AggieYell Mailbag

Q: Dead Horse Question here, again, but is the staff focused on Stidham at all? I'd hate to start next year with Hubenak and 3 fish, even if one is a red shirt. Mond may be the second coming but you see how that is working out in Georgia. (h273)

A: A&M is recruiting Stidham, but so is Auburn and so is (was?) LSU. It seems like the primary competition for his services will come from the SEC West.

Q: With a top 10 match up looming with a return to Kyle on 10/08, is the USCe game a classic set up for a trap game? (Smooth Obturator)

A: 1) If the Gamecocks had any semblance of an offense, yes.

Q: 1. Who is the likely starter at QB next year?

2. With the developments at lsu, land theives and whorns, who are recruits we have realistic shots at that we were written off from previously? (aggieluke04)

A: 1) Long way to go, but right now Jake Hubenak has to be considered the leader for the job.

2) I don't think they're after anyone they hadn't previously written off, it's just that they have a better shot at some guys who may have otherwise remained firmly committed.

Q: Expectations (at beginning of season) versus actual performance for each position group thru 4 games. Please treat CBs and safeties as separate position groups. (Pebbycree)

A: QB -- Then: Average. Now: Above average. Knight has impressed me with his ability to make plays with his feet, his decision making the last two games and the ability to hit the deep ball.

RB -- Then: Average. Now: Excellent. I don't know if you could expect what you're getting in terms of production.

WR -- Then: Excellent. Now: Average. Reynolds has been awesome. Kirk and RSJ have had moments, but not consistent excellence. The rest have been AWOL.

OL -- Then: Below average. Now: Well above average. Jim Turner's group has given up 4 sacks and leads the SEC in rushing yardage. Just getting to ok would have been a great step, and they're beating people up.

DE -- Then: Excellent. Now: Excellent. Myles Garrett is the best player in the game. Daeshon Hall is now a force against the run as well as the pass. Jarrett Johnson has been splendid.

DT -- Then: Above average. Now: Excellent. Henderson, Keke, Mack, Walker and Chevis have all had moments where they've been outstanding. All together, they've been very, very good.

LB -- Then: Average. Now: Excellent. Alaka, Washington, George, Dodson and Moore have done a great job to this point. The rush defense has benefitted greatly from their improvement.

S -- Then: Excellent. Now: Excellent. There aren't enough superlatives with Armani Watts and Justin Evans. Donovan Wilson has done really well at several positions. Larry Pryor has also done a nice job.

CB -- Then: Average. Now: Below average. This is the weak point of the defense. Both Priest Willis and Nick Harvey have been lit up on more than one occasion. The sole positive has probably been the emergence of Alex Sezer as an asset in passing situations.

Special Teams -- Then: Average. Now: Excellent. Shane Tripucks has been consistently good, Daniel LaCamera has been great and Braden Mann is a force with one kickoff after another going out the back of the end zone. Coverage teams have been outstanding. Christian Kirk had his fumble and the kickoff return group has been up and down, but not warranting a red mark.

Q: With us playing tangible, palpable smash-mouth aggressive football compared to Texas now, I still have to wonder why the Brownings of the world would be such heavy leans to a place like tu. I can't wrap my head around it. Eventually the lines they are feeding them have to be called out right? Soft conference with instability all around, a conference that is clearly down more than ever this year with scandal to boot. (Gesimar)

A: It may have already happened. Texas may be leading for Baron Browning and Walker Little, which is great for them, but two players isn't going to make for a great class. Remember, A&M is 10th right now and Texas is 60th in the Rivals rankings. Texas has only gotten five commits -- all 3-stars -- this calendar year. Maybe some of that has to do with them hoping they'll go on a spree late like they did last year, but I think some of it has to do with big names taking a wait-and-see approach with both Texas and A&M. If Texas doesn't significantly improve their level of play on the field, they're going to be hard-pressed off it.

Q: What are your thoughts on McCoy's snaps? I know he has been impressive with his management of the line, but his slow, arcing snaps are driving me nuts. We are loosing precious time waiting for the ball to get to Knight IMO. (3s2ghill)

A: I think he's still learning the position. It needs to improve and I think it will over time.

