but it felt like 0-12 to all those wearing those goofy pig heads.

It’s a huge stretch to compare Manziel and the Aggies to what happened at Arkansas, but the same could be said about comparisons to Newton and Auburn. Every situation is different. And absolutely no program has gone through what Manziel and the Aggies have in the last 3-4 weeks, so predicting how the team will react is fruitless.

Reasons, though, to bet on a happy ending for A&M would be Manziel and Sumlin. Both have an edge which helps explain their success.

Sumlin proved to be the perfect choice to lead the program into the SEC. He had an air of confidence that permeated throughout the program, playing a big part in an 11-2 season. Sumlin’s challenge this season is to make sure the air of invincibility he’s created doesn’t

College Football 2013

CESSNA: A&M looks to carry momentum

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College Football 2013 • Friday, August 30, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle

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Robert Cessna grades the Aggies Here are Robert Cessna’s preseason grades for the Aggies (last season’s preseason grades are in parenthesis): QUARTERBACKS: A+ (D) The grade was going to be an incomplete until Wednesday’s r uling that Johnny Manziel will miss only the first half of the Rice game for signing too many autographs.

Talk about a season-changing decision. A&M is an A+ with the Heisman winner under center. That ruling doesn’t belittle the importance of settling on a backup quarterback. There’s always the threat of injury. And what’s the chances of finding a Johnny Football clone? A zillion to one? Yet freshman Kenny Hill was good enough in fall camp to cause redshirt freshman Matt Davis to transfer to Tyler JC. That spoke louder than any thing the coaching staff had to say about the competition. Junior Matt Joeckel is more than adequate enough to mop up for Manziel and beat most of the teams on the schedule, but look for the Aggies to groom Hill to be the starting quarterback in the 2014 season opener at South Carolina.

RUNNING BACKS: A (A-) A&M is deeper than it was in 2012 when second-round draft pick Christine Michael wasn’t a f actor because he couldn’t stay out of head coach Kevin Sumlin’s doghouse. Ben Malena is the starter by doing everything well, but he’ll probably get less snaps because of the unbelievable depth. Sophomore Trey Williams has to get more snaps because he can change a game in less than 10 seconds. Bruising Tra Carson needs to average 10 carries to wear down defenses and keep the middle clogged to free the perimeter f or A&M’s skill players. Then there’s transfer Brandon Williams. The position was an insurance policy in case Manziel had been sidelined for several games because the Aggies could be a Top 25 team just by leaning on

each had only eight catches a year ago. Six true talented freshmen led by Seals-Jones, Ja’Quay Williams and LaQuvionte Gonzalez will remind Holmes and Walker they better not have many drops or more importantly missed blocks.

A&M had only nine catches from its tight ends last season, but transfer Cam Clear (6-6, 270) sure looks the part, though he hasn’t beat out senior Nehemiah Nicks. A&M has plenty of perimeter speed, but the tight ends coupled with Evans, Jones and tailback Carson afford the Aggies the luxury of running a set with five skill players weighing at least 230 pounds.

Eagle photo by Stuart Villanueva Sophomore Trey Williams big-play ability at running back will be an asset for the Aggies.As a freshman, he rushed for 376 yards and five touchdowns on 65 carries. their running game. Instead this spot will complement the game’s best quarterback, a lethal combination.

OFFENSIVE LINE: A- (B) Jake Matthews moves from right to left tackle, where he’s rated the nation’s top senior by Gil Brandt, former Dallas Cowboys vice president of player personnel who now works for NFL.com. Junior Cedric Ogbuehi moves from guard to right tackle where he’ll spend a season before moving to left tackle, a position he calls the “money position.” Sophomore Mike Matthews, the latest in a family of great players, steps in at center, just down from massive guard Jarvis Harrison (6-4, 325). Redshirt freshman right guard Germain Ifedi is the unknown. There’s a slight concern about quality of depth

since the upperclassmen behind Ifedi weren’t able to win a starting job.

RECEIVINGCORPS:B(B-) When Manziel gets in trouble, he looks for Mike Evans who at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds is an easy target. Evans, though, needs help when you consider that A&M lost wide receivers who combined for 147 catches last season. Junior Malcome Kennedy has shown flashes, but he didn’t even make the initial depth chart, nor did f reshman sensation Ricky Seals-Jones (6-5, 225). Those were oversights, showing how deep and talented the position is. That’s fine, but who will Manziel look to throw to on third-and-13 from his own 1 on Sept. 14 against Alabama besides Evans? Sophomore Sabian Holmes and senior Derel Walker are starters, but

DEFENSIVE LINE: C- (D-) Right now, there’s no one in this group opposing teams are scheming for which is what they did last season to minimize damage by the departed Damontre Moore. Sophomore Julien Obioha, and junior Tyrell Taylor and Gavin Stansbury might have to replace Moore by committee. Takles Kirby Ennis and Alzono Williams are decent run-stoppers backed by three true freshman (Hardreck Walker, Isaiah Golden and Justin Manning), who need to get ready in a hurry for Alabama’s power game.

LINEBACKERS: C- (B-) Senior Steven Jenkins and junior Donnie Baggs have to replace the void left on the f ield and in the locker room

by Jonathan Stewart and Sean Porter. A&M is counting on transfer Tommy Sanders heavily because behind the starters are four true freshmen and Nate Askew, who couldn’t get on the field for three seasons as a wide receiver.

SECONDARY: C- (D) A bigger, stronger De’Vante Harris complements Deshazor Everett at cornerback, but Everett’s broken thumb coming out of fall camp is a concern.

Safety could be a strength if Clay Honeycutt’s fall camp that allowed him to displace Floyd Raven Sr., at free safety blos-

+ A soms into a break-out season.

Junior Howard Matthews returns at safety ahead of Toney Hurd Jr. A&M’s experience at safety could help if a cornerback is injured or finds himself trailing too many plays.

SPECIAL TEAMS: D (C) Taylor Bertolet had 65 touchbacks on 103 tries last season, giving a big assist to A&M’s overachieving defense, but missing nine field goals, five of them from 37 yards or closer is a problem. And missing seven extra points is just unacceptable, yet former FC Dallas draft pick Josh Lambo can’t wrestle the job away, which was the case with all the walk-ons last season who came highly touted but showed why they weren’t on scholarship. The over-under for the number of kickoffs Trey Williams returns for touchdowns is two, but the over-under for the extra points after them is one, demonstrating the frustration with A&M’s kicking game.

COACHING: A (A) Kevin Sumlin changed a culture last season, giving A&M a swagger bigger than the Southeastern Conference it joined.

Now he has to perform another miracle to put Manziel’s summer and the autograph signing mess behind if he plans to build on last season’s 11-2 record. That’s a huge burden and A&M still has the same question marks on defense and special teams it did before the summer of unrest, and Sumlin’s got to answer them with three new assistants.

OVERALL: A- (C) A&M had a breakthrough season. Now the key is to make sure what’s in place doesn’t start breaking down, either internally or from all the outside pressures. It’s a good problem to have because almost every team in the country except one or two would love to have Manziel, even with his baggage and be in the position the Aggies find themselves in. The key is for all those teams to still be jealous come January.

Starter against Rice still a mystery; coaches confident in Hill, Joeckel

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

ball games that you didn’t know was a possibility they were going to play.

“We have a plan for that. We’re working a plan for all these situations, not just quarterback.”

The concern with the backups

is the lack of experience.

Joeckel has seen little playing time, attempting only 11 passes, though he’s gone through four spring and fall camps. He appeared late in five blowout games last season as the team’s

See BACKUPS, Page 19

Backup QBs have history of finding field for A&M himbeingonthecoverof TexasFootball along with Texas’ Vince Young, but McNeal was on the bench in the 2005seasonfinaleagainstTexaswith freshman Stephen McGee starting as the Aggies finished 5-6.

McGee led A&M to back-to-back victories over Texas in 2006 and ‘07.

His senior season started well. He was named the starter by first-year head coach Mike Sherman, who junked the option attack of Franchione for a pro-style attack. But McGee injured his shoulder in the secondgameof the2008 season,paving the way for talented sophomore Jerrod Johnson.

Johnson had a huge junior season, leading the 6-7 Aggies to the Independence Bowl in what most thought was a turnaround season for the program. But Johnson’s senior season was a disappointment.

See HISTORY, Page 19

Former Texas A&M quarterback Reggie McNeal stole the starting job away from Dustin Long at the end the 2002 season and became a three-year starter for the Aggies, leading them to the Cotton Bowl before ceding the job to Stephen McGee in the 2005 season finale against Texas.

AP file photo

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It’s been a rather rocky road for most backup quarterbacks at Texas A&M after they’ve become starters in the last decade or so, starting in 2002whencurrentheadcoachKevin Sumlin started the season as quarterbackscoach,thenaddedoffensive coordinator duties.

Early in the 2002 season, two-year starter Mark Farris was benched for Dustin Long, who had a recordbreaking season after not throwing a pass his freshman season. Long’s 2,509 yards passing was second best in school history at the time and his 19 touchdowns tied the then school mark set by Gary Kubiak. Long threw for a Big 12 record seven touchdowns in a 48-47 loss to Texas Tech,sharingBig12offensiveplayer of the week honors with Tech’s Kliff Kingsbury.

Long, though, lost his starting job by season’s end to freshman Reggie McNeal, who earned national offensive player of the week honors after coming off the bench to throw four touchdowns in a 30-26 upset of then top-rankedOklahoma.McNealstarted the next week against Missouri, but was injured early in a programchanging 33-27 double overtime loss to the lowly Tigers. Long started the season-finale against Texas, a 50-20 loss, which was the last game for headcoachR.C.Slocumandhisstaff.