Q: Any hope of corner play improving in the next game or so before TN and Bama? Or is it what it is, kind of like TKs accuracy? Seems like our weakest link on both sides of the ball, including special teams. (austinag2001)

A: Sure there is. Harvey has played well in the past and he and Willis can both step up their games between now and then. I think the biggest issue, especially for Harvey, will be between the ears. Keon Hatcher's a tough assignment and he had to deal with him one-on-one. If his confidence isn't shaken, he has a chance to rebound.

Q: Sumlin and Bielema don't seem to get along that great. Who are the coaches in the SEC that you think Sumlin looks up to or is good friends with? Any that he is not that fond of? (TaxMan90)

A: To the contrary, Bielema and Sumlin are established as good friends. Bielema normally refers to Sumlin as "Summy" and Sumlin talks highly of Bielema when he discusses him. On the other hand, I don't think he likes Muschamp or Hugh Freeze much at all.

Q: Since the end of last season, we've heard repeatedly that Sumlin should be fired. It happened during recruiting, all spring and summer, and even into fall camp. It sure seemed like ALOT of posters on this board shared that opinion. I know the mods defended his position as HC often. Where are those posters at now that Sumlin has led our Aggies to the top 10? Was that a small but vocal minority because it felt like the majority opinion? Will the all come back after our first loss? (Jessexy)

A: A lot of people were angry, and rightfully so. There were a lot of major league screwups last year, and the program ended up embarrassed. I know for a fact that a lot of big-money folks seriously considered eating Sumlin's contract and firing him in January, but decided against it. It's been a good choice because Sumlin has made some very difficult, very humbling and very good decisions so far. He has burned a lot of bridges over the past couple of years and will have to rebuild them. A big season will help sway a lot of people's thinking.

Q: Believe I read there will be a decreased interest in JC players. However, some key players on this year's roster are JC. Are we recruiting any key JC players? (drok)

A: Not at the moment.

Q: 1. Who does Sumlin dialog with via his headset during the game?

2. Your thoughts on why C. Kirk seems to have more dropped passes this year? (Boxsterboy72)

A: 1) Whoever he wants that has a headset.

2) Could be a lot of things. Minor injuries, change of quarterback, simple screwups. I'm not overly worried about it.

Q: Do you think David Beaty will return to A&M?

We lose both offensive tackles after this season. Who do you think takes over? We are set at the guard and center positions.

What happened to the DT in TN that we leading for? (GCJC)

A: 1) No.

2) Koda Martin and Tank Davis.

3) Ben Hutch? He's still expected to decide between A&M and Louisville.

Q: What is the deal with Ondario Robinson? Wasn't he supposed to commit to A&M? Will A&M give Alton Robinson another chance? Do you think Travis Etienne will recommit to A&M?

A: 1) He's still considered a very heavy lean to A&M. I think his dad is the lone holdup, because he wants him to go to Texas (and I'm not even sure that offer is valid anymore).

2) Maybe. I don't know.

3) No.

Q: 1. What does USCe bring to the table, challenges, etc?

2. After Alabama, is A&M the most stable program in the SEC? If so, that is shocking, what a difference a year makes. (BC93)

A: 1) They bring a lousy offense and a defense that bends and doesn't break. They're also very opportunistic, as they're +3 in turnovers.

2) They might be. Them or Florida.

Q: Mark how does this coaching staff get back to recruiting the dfw area like David Beaty and landing this wealth of talent in north Texas? 2) If Tom Herman, Art Briles, Jimbo Fisher were to land the Lsu job how would Kevin sumlin and this coaching staff do in head to head recruiting? (WimberlyAg1)

A: 1) I don't know, but they need to get back in there and re-establish relationships with high school coaches.

2) I don't think much would change. Les Miles doesn't get enough credit for the work he does as a recruiter.

Q: Can we all chip in money and extend Chiefs contract?

If I wanted to buy AY, who would I contact? (SuperCoolEric)

A: 1) No.