McNeal won the starting job in 2003 for new coach Dennis Franchione, prompting Long after the 4-8 season to transfer to Sam Houston State where he was the Southland Conference’s offensive player of the year in 2004.

McNeal was a three-year starter for the Aggies, leading A&M to the Cotton Bowl as a junior, but he had atoughseniorseason.Itstartedwith

•

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

The Eagle

“What it comes down to is that we have a plan as a football team andIhaveaplanasacoach[foreveryone],”Sumlinsaid.“Ican’ttell youhowmanytimeswe’vehadto make game-time decisions. Last yearguysstartedandplayedfoot-

Friday, August 30, 2013

Eagle photo by Stuart Villanueva Reserve freshman quarterback Kenny Hill (7) has improved as fall camp has progressed after running a very similar offense while playing for Southlake Carroll in high school. Hill was named the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior.

•

Abackupquarterbackismuch like a vice president. Few pay attention to either until they’re needed. Right now, the Aggies surecoulduseaLyndonJohnson because whoever is A&M’s No. 2 quarterback will be under center for the season opener against Rice.

Whether that’s junior Matt JoeckelortruefreshmanKennyHill is not as worrisome to Aggies as it once was before Wednesday’s ruling that Johnny Manziel will be able to return in the third quarter after serving a half-game suspension for signing too many autographs.

Manziel’s return will put the backupquarterbackdebateonthe backburner, but there’s always the possibility of injury, besides most expect the Heisman winner to declare for the 2014 draft.

A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin and offensive coordinator Clarence McKinney said the day beforefallcampopenedthatfinding Manziel’s backup had been a priority even before the allegations surfaced. It just accented their need to find a backup.

Sumlin and McKinney said JoeckelandHillhadsolidfallcamps and both are listed as co-backups on the depth chart.

third-string quarterback behind backup Jameill Showers, who opted not to stick around for caddy duty in his senior season. He graduated at the end of summer schoolsohecouldbethestarterat Texas-ElPaso.Redshirtfreshman MattDavisfollowedShowers’lead by transferring to Tyler Junior College the week before classes started. Davis received only six snaps in fall camp’s only open scrimmage. Sumlin said there weren’t enough plays in practice to get four quarterbacks ready, so Davis was the odd man out.

A&M also lost a quarterback before the season even started when signee Kohl Stewart of St. Pius opted for professional baseball, signing with the Minnesota Twins.

“We knew that Kohl Stewart was going to be a very high draft pick, so that’s always doubtful,” said first-year quarterbacks coach Jake Spavital. “I’m always big on bringing in one quarterback, because the majority of timewheneverbothquarterbacks compete, one beats out the other andtheotheronetransfersout,so you’re back to ground zero. So it was very important to me, I actually offered Kenny when I was at WestVirginia.Hekindof laughed atme when Ipulled the triggeron

College Football 2013

Situation unresolved at backup QB

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College Football 2013 • Friday, August 30, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle

10

CRIMSON TIDE

Bama’s offense stealing D’s thunder McCarron comes into season with elite group of receivers

By JOHN ZENOR Associated Press

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The offensive guys are hogging much of the attention at Alabama these days. Seriously.

Stingy defense has been the biggest calling card of the topranked Crimson Tide’s recent reign over college football, while the offense has chugged along productively and with more modest fanfare even with a succession of star tailbacks.

Maybe that will change this season. The Tide appears to have the deepest collection of offensive playmakers of any Alabama team during this run of three national titles in four years going into Saturday’s opener versus Virginia Tech in Atlanta.

Quarterback AJ McCarron has receivers galore, led by Amari Cooper, plus a rising star in tailback T.J. Yeldon leading the way in the backfield. If the offense steals some of the attention from the defense, Alabama safety Vinnie Sunseri is OK with that.

“Our offense is amazing,” Sunseri said. “We’ve got great receivers, great running backs and a great quarterback. The offensive line is doing unbelievable. If we’re behind them a little bit, that’s fine with me. We don’t like the hype, we just go out there and play. We’re players.”

Chances are, the defense that has been the nation’s stingiest for each of the past two national title seasons will still be formidable.

The offense has been pretty good, too.

The last four Tide teams have ranked no worse than 22nd nationally in scoring offense and two tailbacks, a receiver and a couple of offensive linemen have been first-round NFL draft picks during that span.

Plus, last year’s offense set Alabama records for total offense, total points and passing touchdowns under first-year of-

fensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. A powerful offensive line paved the way for that group, but is replacing three starters.

The big men can take a backseat this time. Cooper and Yeldon both are preseason AllSoutheastern Conference picks who gained 1,000 yards in receiving or rushing, respectively, last season.

Four of the nation’s top tailback recruits join Jalston Fowler, Kenyan Drake, Dee Hart and Yeldon in the backfield. Freshmen Derrick Henry, who set the national high school record for career rushing yards, and Altee Tenpenny, at least, could see early action.

“I feel like we have confidence in both those guys that they can go in and play well if they need to,” Tide coach Nick Saban said.

Whoever emerges as No. 2 typically gets a bunch of carries for the Tide, which had two 1,000-yard rushers last season.

Eddie Lacy was a second-round pick by Green Bay. “Obviously, T.J. Yeldon’s a premier back,” Virginia Tech linebacker Jack Tyler said.

“He’s good at just about everything. He can catch the ball. He can run downhill. He’s quick.

He’s fast. He’s explosive. He’s a good back. They’re the full package and that’s why they’re the No. 1 team in the country.

But if we want to be the defense we want to be, the No. 1 defense in the country, we have to stop teams like this.”

The receiving corps has 95 percent of the production returning. Redshirt freshman Chris Black, who was set to play last season but for a preseason knee injury, figures to have a significant role, too.

McCarron, who is entering his third year as starter, said he has built trust with that group of playmakers.

“That’s the biggest thing with quarterback and skill guys.

You’ve got to have trust,” he said. “We’ve got all the ingredi-

AP photo As a freshman at Alabama, receiver Amari Cooper caught 59 passes for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cooper was picked for the preseason All-Southeastern Conference team along with Crimson Tide running back T.J. Yeldon. ents to have a special year. We’ve just got to put them together at the right time.”

Saban said having an experienced quarterback is the biggest key to having a versatile offense.

“We always want to be explosive offensively and hopefully we can do that in the running game and the passing game if we can get in the right play more often,” the coach said.

“And I think that’s something the quarterback can help us do, and hopefully because of that we can take advantage of all the skill players we have whether they’re runners or catchers.”

There’s enough of a talent blend that tight end Brian Vogler was asked whether this offense would be a sleek Ferrari or a powerful Hummer.

“We’ll come in with the Ferrari attitude and on the goal line, we’ll bring a Hummer at you,” Vogler said.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE 2012 record: 13-1 (7-1 in SEC West, 1st) Offensive starters returning (6): T Cyrus Kouandjio, 6-6, 310, jr.; G Anthony Steen, 6-3, 303, sr.; QB AJ McCarron,6-4,214,sr. (211 of 314 for 2,933 yards,30 TDs,3 ints.,2nd A-SEC); WR Amari Cooper,6-1,202, soph. (59 catches-1,000 yards, 11 TDs); WR Kevin Norwood, sr., 6-2, 195, sr. (29 catches-461 yards, 15.9, 4 TDs); WR Christion Jones, 5-11,185,jr. (27 catches-368 yards, 4 TDs & 10.1 avg. on 21 PR) Defensive starters returning (7): E Ed Stinson, 6-4, 292, sr. (30 tackles, 8.5 TFL); LB Adrian Hubbard, 6-6, 252, jr. (41 tackles, 11 TFL); LB Trey DePriest, 6-2, 245, jr. (59 tackles); LB C.J. Mosley, 6-2, 232, sr. (team-leading 107 tackles, ASEC); DB Vinnie Sunseri, 6-0, 210, jr. (54 tackles); CB Deion Belue, 5-11, 183, sr. (40 tackles); S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix,6-1,208,jr. (37 tack-

les, 5 ints.)

Specialists returning: P Cody Mandell,6-4,213,sr. (s-record 44.3 avg. on 50 punts) Key departures: DL Jessie Williams (37 tackles); DL Damion Square (33 tackles); CB Dee Milliner (54 tackles, A-American); S Robert Lester (48 tackles, 2nd AAmerican); OG Chance Warmack (A-SEC); C Barrett Jones (Outland Trophy winner); OT D.J. Fluker (2nd A-American); TE Michael Williams (24 catches-183 yards, 4 TDs); RB Eddie Lacy (204 carries-1,322 yards, 17 TDs, A-SEC).

Key additions: RB Derrick Henry, 6-3, 238, fr.; TE O.J. Howard, 6-6, 237, fr.; LB Jonathan Allen, 6-3, 264, fr.; LB Reuben Foster, 6-1, 224, fr.

Head coach: Nick Saban (63-13 in 6 seasons at Alabama,154-55-1 in 17 seasons in college All-time record vs. A&M: 3-2

Bielema focused on Arkansas debut

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New coach concerned only with present

Friday, August 30, 2013

By KURT VOIGT Associated Press

AP photo Bret Bielema came to Arkansas this offseason after seven seasons at Wisconsin where he won three Big Ten titles and had an overall record of 68-24.

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS 2012 record: 4-8 (2-6 in SEC West, 6th) Offensive starters returning: C Travis Swanson; T David Hurd, 6-6, 318, sr.; TE Austin Tate, 6-6, 259, sr. (14 catches-111 yards); WR Mekale McKay, 6-6, 195, soph. (21 catches-317 yards, 15.1, 2 TDs) Defensive starters returning (8): E Chris Smith, 6-3, 268, sr.

(52 tackles, 13 TFL); T Byran Jones, 6-2, 315, sr. (52 tackles); E Trey Flowers, 6-4, 262, jr. (50 tackles, 13 TFL); LB A.J. Turner, 6-2, 224, soph. (53 tackles); CB Will Hines, 6-1, 190, soph. (24 tackles); CB Tevin Mitchell, 6-0, 185, jr. (34 tackles); S Eric Bennett, 6-0, 200, sr. (40 tackles); S Rohan Gaines, 5-11, 195, soph.

(75 tackles) Specialists returning: Zach Hocker, 6-0, 184, sr. (11-18 Fgs,

long 48) Key departures: QB Tyler Wilson (249 of 401 for 3,387 yards, 21 TDs, 13 ints.); RB Knile Davis (112 carries-377 yards, 2 TDs); P Dylan Breeding (2nd A-SEC); WR Cobi Hamilton (90 catches-1,335 yards, 14.8, 5 TDs, A-SEC); OG Alvin Bailey; OG Tyler Deacon; OT Jason Peacock; DT Alfred Davis (38 tackles); LB Alonzo Highsmith (54 tackles); S Ross Rasner (92 tackles, 8 TFL); WR Brandon Mitchell (17 catches-272 yards).

Key additions: CB Carroll Washington, 6-0, 182, jr.; RB Alex Collins, 5-11, 206, fr.; TE Hunter Henry, 6-6, 245, fr.

Head coach: Bret Bielema (68-24 in seven seasons at Wisconsin) All-time record vs. A&M: 4125

BrazosSports.com

fall from Southeastern Conference contender to also-ran a year ago.

Bielema has done his best to avoidanydiscussionsaboutwhat happened with the Razorbacks before he arrived. However, the onlywayhe’llbeabletocompletely erase any lingering doubts will be to win — beginning this week.

Just don’t expect the moment to overwhelm Bielema, who coached Wisconsin to three Rose Bowls during his seven seasons at the school.

“You know what, pressure comes from within,” Bielema said. “Pressure is made by you.

The pressure I can feel is the one that I want to absorb.

“You may think it’s cliché, but I just don’t worry about it. I only worryaboutwhat’sinfrontof me.

“We’re only given 12 guaranteed game weeks a year,” he said.

“They’re very, very special.”

•

is me,’ you can’t have anybody flinching,youhavetohavepeople focusing on getting that moment right.”

Arkansas’opponentthisweekend, the Ragin’ Cajuns, figure to provide Bielema with a high degree of difficulty. LouisianaLafayette has put together backto-back 9-4 seasons under coach Mark Hudspeth, including a pair of wins in the New Orleans Bowl, and it returns dual-threat quarterback Terrance Broadway and a host of other playmakers.

If the Sun Belt Conference cofavorite provides Arkansas with a bit more trepidation than the usual season opener, it’s with good reason. This is, after all, a Razorbacks team still recovering from last season, a 4-8 disaster in the wake of the Bobby Petrino scandal. It was a stunning loss to a Sun Belt school — LouisianaMonroe — that began Arkansas’

The Eagle

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Bret Bielema has had more than nine months to prepare for the first time he takes the field at Arkansas,hisfirstgameasaheadcoach anywhere other than Wisconsin.

Despite all of that preparation, don’texpectBielematotakealook around and enjoy a big-picture moment when the Razorbacks open their season at home Saturday against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Bielema,whosignedasix-year, $3.2-millionannualcontractatArkansaslastDecember,didhisbest Monday to deflect any questions about his emotions leading into the game. He was more focused on what’s been an offseason of hardwork,thoughhedidofferup onestrikingcomparisonbetween thisweekandhisfirstgameasthe head coach at Wisconsin.

“At that time, I was single, so I didn’t talk to a lot of people,” Bielema said. “My wife (Jen) keeps asking me every day, ‘How do you feel?’”

Feelings aren’t a strong suit when it comes to games for Bielema, who called himself “removed” during games and said, “On game day, I’m just like a different cat.”

What has been a point of emphasis for the 43-year-old has been his opening game each season as a head coach. Bielema is 7-0 in season openers, including a 35-14 win over Bowling Green his first season as head coach at Wisconsin. It’s a streak he’d love nothing more than to run to 8-0 this weekend.

“The thing about openers is thatitreallydoesgetdowntohow you handle adversity,” Bielema said. “Something is going to pop up, and you can’t have that ‘Woe

College Football 2013

RAZORBACKS

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College Football 2013 • Friday, August 30, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle

12

TIGERS

Malzahn hoping to make strong first impression

By JOHN ZENOR Associated Press

AUBURN, Ala. — The Auburn Tigers are hoping to make a distinctly better first impression than the one they left fans with last season.

The Tigers open the Gus Malzahn coaching era Saturday night against Washington State desperate not only to show they’re improved from last year’s debacle but that they have better character and chemistry.

“Our effort, our attitude, how we handle adversity, how we handle success — that’s what I’m most curious about,” Mal-

zahn said Tuesday. “And that’s my expectations for our team.

We have put last year behind us and we’re moving forward.

That’s kind of been our theme and our motto and definitely this will be our first chance to see how our guys react against an opponent.”

Last year’s dysfunctional team collapsed late in a 3-9 season two years after winning a national title, dropping the final three games by a collective score of 138-7.

This team has a different coaching staff, led by former offensive coordinator Malzahn, and a new quarterback in junior

FLORIDA GATORS 2012 record: 11-2 (7-1 in SEC East , 2nd) Offensive starters returning (6): L Chaz Green, 6-5, 305, jr.; OL Jon Halapio, 6-3, 317, sr.; OL Jonotthan Harrison, 6-3, 303, sr.; QB Jeff Driskel, 6-4, 237, jr. (156 of 245 for 1,646 yards, 12 TDs, 5 ints.); WR Quinton Dunbar, 6-1, 194, jr.

(36 catches-383 yards, 10.6, 4 TDs); FB Hunter Joyer, 5-10, 233, jr.

Defensive starters returning (3): L Dominique Easley, 6-2, 285, sr. (26 tackles, 8.5 TFL); DB Loucheiz Purifoy, 6-1, 190, jr. (51 tackles); DB Jaylen Watkins, 6-0, 181, sr. (39 tackles) Specialists returning: PK Kyle Christy, 6-3, 196, jr. (45.8 avg. on 66 punts, A-SEC) Key departures: L Xavier Nixon; OL James Wilson; RB Mike Gillislee (244 carries-1,152

college transfer Nick Marshall.

The Tigers also presumably have rebuilt psyches, but a little early boost would be welcome.

“The biggest thing for us right now is, these kids have not been successful,” defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said. “You’ve got to change that. The sooner we’re successful together, the easier the transition is going to be. It’s just human nature — until we have success together, there’s always going to be that little lack of trust or lack of buying in. That’s human nature.

The earlier we have success, that obviously will enhance everything.”

AUBURN TIGERS

2012 record: 3-9 (0-8 in SEC West, 7th) Offensive starters returning (8): QB Jonathan Wallace, 6-2, 197, soph. (46 of 80 for 720 yards, 4 TDs, 4 ints.); RB Tre Mason, 5-10, 198, jr. (171 carries-1,002 yards, 5.9, 8 TDs); FB Jay Prosch, 6-0, 260, sr.; TE C.J. Uzomah, 6-4, 250, jr.; C Reese Dismukes, 6-3, 293, jr.; G Chad Slade, 6-5, 301, jr.; T Greg Robinson, 6-5, 311, soph.; T Patrick Miller, 6-7, 288, soph.

Defensive starters returning (8): L Nosa Eguae, 6-3, 268, sr.

(23 tackles); L Gabe Wright, 6-3, 300, jr. (19 tackles, 6 QBPs); L Angelo Blackson, 6-4, 312, jr. (26 tackles, 7 TFL); LB Jake Holland, 6-1, 243, sr. (73 tackles); DB Demetruce McNeal, 6-2, 194, sr. (90 tackles); DB Chris Davis, 5-11, 198, sr. (46 tackles); DB Jonathon Mincy, 5-10, 191, jr. (57 tackles); DB

Jermaine Whitehead, 5-11, 198, jr. (86 tackles) Specialists returning: PK Cody Parkey, 6-0, 186, sr. (1114 FGs); P Stephen Clark, 6-5, 232, sr. (39.8 avg. on 70 kicks).

Key depar tures: WR Emor y Blake (50 catches-789 yards, 3 TDs); WR Travante Stallworth; TE Philip Lutzenkirchen; OL John Sullen; DE Corey Lemonier (12 QBPs, 2nd A-SEC); LB Daren Bates (team-best 94 tackles); DB T’Sharvan Bell.

Key additions: QB Nick Marshall, 6-1, 210, jr.; RB Cameron Artis-Payne, 5-11, 210, jr. ; WR Tony Stevens, 6-4, 190, fr.; DE Carl Lawson, 6-2, 258, fr.; DT Montravius Adams, 6-4, 305, fr.

Head coach: Guz Malzahn (93 at Arkansas State).

All-time record vs. A&M: 0-3

GATORS

yards, 4.7, 10 TDs, A-SEC); TE Jordan Reed (45 catches-559 yards, 12.4, 3 TDs, 2nd ASEC); WR Frankie Hammond (22 catches-295 yards, 13.4, 3 TDs); DL Sharrif Floyd (46 tackles, 13 TFL, A-SEC); DL Omar Hunter (40 tackles); LB Lerentee McCray (25 tackles); LB Jon Bostic (68 tackles, 2nd A-SEC); LB Jelani Jenkins (29 tackles); DB Matt Elam (76 tackles, 11 TFL, A-SEC); DB Josh Evans (team-high 83 tackles); DB De’Ante Saunders (18 tackles); PK Caleb Sturgis (2428 FGs, A-SEC).