2) Nobody. Ever. It's not for sale, and if you even try to bring it up again, the owner will smite thee with the fury of...well, some guy who's not selling.

Q: Does Art Briles ever get legally charged with being an accessory after the fact for covering up multiple felony rapes at Baylor?

Seems like his actions are about the same as those who covered up Sandusky's crimes at Penn State, and they got charged there. (AginAfIII)

A: No. I have no faith in McClennan County doing anything against Briles or Baylor at all. In fact, I think it would be more likely that they obstruct an investigation than conduct one.

Q: Who are the starting DBs next year? Does Sheffield take Harvey or Willis' job? (Phastman)

A: One, don't count any Kendall Sheffield chickens until they're signed. A&M has led for him before, only to see him end up elsewhere. Right now, Harvey and Willis are your starters, but they'll get plenty of competition from Roney Elam, Deshawn Capers-Smith, Charles Oliver and maybe some other guys.

Q: Assume the stars align, the team continues to stay focused and improve and we either win out or worst case have one or two losses. How would you like to see this recruiting class rounded out and would we have to win it all to land your dream team?

How many more flips do you predict and from where? (Hogtide)

A: 1) To get what I want would require winning it all and then I'm not sure it could even happen. I'd like to get Marvin Wilson, Tyler Shelvin, Jhamon Ausbon, Austin Deculus, Rahyme Johnson, Jacob Phillips, Ondario Robinson, Anthony Hines, J.K. Dobbins and have Kendall Sheffield and Jarrett Stidham transfer in. That's not too much to ask, is it? (Hint: it is)

2) All I can guess is Ausbon will flip.

Q: With such a low completion percentage, are you surprised TK has not been picked off more? Is this due to "missing in the right spot" or luck?

Where would you rate the LSU HC gig? Top 5, Top 10, Top 25?

Is there initial list of top tier coaches realistic? Do they have the money?

I've only watched one SC game this year(the first one), but I noticed they have a backup QB that is extremely mobile. Considering the problems PVA&M's mobile QB gave us, do you have any concerns with our defense containing a guy like that? (Ag4SEC)

A: 1) He hasn't thrown many passes that have been interceptable. He hasn't made decisions to put himself in that situation.

2) Top 10 easily. Maybe top 5.

3) They've got plenty of money.

4) Brandon McIlwain is now their starter. And reminder: Prairie View scored zero points against A&M. They had to respectable drives. That doesn't constitute "problems." The Aggies know what South Carolina will do and what McIlwain is capable of and address it accordingly.

Q: The defense is pretty salty. How much longer before we call them The Wrecking Crew. Hope we do it before Myles leaves. (86Aggie)

A: You can call them that now. Nobody's stopping you. It doesn't mean everyone will agree with you, and I'm not. Nobody with a pass defense in the 100s gets that call from me.

Q: Will Ok State hang 100 on the whornes? (TnAgs)

A: No, but that game could be 49-47 pretty easily.

Q: What team has the most to worry about the way our offense and defense have been playing: Bama, Ol Miss, Tennessee? (Have Gun Will Travel)

A: Ole Miss. Their defense is 116th in rushing defense and 96th overall. A&M could gash them pretty severely.

Q: Feel free to punt this question because it doesn't concern the here and now. How do you see the O-line shaking out next year with the departure of the two Sr. tackles? Do one or both of the freshman starters move outside? Just curious on what you think the O-line will look like next year. (Biromeag)

A: The only position I think is up for grabs is right tackle, where Tank Davis may have to ward off Trevor Elbert and maybe Keaton Sutherland. Otherwise, I think Koda Martin, Colton Prater, Erik McCoy and Connor Lanfear are set.

Q: Update on which fish have played and who is most likely to be next. Is this the fewest since Sumlin has been here? Seems Hansford went out with an injury. Is he okay? (DriverD)

A: 1) Colton Prater, Trayveon Williams, Tyrel Dodson, Charles Oliver, Clifford Chattman, Aaron Hansford, Braden Mann and Austin Anderson have played. If they can avoid playing anyone else, they will. Ryan McCollum was added to the travel roster last week and Sutherland was dropped, so he might be the only one.