Key additions: DT Darious Cummings, 6-1, 309, jr.; WR Demarcus Robinson, 6-2, 201, fr.; CB Vernon Hargreaves III, 5-11, 189, fr.; RB Kelvin Taylor, 5-11, 215, fr.

Head coach: Will Muschamp (18-8 in two seasons at Florida)

QB Driskel born to run

By EDGAR THOMPSON Orlando Sentinel

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’sJeffDriskelisarunningquarterbackbynature,andhedoesnot plan to change this season.

He does, however, plan to be a smarter runner.

Without a seasoned back-up behind him, one big hit or awkward landing could jeopardize the 10th-ranked Gators’ season.

But Driskel’s running ability is too much of a weapon for Florida to shelve, even if the sight of him intheopenfieldmakeshiscoaches uneasy.

“That’s part of our offense,” Driskel said Monday. “We have some designed runs, and obviously, I’m going to have to take off at some points.

“I’mstillgoingtoberunningthe ball, just need to be smart about it.”

With tailback Matt Jones (viral infection) out for Saturday’s season opener against Toledo, the fleet-footed, 6-foot-4, 239-pound Driskel is the Gators’ most-established running threat.

The junior from Oviedo rushed for 716 yards on 82 carries last season, not including sacks. But the Gators are banking on Driskel to be equally effective in the pocket in 2013.

“That’s a tough league to really expose your quarterback to running the ball a number of times in the game and to have him healthy and effective in November when you need him,” ESPN college football analyst Rod Gilmore said Monday.“That’swhatthecoaches

are concerned about, not to mention you’re going to have to win games from the pocket in the SEC eventually. Your quarterback has to make plays.

“That’sessenceof quarterbacking, is winning from the pocket.”

A year after the Gators finished last in the SEC in passing, Driskel said he is “a ton more” confident in Florida’s ability to throw the football.

Driskel, now in his second season as a starter, listed many reasons he expects the Gators to improve its paltry passing numbers from 2012, when Florida averaged just 146.3 yards a game.

“Another year in the offense, know the routes and the receivers better,” he said.

“It’severyoneworkingtogether, not just one person.”

Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator.

“Ithinkwehavealotof greatplayers, just young guys that no one has seen or know about and guys who have made plays all summer long and all camp long and have gotten better every day.

“I’m looking for them to surprise a lot of people.”

Swann, who started all 14 games last season, said he has recovered from a hip flexor and strained groin that forced him to miss some practice time. Injuries were a recurring problem in the secondary this month. Matthews missed time with shoulder and hamstring injuries.

Junior college transfer Shaquille Fluker, another strong safety, was slowed by a sprained back.

Georgia is listing freshmen ShaqWigginsandQuincyMauger as top backups at cornerback and free safety, respectively.

“They do have a lot of young guys out there, a lot of guys who haven’t played in games,” Boyd said before adding Georgia has “great players and great coaches.”

2012 record: 2-10 (0-8 in SEC East, 7th) Offensive starters returning (6): T Kevin Mitchell, 6-6, 289, sr.; T Darrian Miller, 6-5, 284, jr.; G Zach West, 6-4, 308, soph.; TE Ronnie Shields, 6-5, 227, jr. (9 catches-68 yards); QB Jalen Whitlow, 6-2, 220, soph.

(87 of 161 for 801 yards, 3 TDs, 2 ints. & 68 carries for 206 yards, 3 TDs); TB Jonathan George, 5-10, 209, sr. (108 carries for 504 yards, 4.7, 4 TDs) Defensive starters returning (6): T Tristian Johnson, 6-1, 265, sr. (27

tackles); T Donte Rumph, 6-3, 320, sr. (36 tackles, 6 TFL); E Alvin Dupree, 6-4, 252, jr. (91 tackles, 12.5 TFL); LB Avery Williamson, 6-1, 238, sr. team-high 135 tackles); LB Miles Simpson, 6-2, 225, jr. (70 tackles); S Ashely Lowery, 6-1, 211, jr. (43 tackles) Specialists returning: P Landon Foster, 6-1, 208, soph. (42.9 avg. on 61 punts) Key departures: C Matt Smith; OG Larry Warford (2nd A-SEC); WR La’Rod King (48 catches-488 yards, 4 TDs); WR Aaron Boyd (24

catches for 233 yards, 1 TD); DE Collins Ukwu (41 tackles, 6 TFL); DE Taylor Wyndham (27 tackles, 6 TFL); CB Cartier Rice (41 tackles); S Maratavius Neloms (53 tackles); S Mikie Benton (20 tackles); PK Craig McIntosh (8-15 FGs) Key additions: WR Javess Blue, 6-0, 190, jr. ; DE Za’Darius Smith, 6-6, 254, jr.; WR Ryan Timmons, 5-10, 185, fr.; DB Marcus McWilson, 5-0, 210, fr.

Head coach: Mark Stoops (first season) All-time record vs. A&M: 1-1

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KENTUCKY WILDCATS

Morgan, 6-3, 200, sr. (8-14 FGs) Key departures: WR Tavarres King (42 catches-950 yards, 9 TDs); NG John Jenkins (50 tackles, 2nd A-SEC); OLB Cornelius Washington (22 tackles); OLB Jarvis Jones (85 tackles, 24.5 TFL, A-SEC); ILB Alec Ogletree (111 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 2nd ASEC); CB Sanders Commings (51 tackles); FS Bacarri Rambo (73 tackles, 2nd A-SEC); SS Shawn Williams (98 tackles).

Key additions: CB Shaq Wiggins, 5-10, 165, fr.; S Tray Matthews, 6-1, 196, fr.; DT Toby Johnson, 6-4, 305, jr.

Head coach: Mark Richt (11840 in 12 seasons at Georgia) All-time record vs. A&M: 2-3

•

WILDCATS

MURRAY

Aaron Murray threw for 3,893 yards and 36 touchdowns to help Georgia go 12-2, 7-1 in conference play, and win the SEC East.

The Eagle

ATHENS, Ga. — Connor NormansaidTuesdayheunderstands if fans are nervous about No. 5 Georgia’s secondary.

Georgiaislisting twofreshmen and Norman, a former walk-on, withjuniorDamianSwannasthe starting defensive backs against No. 8 Clemson on Saturday night.

Georgia had seven NFL draft picks on its 2012 defense, leaving little returning experience.

That makes for a scary opener for a mostly untested secondary against Clemson, which returns star quarterback Tajh Boyd and receiver Sammy Watkins.

FreesafetyTrayMatthewsand cornerbackBrendanLangleywill start as freshmen.

Scary?

“I’m not surprised about that just because of all the great players we lost to the NFL,” Norman saidwhenaskedabouttheperception of the secondary.

“I know people are looking at us, but we’ve been working hard just like everybody else and we’re

ready to prove ourselves.”

Norman is a senior strong safety.Theprojectedstarter,Josh Harvey-Clemons,issuspendedfor thegameforanunspecifiedviolation of team rules.

Another candidate to fill in for Harvey-Clemons was junior Corey Moore, who has been held out of practice with a sprained knee.

Coach Mark Richt said Tuesday he doesn’t expect Moore to play against Clemson.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday he’s not buying the reports of Georgia’s depleted defense.

“Don’t buy the lie or feel sorry for Georgia,” Swinney said.

“They’ve got a lot of great players.”

Georgia players agree with the Clemson coach. They also say no sympathy is necessary, because the defense will be fine.

Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray said he is “very confident” in the defense.

“Coach (Todd) Grantham has done a great job over the last few years of recruiting guys that fit his scheme,” Murray said of the

2012 record: 12-2 (7-1 in SEC East, 1st) Offensive starters returning (10): QB Aaron Murray, 6-1, 208, sr. (249 of 386 for 3,893 yards, 36 TDs, 10 ints.); SE Malcolm Mitchell, 6-1, 190, jr.

(40 catches-572 yards, 14.3, 4 TDs); C David Andrews, 6-2, 295, jr.; G Dallas Lee, 6-4, 295, sr.; T Kenarious Gates, 6-5, 327, sr.; G Chris Burnette, 6-2, 314, sr. (2nd A-SEC); T John Theus, 6-6, 298, soph.; TE Arthur Lynch, 6-5, 254, sr. (24 catches-431 yards, 18.0, 3 TDs); RB Todd Gurley, 6-1, 232, soph. (222 carries-1,385 yards, 6.2, 17 TDs, 2nd A-SEC); FB Merritt Hall, 5-11, 236, soph.

Defensive starters returning (4): E Garrison Smith, 6-3, 299, sr. (57 tackles); ILB Amarlo Herrera, 6-2, 244, jr. (70 tackles); OLB Jordan Jenkins, 6-3, 246, soph. (31 tackles, 8 TFL); CB Damian Swann, 5-11, 178, jr.

(53 tackles, 4 ints.)

Specialists returning: P Colin Barber, 6-2, 200, soph. (41.5 avg. on 60 punts); PK Marshall

Friday, August 30, 2013

CHARLES ODUM Associated Press

GEORGIA BULLDOGS

•

Norman: Dogs’ new DBs will ‘prove ourselves’

College Football 2013

BULLDOGS

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College Football 2013

TIGERS

The Eagle

•

BrazosSports.com

Friday, August 30, 2013

•

LSU TIGERS

14

AP photo

2012 record: 10-3 (6-2 in SEC West, tied for second) Offensive starters returning (7): WR Odell Beckham, 6-0, 187, jr. (43 catches-713 yards, 16.6, 2 TDs); QB Zach Mettenberger,6-5,230,sr. (207 of 352 for 2,609 yards, 12 TDs, 7 ints.); RB Jeremy Hill, 6-2, 235, soph.

(142 carries-755 yards,5.3,12 TDs); FB J.C. Copeland, 6-1, 272, sr.; G Trai Turner, 6-3, 306, soph.; LG La’el Collins, 6-5, 321, jr.; RT Vadal Alexander, 6-6, 350, jr.

Defensive starters returning (4): S Craig Loston, 6-2, 205, sr. (45 tackles); CB Jalen Mills, 6-0, 185, soph.

(57 tackles); LB Lamin Barrow, 6-2, 232, sr. (104 tackles) Specialists returning: none Key departures: OT Josh Dworaczyk; C P.J. Lonergan; TE Chase Clement; DE Barkevious Mingo (38 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 2nd A-SEC); DT Josh Downs (19 tackles, 5.5 TFL); DT Bennie Logan (45 tackles, 4.5 TFL); DE Sam Montgomery (37 tackles, 13 TFL. ASEC); LB Kevin Minter (team-leading 130 tackles, 15 TFL, A-SEC); S Eric Reid (91 tackles, 9 PBU, A-SEC); CB Tharold Simon (45 tackles, 9 PBU0; PK Drew Alleman (21-29 Fgs, 2nd ASEC); P Brad Wing (44.8 avg. on 59 punts).

Key additions: WR Quantavius Leslie, 6-4, 175, jr.; LB Kendell Beckwith, 6-3, 246, fr.; CB TreDavious White, 5-11, 177, fr.

Head coach: Les Miles (85-21 at LSU in eight seasons, 113-42 overall in 12 seasons) All-time record vs. A&M: 28-20-3

Linebacker Lamin Barrow (above) is one of just three defensive full-time returning starters for the Tigers. Last season, Barrow made 104 tackles for LSU.

Untested D looks to stay strong

By BRYAN LAZARE Associated Press

BATON ROUGE, La. — There seemstobefewerconcernsabout LSU’s untested defense than there were in March.

Defensive coordinator John Chavis faced a major retooling job, having to replace six defensive starters heading into spring practice. But after three preseason scrimmages head coach LSUMilesremarkedhowdifficult the defense is to handle.

Tackle Bennie Logan, ends Barkevious Mingo and Sam

Montgomery, linebacker Kevin Minter, cornerback Tharold SimonandsafetyEricReidskipped their senior seasons and entered the NFL draft.

The 12th-ranked Tigers have just three returning full-time starters on defense.

“Obviously, the number of guyswelostlastyearisn’tusual,” Chavis said. “But, we didn’t get caught off guard. We recruited wellbeforethisyearandtheyears before that.”

The defense is filled with players who have been waiting their chance to play significant snaps

may be just as effective as the ones in recent years under Chavis. They won’t have to wait long beforebeingtested.LSU’sseasonopener against No. 20 TCU is just a week away.

ButonethingthisretooledLSU defense has going for it is are the numberof playerswhohavebeen around the program a long time.

Four new starters — end Jordan Allen, tackle Ego Ferguson and linebackers Tahj Jones and D.J. Welter — are beginning at least their fourth seasons in the program.

Allen, Ferguson and Welter

are fourth-year juniors who will bemakingtheirfirstcareerstarts against the Horned Frogs. Jones, who was academically ineligible for the 2012 regular season, is a fifth-year senior.

The returning starters also have experience.

Two of the three returning full-time starters are fifth-year seniors — linebacker Lamin Barrow and safety Craig Loston.

Barrow made 104 tackles, while Loston accounted for 55 tackles and three interceptions a year ago.Theotherreturningfull-time starter is sophomore cornerback

Jalen Mills.

“I am not at all surprised at how good the defense is playing,” Lostonsaid.“LSUdoesagreatjob in recruiting. These guys either hadbignamesinfrontof themor they just got here. [Chavis] has a great system. There is not going to be a big drop-off.”

Ferguson and Anthony Johnson are have had to wait their turns. Both have been in the rotation at defensive tackle, but NFL draftpicksMichaelBrockersand BennieLogan,alongwithveteran JoshDowns,keptthemoutof the starting lineup.

buzz within their program just like ours, and not only did they have some success but they followed it up.”

Vanderbilt beat Ole Miss 27-26 last season in Oxford. The Commodores have won five out of the last six in the series.

Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace had a lot of success in last year’s game, throwing for a career-high 403 yards. But Vanderbilt rallied in the final minute for the go-ahead touchdown.

It was an exclamation point in the middle of Vanderbilt’s sevengame winning streak to end last season, including a Music City Bowl win over North Carolina State.

“Thatwasagreatwin,”Franklin said. “I’m not going to rank one win above another. Whenever you can win on the road in the SEC you’re making progress, especially when you’re able to do it in that fashion. Never had the lead until the last 52 seconds. It showed growth in our team, perseverance.”

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS

MISSOURI TIGERS

2012 record: 5-7 (2-6 in SEC East, fifth) Offensive starters returning (8): C Evan Boehm, 6-3, 315, soph.; LT Justin Britt, 6-6, 320, sr.; LG Max Copeland, 6-3, 295, sr.; QB James Franklin, 6-2, 230, sr. (139 of 234 for 1,562 yards, 10 TDs, 7 ints. & 88 carries-122 yards); WR Marcus Lucas, 6-5, 220, sr. (46 catches-509 yards, 11.1, 3 TDs); RT Mitch Morse, 6-5, 305, jr.; WR L’Damian Washington, 6-4, 200, sr. (25 catches-433 yards, 17.7, 2 TDs); TE Eric Waters, 6-4, 245, sr.

Defensive starters returning (6): E Kony Ealy, 6-5, 275, jr. (37 tackles, 10 TFL); CB E.J. Gaines, 5-10, 195, sr. (74

tackles, 11 PBU); L Matt Hock, 6-5, 295, jr.

(36 tackles); L Michael Sam, 6-3, 255, sr.

(22 tackles, 7 TFL); FS Braylon Webb, 6-0, 205, jr. (64 tackles); LB Andrew Wilson, 6-3, 235, sr. (team-leading 79 tackles) Specialists returning: PK Andrew Baggett, 6-2, 270, soph. (14-20 FGs) Key departures: OL Elvin Fisher; TB Kendial Lawrence (200 carries-1,025 yards, 5.1, 12 TDs); WR T.J. Moe (40 catches-399 yards, 1 TD); LB Will Ebner (75 tackles, 10.5 TFL); CB Kip Edwards (46 tackles, 6 TFL); LB Zaviar Gooden (61 tackles); DL Sheldon Richardson (75 tackles, 10.5 TFL); SS Kenronte Walker (71 tackles); P Trey Barrow (43.0 on 68 punts).

Key additions: DT Josh Augusta, 6-4, 300, fr.

Head coach: Gary Pinkel (90-60 at Missouri in 12 seasons, 163-98-3 overall) All-time record vs. A&M: 5-8

BrazosSports.com

tackles); DT Josh Boyd (33 tackles); WR Arceto Clar k (36 catches-487 yards); TE Marcus Green (19 catches-215 yards, 6 TDs); FB Sylvester Hemphill; LB Cameron Lawrence (120 tackles, 10 TFL, 2nd A-SEC); WR Chris Smith (47 catches-564 yards, 2 TDs); OG Tobias Smith; DB Darius Slay (40 tackles, 5 ints., 2nd A-SEC).

Key additions: CB Justin Cox, 6-3, 195, jr.; WR Fred Ross, 6-2, 195, fr.; DE Chris Jones, 6-5, 250, fr.; WR Jeremey Chappelle, 6-3, 210, jr.

Head coach: Dan Mullen (29-22 in four seasons) All-time record vs. A&M: 3-3

209-pound junior will be playing hisfirstgamesinceoffseasonsurgery on his throwing shoulder.

“I was stressed out a little at the beginning of camp, the first weekortwo.Butfinallythegame slowed back down for me like it was at the end of last season.”

•

2012 record: 8-5 (4-4 in the SEC West, 4th) Offensive star ters returning (6): T Blaine Clausell, 6-7, 310, jr.; C Dillon Day, 6-4, 300, jr.; G Gabe Jackson, 6-4, 335, sr. (2nd A-SEC); RB LaDarius Perkins, 5-10, 195, sr. (205 carries-1,024 yards, 5.0, 8 TDs); QB Tyler Russell, 6-4, 220, sr. (231 of 394 for 2,897 yards, 24 TDs, 10 ints.); T Charles Siddoway, 6-7, 305, sr.

Defensive starters re-

turning (6): E Denico Autry, 6-5, 265, sr. (42 tackles, 9.5 TFL); E Kaleb Ellis, 6-4, 290, jr. (28 tackles); LB Benardrick McKinney, 6-5, 235, soph. 102 tackles); LB Deontae Skinner, 6-2, 250, sr. (62 tackles); LB Matt Wells, 6-2, 215, jr. (34 tackles); S Nickoe Whitley, 6-1, 205, sr. (88 tackles) Specialists returning: PK Devon Bell, 6-2, 195, soph. (14-21 FGs); P Baker Swedenberg, 6-0, 185, jr.

(41.1 avg. on 57 punts) Key d e p a r t u r e s : D B Johnthan Banks (63 tackles, 4 ints., A-SEC); DB C o r ey B r o o m f i e l d ( 4 0 tackles); WR Chad Bumphis (58 catches-922 yards, 15.9, 12 TDs); DT Dewayne Cherrington (24

Ole Miss recovered from the Vanderbilt loss, finishing the regular season with six wins and beating Pittsburgh in the BBVA Compass Bowl.

Wallace hopes its Ole Miss that shows further growth in Thursday’s game. The 6-foot-4,

The Eagle

The Mississippi-Vanderbilt rivalry may never have a cool name like the Iron Bowl or the Egg Bowl.