2) No, he was also dropped from the travel roster. Sumlin doesn't talk about injuries, but I don't think it was a coincidence that he got hurt against Auburn and then wasn't traveling.

Q: 1. I haven't noticed Daylon Mack as much this year. Is he just getting double teamed (and freeing up the others), is our depth greater than last year (and not rotated in as much), or is he just having a sophomore slump? 2. When the current agreement with Jerry World is finished, will we go back to home and home? What are the chances it is extended? 3. Is anything ever going to happen in the Ol Miss investigation? (DustyTx)

A: 1) He's improved week to week. He's seeing a lot of double teams, but last week against Arkansas he freed up a lot of other guys to make plays by pushing Arkansas' linemen around. He's not really slumping; in fact, you can make an argument he's getting better.

2) I sure hope they go back to home and home. I hate the current arrangement, but we've got it for another seven years.

3) They're not done yet. Patience, my child.

Q: Austin Allen made some NFL plays against us last Saturday. He was the only reason they were in the game. Was that the best QB, besides Kelly we will see this year? Please break down future SEC QB's. (brAg)

A: Allen was excellent. I think that's as good as well see this year, besides Kelly. For the rest of your question, I guess you mean remaining on the A&M schedule. So, let's go with this:

1) The best: Ole Miss' Chad Kelly

2) Most versatile: Tennessee's Joshua Dobbs

3) Potentially most deadly: Alabama's Jalen Hurts

4) Not good yet, completely inexperienced: South Carolina's Brandon McIlwain

5) Not good: Whatever Mississippi State puts out there

6) Let's see what changes are made: LSU's QBs

Q: Who gets credit for the vastly improved (to date) running game and our run defense? Doesn't LSU have to hire a new coach fast to keep their recruits from defecting? Who do you think the new LSU coach will be? It appears winning the Tennessee, Alabama, and LSU games are all possible, and needed to win the SEC West. Is there a loss, in your opinion, we can afford but still end up with a top 10 2017 recruiting class? (Chuck70)

A: 1) I think you have to credit Noel Mazzone, Jim Turner and their players on offense and John Chavis, his coaches and virtually everyone on defense. They made it a point of emphasis to run the ball and stop the run and have done so to date.

2) They're not going to hire one during the season.

3) I have no idea.

4) Yeah, they can lose a couple of games and end up with a top 10 class. 11-2 and is nothing to shake a stick at.

Q: Who did you want more prior to signing day, TW or Whaley? Who was the #1 RB on the A&M coaches' board? (Gulf Coast Ag)

A: 1) Williams, simply because I saw him in person and he went for 400 yards of total offense.

2) A&M told Whaley that they were down to him and Williams and it was first come, first served. Williams took the offer and A&M shut the door. That tells you that they were either even or Williams was preferred.

Q: Do you believe an institution of higher education will really hire Art Briles this year to be a head coach? Even Petrino had the wait a while and work to get back through Western Kentucky. I think boosters and fans may want him, but I can't see a university board approving someone like him yet. (bigstu)

A: I would hope nobody would be that disgusting and morally bankrupt to hire the scumbag, but I know even as I write this that someone's probably going to disappoint in an effort to win more football games. Baylor's already proven that morality's negotiable, and I'm sure they're not the only ones who will sell their souls.

Q: Would getting two of the three - Wilson, Hutch, Shelvin - indicate a paradigm shift in the power structure of the SEC West? (Reckless75)

A: Not necessarily.

Q: Did we initially have interest in Austin Deculus? Months ago I noticed that he was a very high ranking recruit but there did not seem to be much interest from A&M. I thought maybe he just not Turner's type of guy. What has changed. (SuperAg1000)

A: Sumlin saw him in person and he wrecked shop a couple of weeks ago. Add in the uncertainty with LSU and maybe A&M thinks they can get in on him.

Q: If we go 11-1 and play for an SEC title, I know that's a huge if, what are the odds we get back in the hunt for Okudah and Browning? (saltwata)

A: No 0%, but less than 1%.