But there’s little doubt the annual game is beginning to gain added importance now that both schools are upwardly mobile in the notoriously competitive Southeastern Conference.

The fact they’re meeting in a season-opening Thursday night spot on national television is another indication of the added stakes.

Second-year Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze doesn’t downplay the magnitude of the showdown, but also believes it is vital to not letanysinglegamedefinetheprogram’s success this season.

“There’s no question it’s very important,” Freeze said. “I do think at the situation we’re in with year two, we have to be very carefultocontinuetofocusonthe only thing that we can control.

That’showwecanpreparetoday.

We start it all over next week. It’s a long season. There are a lot of games.Idobelievewe’retalented enough to beat some teams.”

The schedule adds to the magnitude of the game.

Ole Miss has to fight through WesternDivisionpowerslikeAlabama,LSUandTexasA&Mevery season. Vanderbilt always has to deal with programs like Georgia, FloridaandSouthCarolinainthe Eastern Division.

So in the search for at least six wins and a bowl berth, Ole Miss and the Commodores look at the contest as a relatively winnable game.

But the rivalry has remained friendly and there’s ample amount of respect on both sides.

Both Freeze and third-year VanderbiltcoachJamesFranklin have talked about the friendship they’ve forged as newcomers in the SEC. “There are some similarities in a lot of ways” between the programs,Franklinsaid.“Ithink there’s a lot of excitement and

Collins, 5-10, 185, sr. (30 tackles); S Trae Elston, 6-0, 190, soph. (61 tackles); S Cody Prewitt, 6-2, 214, jr. (80 tackles); CB Senquez Golson, 5-9, 188, jr.

(36 tackles); CB Charles Sawyer, 5-11, 178, sr. (63 tackles) Specialists returning: Tyler Campbell, 6-2, 230, sr. (43.6 avg. on 72 punts in 2011, redshirted last season) Key departures: RB Randall Mackey (79 carries-325 yards, 4.1, 4 TDs & 25 catches-346 yards); TE Ferbia Allen; OG A.J. Hawkins; PK Bryson Rose (1828 FGs); P Jim Broadway (41.1 avg. on 57 punts).

Key additions: DT Lavon Hooks, 6-4, 302, jr.; RB Mark Dodson, 5-10, 192, fr.; DE Robert Nkemdiche, 6-5, 294, fr.; WR Laquon Treadwell, 6-3, 215, fr.; OT Laremy Tunsil, 6-5, 315, fr.

Head coach: Hugh Freeze (76 at Ole Miss, 37-13 overall in four seasons) All-time record vs. A&M: 0-5

Friday, August 30, 2013

Associated Press

2012 record: 7-6 (3-5 in the SEC West, 5th) Offensive starters returning (8): QB Bo Wallace, 6-4, 209, jr.

(235 of 368 for 2,994 yards, 22 TDs, 17 ints. & 143 carries-390 yards, 8 TDs); RB Jeff Scott, 5-7, 167, sr. (197 carries-846 yards, 4.3, 6 TDs); WR Donte Moncrief, 6-3, 226, jr. (66 catches-979 yards, 14.8, 10 TDs); WR Vince Sanders, 6-1, 185, jr. (39 catches-504 yards, 12.9, 4 TDs); T Emmanuel McCray, 6-5, 320, sr.; G Aaron Morris, 6-5, 360, jr.; C Evan Swindall, 6-4, 299, sr.; T Pierce Burton, 6-6, 296, sr.

Defensive star ters returning (11): E C.J. Johnson, 6-3, 230, jr. (55 tackles, 8 TFL); E Cameron Whigham, 6-3, 300, sr. (27 tackles); T Bryon Bennett, 6-2, 281, jr. (9 tackles); T Issac Gross, 6-1, 250, soph. (40 tackles, 10 TFL); LB Mike Marry, 6-3, 256, sr. (78 tackles, 10.5 TFL); LB Denzel Nkemdiche, 5-11, 207, soph. (team-high 82 tackles, 13 TFL); DB Dehendret

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Ole Miss-Vandy rivalry gaining importance

OLE MISS REBELS

College Football 2013

REBELS

15

College Football 2013 • Friday, August 30, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle

16

GAMECOCKS

At last, it’s Clowney season

By PETE IACOBELLI Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — It’s finally time for Clowney season.

For the next four months or so, college football’s focus will be locked onto Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina’s fearsome, 6-foot-6, 274-pound defensive end.

“Iknowhe’sreadytogetthings going,” said Chaz Sutton, the Gamecocks’ other defensive end.

“We all are.”

TheanticipationforClowney’s year began last New Year’s when he dislodged the helmet of Michigan runner Vincent Smith at the Outback Bowl, sending it flying like a champagne cork.

His final year starts Thursday night — “Clowney we treat him like a senior. He’s leaving,” South

Carolina coach Steve Spurrier says — when the sixth-ranked Gamecocks open the season against North Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clowney’s beenlowkeysincetheGamecocks opened camp per Spurrier’s orders, yet has continued pushing himself in workouts for a strong college finish.

Spurrier glanced over Saturday at the end of workouts and saw Clowney leading the way in wind sprints. “So I said, ‘That’s a good sign when he’s leading the pack of linemen over and back,’” Spurrier said. “So I think he’s ready to go and our team’s ready to go.”

That’sverybadnewsforopposing quarterbacks. Clowney put up 13 sacks last year and stands eight away from the Gamecocks’

all-time mark of 29 set by Eric Norwood.

Clowney’s skills were evident in high school and he’s only improved in college. He ran a 4.46-second40-yarddashtimethis summer after getting challenged bySouthCarolinadefensivecoordinatorLorenzoWardtoimprove his conditioning so he could be more consistent on the field. Talk to any coach or player who had to prepare for Clowney and they don’t share Ward’s worries.

North Carolina offensive coordinator Blake Anderson won’t change his offense scheme to concentrate on Clowney in their season opener.

“You didn’t shut Michael jordan down when he played,” Anderson said. “He was going to score some points.”

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

2012 record: 11-2 (6-2 in SEC East, third) Offensive starters returning (6): G A.J. Cann, 6-4, 314, jr.; WR Bruce Ellington, 5-9, 196, jr. (40 catches-600 yards, 15.0 avg., 7 TDs); G Ronald Patrick, 6-2, 315, sr.; T Corey Robinson, 6-8, 341, jr.; QB Connor Shaw, 6-1, 209, sr. (154 of 228 for 1,956 yards, 17 TDs, 7 ints. & 131 carries-435 yards, 3 TDs); T Brandon Shell, 6-6, 323, soph.

Defensive starters returning (5): E Jadeveon Clowney, 6-6, 274, jr. (54 tackles, 23.5 TFL, A-SEC); CB Victor Hampton, 5-10, 202, jr. (40 tackles); CB Jimmy Legree, 6-0, 187, sr. (44 tackles); T Kelcy Quarles, 6-4, 298, jr. (38 tackles, 8 TFL); SS Brison Williams, 5-11, 218, jr.

(52 tackles) Specialists returning: P Tyler Hull, 6-2, 206, jr. (39.4 avg. on 54 punts)

Key depar tures: TE Justin Cunningham (23 catches-324 yards); C T.J. Johnson (2nd ASEC); TB Marcus Lattimore (143 carries-662 yards, 4.6, 11 TDs); WR D.L. Moore; WR Ace Sanders (45 catches-531 yards, 11.8, 9 TDs, 29 punt returns-429 yards, 15.3, 2 TDs, A-SEC returner); LB Reginald Bowens (59 tackles); SS DeVonte Hollman (57 tackles, 8 TFL); DT Byron Jerideau (40 tackles); FS D.J. Swearinger (79 tackles, 2nd A-SEC); E Devin Taylor (45 tackles, 8.5 TFL); LB Shaq Wilson (86 tackles).

Key additions: RB David Williams, 6-1, 200, fr.; LB Larenz Bryant, 6-0, 215, fr.

Head coach: Steve Spurrier (66-37 in eight seasons with SC; 208-77-2 in 23 seasons in college; 255-118-2 overall).

All-time record vs. A&M: 0-0

VOLUNTEERS

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS 2012 record: 5-7 (1-7 in SEC East, 6th).

Offensive starters returning (5): LT Antonio Richardson, 6-6, 327, jr.; C James Stone, 6-3, 291, sr.; G Zach Fulton, 6-5, 323, sr.; T Ja’Wuan James, 6-6, 318, sr.; RB Rajion Neal, 5-11, 212, sr. (156 carries-708 yards, 4.5, 5 TDs) Defensive starters returning (8): L Daniel McCullers, 6-8, 351, sr. (39 tackles); L Maurice Couch, 6-2, 304, sr. 38 tackles); L Jacques Smith, 6-2, 243, sr.

(33 tackles, 7 TFL); LB A.J. Johnson, 6-2, 243, jr. (team-leading 138 tackles, 2nd A-SEC); LB Curt Maggitt, 6-3, 239, jr. (30 tackles); DB Justin Coleman, 5-10, 184, jr. (59 tackles); DB Byron Moore, 6-0, 208, sr. (86 tackles, 5 ints.); DB LaDarrell McNeil, 6-1, 199, soph. (58 tackles) Specialists returning: P Michael Palarady, 5-11, 185, sr.

(43.1 avg. on 36 punts); PK Derrick Brodus, 5-11, 188, jr. (6-7 FGs); Palardy (9-12 FGs) Key departures: TE Mychal Rivera (36 catches-562 yards, 5 TDs, A-SEC); OL Dallas Thomas (2nd A-SEC); WR Cordarrelle Patterson (46 catches-778 yards, 5 TDs, 2nd A-SEC at returner); WR Justin Hunter (73 catches-1,083 yards, 9 TDs, 2nd A-SEC); QB Tyler Bray (268 of 451 for 3,612 yards, 34 TDs, 12 ints.); FB Ben Bar tholomew; WR Zach Rogers (32 catches-491 yards, 7 TDs); DL Darrington Sentimore (18 tackles, 5 TFL); LB Herman Lathers (66 tackles); DB Prentiss Waggner (48 tackles) Key additions: WR Marquez North, 6-4, 215, fr.; DL Jason Carr, fr., 5-10, 215, fr.

Head coach: Butch Jones (first season at Tennessee, 50-27 in six seasons) All-time record vs. A&M: 2-0

Three freshmen might be in starting lineup for Vols

By STEVE MEGARGEE Associated Press

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee coach Butch Jones won’t be the only newcomer playing a prominent role in the Volunteers’ season opener Saturday against Austin Peay.

Jones said throughout the preseason that many of his freshmen would have to play right away, and a look at Tennessee’s depth chart bears that out. As many as three freshmen could be opening their college careers as starters.

Wide receiver Marquez North and cornerback Cameron Sutton already have won start-

ing spots. Wide receiver Josh Smith is listed as a co-starter alongside redshirt freshman Jason Croom. Offensive guard Dylan Wiesman, cornerback Malik Foreman and nickel back Devaun Swafford are on the second team.

None of the six freshmen included in the depth chart were on campus for spring practice.

They instead arrived this summer and performed well enough in training camp to show they could contribute immediately.

Jones said Monday that he expected to play anywhere from 10 to 16 freshmen against Austin Peay.

“Some of it was that is just

where we are at with the program,” Jones said. “It is what it is. Then some guys have done a great job. Freshmen develop differently. I think this was a very talented incoming freshman class.”

The freshmen weren’t available to comment on the possibility of early playing time. Team policy prohibits freshmen from talking to the media until it is deemed they have made a significant contribution.

North’s move atop the depth chart was somewhat expected.

He must replace first-round draft pick Cordarrelle Patterson and second-round selection Justin Hunter.

VANDERBILT COMMODORES

FS Javon Marshall 5-10, 202, sr.

(83 tackles) Specialists returning: PK Carey Spear, 5-10, 194, sr. (20-24 FGs, long 52) Key departures: QB Jordan Rogers (191 of 319 for 2,539 yards, 15 TDs, 5 ints.); TB Zac Stacy (207 carries-1,141 yards, 5.5, 10 TDs, 2nd A-SEC); OG Josh Jelsky; OT Ryan Seymour; DT Rob Lohr (30 tackles, 11 TFL); DE Johnell Thomas (36 tackles); LB Archibald Barnes (66 tackles); CB Trey Wilson (36 tackles).

Key additions: WR Latevius Rayford, 6-1, 180, fr.; DT Jay Woods, 6-3, 292, fr.; WR Jordan Cunningham, 6-1, 175, fr.

Head coach: James Franklin (15-11 in two seasons) All-time record vs. A&M: 0-0

• Friday, August 30, 2013

2012 record: 9-4 (5-3 in SEC East, 4th) Offensive starters returning (7): WR Chris Boyd, 6-4, 205, jr. (50 catches-774 yards, 15.5, 5 TDs); WR Jonathan Krause, 5-11, 192, sr. (9 catches-69 yards); WR Jordan Matthews, 6-3, 206, sr. (94 catches-1,323 yards, 14.1, 8 TDs, A-SEC); TE Steven Scheu, 6-5, 255, soph.

(8 catches-45 yards); G Jake Bernstein, 6-4, 305, soph.; T Wesley Johnson, 6-5, 295, sr.; C Joe Townsend, 6-4, 305, jr.

Defensive starters returning (7): E Walker May, 6-5, 250, sr.

(41 tackles, 10.5 TFL); T Jared Morse, 6-2, 32, sr. (26 tackles, 9 TFL); LB Karl Butler, 6-1, 216, sr. (51 tackles, 11.5 TFL); LB Chase Garnham, 6-3, 235, sr.

(84 tackles, 12.5 TFL); CB Andre Hal, 6-0, 185, sr. (48 tackles, 14 PBU); SS Kenny Ladler, 6-1, 205, sr. (team-high 90 tackles);

College Football 2013

COMMODORES

AP photo Coach James Franklin has led the Commodores to back-to-back bowl appearances for the first time in school history.

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17

College Football 2013

BACKUPS: QBs neck-and-neck

The Eagle

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Friday, August 30, 2013

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Continued from 9

18

AP photo Former Texas A&M quarterback Branndon Stewart positions a player prior to a play during the Kickoff Classic on Aug. 31, 1998 at Giants Stadium. A&M lost that game 23-14 to No. 2 Florida State, but finished the season as Big 12 Champions.

HISTORY: Several step up Continued from 9 He never recovered completely from offseason shoulder surgery and lost his job to Ryan Tannehill midwaythroughtheseason.Tannehill, who had bided his time at wide receiver, developed into the school’s first quarterback to be a first-round draft choice and he started for the Miami Dolphins last season.

One of the best efforts by a backup quarterback in school history came in A&M’s 36-33 double-overtime victory over Kansas State in the 1998 Big 12 championship game. Branndon Stewart replaced Randy McCown who had injured his left shoulder in the regular-season finaleagainstTexas.Stewartwas dazzling, throwing for 324 yards andthreescores,includingthein-

famous slant touchdown to Sirr Parker for the victory.

Stewart, who had been a starter for much of the 1996 and ‘97 seasons, had played in only six games in 1998. Stewart, who was 23-11 as a starter at A&M, had transferred from Tennessee where he played in 11 games as a true freshman along with Peyton Manning who started the last eight games.

him, but I’m glad he’s here and he’s on our side.”

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Hill threwfor2,291yardsand20touchdowns as a senior at Southlake Carroll. He also rushed for 905 yards and 22 TDs. As a junior, he had 4,414 total yards and 49 TDs. “A lot of what they did at Southlake Carroll, a lot of Texas high schools are going to a similar offense like what we run,” McKinney said. “The operation of it is something he’s familiar with.”

Still,Hillhadaslowstartwhen fallcampopened,buthe’sgotten better each week.

“I give a lot of credit to the Southlake Carroll coaches because you can tell he has been pretty experienced in running this type of offense,” Spavital said.

Hill, son of former major league pitcher Ken Hill, was the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior, the same award Manziel won at Kerrville Tivy.

Joeckel (6-4, 234) is more of a pocket passer, though he ran for 733 yards with 12 scores as a senior at Arlington High.

“He’s a big kid, not the most mobile guy, so you’d probably call the game a little different, definitely, even with Johnny

in the game rather than him,” Spavital said Neither Sumlin nor McKinneywouldsayatTuesday’spress conference who had earned the backup spot.

“That is still an ongoing competition,” Sumlin said. “What we’ve done in the past and how we’ve trained quarterbacks, we’ve been successful doing that. We rotate snaps with the first team. It gives your team a chance to develop camaraderie with the first unit if something happens. I’ve been pleased with their progress.”

Senior back Ben Malena gave the backup quarterbacks props on Tuesday as did sophomore center Mike Matthews.

“The backup QBs, I believe in them,” said Matthews who will make his first collegiate start against Rice. “They come in every day and put the work in.”

The last time Sumlin had to gowithbackupquarterbacksfor thebetterpartof aseason,things didn’tworkoutwell.Fourgames into the 2010 season at Houston, the Cougars had to play freshman David Piland after losing Heisman Trophy candidate CaseKeenumandbackupCotton Turnertoseason-endinginjuries inthethirdgame.UH,comingoff a 10-4 season, went 5-7, losing six of its last eight.

SNYDER: Replacing vets key on defensive line Continued from 3 least six new starters, only two senior starters and a depth chart packed with freshmen.

“I’d have to think back, [it’s] been 23 years [I’m] sure I have somewhere along the line [had a team so young],” Snyder said.

“We have to scale back a little bit but again there are a lot of unknowns and all bullets will be available.”

Once again the experts have given little regard to the A&M defense. Only one A&M player — Deshazor Everett — was named to the preseason SEC defensive team — and he was voted third team.

“Thatdoesn’tbotherme.Idon’t lookatthosethings,”Snydersaid.

“I know what we have. I think I know what we can do. Talk is cheap, you’ve got to go prove it and I don’t get caught up in that.”

A&M’s defensive line has been questionedthemost.JulienObiohasaiddefensivelinecoachTerry Price taped an article on his door that said the Aggie defensive line was ranked the worst in the SEC. A&M lost it’s top motor player, Spencer Nealy, and it’s top pass rusher, Damontre Moore. Returning are senior Kirby Ennis and Obioha, who started all 12 regular season games as a freshman.

Sophomore Alonzo Williams andtwinsTyroneandTyrellTaylor will definitely be somewhere in the picture along with freshmen Hardreck Walker, Isaiah Golden and Justin Manning.

Snyder is also hoping this year’s defense, especially along the line will be deeper with the influx of highly-regarded freshmen so he can continue to be aggressive and mix different formations.

No matter the players, the philosophywillremainthesameunder Snyder.

“We want to be downhill and we want to stop the run,” Snyder said.“Inordertodothatyouhave to press the line of scrimmage, you have to have D-linemen gettingupfieldandastheygetupthe fieldthelinebackershavetopress and if you drop a DB in, he’s got to press with them.”

While at South Florida, Snyder’s 2010 unit gave up the fewest rushing TDs (8), while also having the most interceptions (16) in the school’s history. A couple of other top five school marks Snyder left behind when coming to A&M in the winter of 2012 were lowest rushing average (3.0) and fewest yards passing (2,139), fewestyardsrushing(1,288)andmost turnovers (34).

“He coaches on his toes, his players play on their toes,” said

Holtz. “That downhill mentality, he’s very aggressive. They are going to play the game the way it is supposed to be played with energy and that is exactly what he brings to the table.”

Snyder doesn’t need numbers to see where he stands. He’s had success at Youngstown State, winning three NCAA Division 1-AA national championships as a positions coach, and at Ohio StatewhentheBuckeyeswere4011 with Snyder as their defensive coordinator. Both stints were under Jim Tressel.

About the only place he hasn’t left with a winning record was when he was head coach at Marshall. He was 22-37 during a turbulent time, but got the team to a bowl his final season.

“I thought he did a great job at Marshall, turning that program around from where he inherited it, from where it was with some

scholarship limitations and everything else to finally growing that program to be a bowl team,” Holtz said. “I thought that was one of the tragedies to see the job he was doing there and to see him let go. That is why as soon on the day I heard it, I had him on the phone. I said I’ll do anything to get you. I was recruiting him from that day.”

So was A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, who was an assistant at Minnesota with Snyder in 199697 and tried to lure Snyder away from South Florida while he was head coach at Houston.

Sumlin said at the time he didn’t have the money.

That wasn’t a problem the second time around after SumlinmovedfromHoustontoA&M. “I know coach Sumlin knows what a gem he has with Mark Snyder as s defensive coordinator,” Holtz said.

Wide receiver

Wide receiver 13 Mike Evans, 6-5, 225, soph.

18 Edward Pope, 6-4, 180, fr.

9 Ricky Seals-Jones, 6-5, 225, fr.

23 Sabian Holmes, 5-11, 175, soph.

19 Jeremy Tabuyo, 5-11, 180, fr.

25 LaQuvionte Gonzalez, 5-10, 165, fr.

Left tackle

51 Jarvis Harrison, 6-4, 325, jr.

77 Shep Klinke, 6-7, 305, sr.

Center 56 Mike Matthews,6-2,285,soph.

68 Ben Compton, 6-4, 295, jr.

Right guard 74 Germain Ifedi, 6-5, 311, fr.

78 Garrett Gramling, 6-6, 315, jr.

Right tackle 70 Cedric Ogbuhi, 6-5, 300, jr.

79 Joseph Cheek, 6-7, 300, soph.

Tight end 81 Nehemiah Hicks, 6-4, 255, sr.

87 Cameron Clear, 6-6, 270, jr.

84 Malcome Kennedy, 6-0, 200, jr.

11 Derel Walker, 6-2, 185, jr.

83 Sebastian Larue,5-11,180,sr.

4 Ja’Quay Williams, 6-3, 210, fr.

80 Kyrion Parker, 6-2, 190, fr.

Quarterback 2 Johnny Manziel, 6-1, 200, soph.

16 Matt Joeckel, 6-4, 234, jr.

7 Kenny Hill, 6-1, 215, fr.

Tailback

Tackle 83 Alonzo Williams,6-4,280,soph.

55 Justin Manning, 6-1, 290, fr.

Rush end 95 Julien Obioha, 6-4, 255, soph.

35 Tyrell Taylor, 6-4, 230, jr.

10 Daeshon Hall, 6-6, 245, fr.

Weakside linebacker 8 Steven Jenkins, 6-2, 220, sr.

48 Darian Claiborne, 6-0, 225, fr.

Middle linebacker

DEFENSE

16 Donnie Baggs, 6-1, 230, jr.

45 Jordan Mastrogiovanni, 6-3, 235, fr.

13 Reggie Chevis, 6-1, 250, fr.

Strongside linebacker 3 Tommy Sanders, 6-2, 220, jr.

9 Nate Askew, 6-4, 235, sr.

33 Shaan Washington, 6-3, 220 fr.

End

Cornerback

1 Ben Malena, 5-9, 195, sr.

3 Trey Williams, 5-8, 195, soph.

21 Tra Carson, 6-0, 230, soph.

5 Brandon Williams, 6-0, 200, soph.

72 Gavin Stansbury, 6-4, 255, jr.

50 Tyrone Taylor, 6-3, 240, fr.

1 De’Vante Harris, 5-11, 175, soph.

7 Tramain Jacobs, 6-1, 190,sr.

Cornerback 29 Deshazor Everett, 6-0,185, jr.

37 Alex Sezer Jr., 5-9, 180, fr.

Back safety 31 Howard Matthews,6-2,200,jr.

4 Toney Hurd Jr., 5-9, 185, sr.

44 Sam Moeller,5-11,186,soph.

Free safety 25 Clay Honeycutt, 6-2, 200, jr.

14 Floyd Raven Sr., 6-2, 190 jr.

SPECIAL TEAMS Place-kicker 24 Taylor Bertolet 5-9 174 soph.

49 Josh Lambo 6-0, 215, jr.

Holder

38 Drew Kaser 6-3, 205, soph.

Punter 38 Kaser 6-3, 205, soph.

46 Shane Tripucka 6-3, 210, fr.

Snapper 75 Matthews 6-5, 305 sr.

54 Alex Freeman 6-1 228 jr.

Punt returner 23 Holmes 5-11 175 soph.

15 Travis Labhart 5-9 182 sr.

BrazosSports.com

Left guard

Wide receiver

42 Kirby Ennis, 6-4, 310, sr.

98 Hardreck Walker, 6-2, 300, fr.

99 Isaiah Golden, 6-2, 310, fr.

•

75 Jake Matthews, 6-5, 305, sr.

73 Jeremiah Stuckey, 6-4, 300, soph.

Tackle

The Eagle

OFFENSE

Swope (72 catches-913 yards, 8 TDs); WR Uzoma Nwachukwu (26 catches-485 yards, 7 TDs); WR Kenric McNeal (19 catches-265 yards, 2 TDs); C Patrick Lewis (48 career starts); OT Luke Joeckel (AAmerican); DT Spencer Nealy (42 tackles, 7.5 TFL); DE Damontre Moore (85 tackles, 21 TFL); MLB Jonathan Stewart (81 tackles, 7 QBPs); LB Sean Porter (66 tackles); CB Dustin Harris (30 tackles); FS Steven Terrell (61 tackles); P Ryan Epperson (42.0 avg. on 41 punts) Team statistics: scoring offense (44.5 ppg, 1st in SEC); rushing offense (242.1 ypg, 1st; passing offense (316.5 ypg, 1st); total offense (558.5 ypg, 1st); scoring defense (21.8 ppg, 7th); rushing defense (139.5 ypg, 7th); pass defense (250.7 ypg, 12th); total defense (390.2 ypg, 9th); kickoff returns (19.9 avg., 13th); punt returns (13.3 avg., 4th); net punting (39.8 avg., 5th) Head coach: Kevin Sumlin (112 at A&M, 46-19 overall in five seasons) Assistant coaches: Clarence McKinney, offensive coordinator/ running backs; Mark Snyder, defensive coordinator; Jake Spavital, co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks; Marcel Yates,co-defensive coordinator/safety; B.J. Anderson, offensive line; Jeff Banks, tight ends/special teams coordinator; David Beaty, wide receivers/recruiting coordinator; Mark Hagen, linebackers; Terry Price,defensive line.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Texas A&M depth chart

2012 record: 11-2 (6-2 in the SWC West, tied for 2nd) Offensive starters returning (6): QB Johnny Manziel, 6-1, 210, soph. (295 of 434 for 3,706 yards, 26 TDs, 9 int. & 201 carries-1,410 yards, 7.0, 21 TDs); WR Mike Evans, 6-5, 225, soph.

(82 catches-1,105 yards, 13.5, 5 TDs); LG Jarvis Harrison, 6-3, 320, jr. (18 career starts, 13 last season); RG Cedric Ogbuehi, 6-5, 295, jr. (19 career starts, 13 last season); LT Jake Matthews, 6-5, 305, sr. (33 career starts, 13 last season, A-SEC); RB Ben Malena, 5-8, 195, sr. (138 carries-808 yards, 5.9, 8 Tds).

Defensive starters returning (5): T Kirby Ennis, 6-4, 310, sr.

(24 tackles); E Julien Obioha, 6-4, 255,soph. (25 tackles); LB Steven Jenkins, 6-2, 220, sr. (79 tackles); CB Deshazor Everett, 6-0, 181, jr.

(56 tackles,7 PBU); S Howard Matthews, 6-2, 206, jr. (58 tackles) Specialists returning: PK Taylor Bertolet, 5-9, 174, soph. (13-22 FGs, 67-74 PATs) Key additions: RB Brandon Williams, 6-0, 200, soph.; RB Tra Carson, 6-0, 230, soph.; TE Cam Clear, 6-6, 270, jr.; LB Tommy Sanders, 6-2, 220, jr.; WR JaQuay Williams, 6-3, 210, fr.; DT Isaiah Golden, 6-2, 310, fr.; DT Justin Manning, 6-1, 290, fr.; WR LaQuvionte Gonzalez, 5-10, 165, fr.; DE Daeshon Hall, 6-6, 245, fr.; WR Ricky Seals-Jones,6-5,225,fr.; LB Jordan Mastrogiovanni,fr.; LB Darian Claiborne, fr.; Alex Sezer, Jr., fr.

Key departures: WR Ryan

•

Eagle photo by Stuart Villanueva In 2012, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel set the SEC single-season record for total offense with 5,116 yards.

TEXAS A&M AGGIES

College Football 2013

AGGIES

Kickoff returner 3 Williams 5-8 195 so.

1 Malena 5-9 195 sr.

19

REWORKED INSIDE AND OUT

College Football 2013 The Eagle

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