AggieYell Mailbag

Q: Mark, having read your recent articles, my wife wants to know why it's so hard for A&M to recruit linebackers? (Chuck70)

A: Interestingly enough, A&M actually had a pretty nice linebacker haul in the 2017 class with Anthony Hines, Santino Marchiol and Buddy Johnson. Rivals.com said it was one of the top 10 in the nation. Previous years have been a different story. Last year they only nabbed Tyrel Dodson; the year before that, they took four but only one -- Richard Moore has contributed. Dwaine Thomas was a late add who showed a little bit in the bowl game; Riley Garner hasn't stayed healthy and Landis Durham isn't a linebacker anymore. They did a poor job evaluating and missed out on their top targets. It seems to have improved in 2017, but we'll see if that carries over from here on out.

Q: With the emphasis on bigger DBs, what is the prototypical size Sumlin and Chavis are looking for at DT, DE, CB, LB and safety? (Aggieluke04)

A: I don't know if they're eliminating guys based on height, but you can assume they would prefer players over 6 feet across the board. At DT, they want someone in the 310-320 range; at DE, they want quickness so 260-270. Linebackers, depending on position, would probably range from 225 (outside) to 240 (middle). Corners would be over 6 feet, like mentioned before, and weight can vary. Safeties you probably want in the 200 to 210 range, but that depends on height and frame. Justin Dunning is a lot bigger than that.

Q: Is time just an illusion? (Richard23)

A: Time is real. It's existence that may be illusory.

Q: Any news on potential football transfers to A&M? (ag20)

A: One player who seems to be interested in making a move to A&M is former LSU QB Brandon Harris. I don't necessarily think that's a great fit, but he made an indication he's looking A&M's way in an interview with the Baton Rouge Advertiser (here). Another player A&M had an interest in is former Clemson DT Scott Pagano, but the Aggies didn't go after him that hard and he's eliminated them. I think it's still possible A&M brings in Alton Robinson after the spring.

Q: Is there any truth to the rumor that Moses Reynolds may be transferring? (Davidimy)

A: I don't see anything happening in the next few days before practice starts. If things don't shake out well for him this spring, I could see that being a legitimate possibility.

Q: Considering our most experienced OL are on the interior, Williams, Ford, and Bussey,an inexperienced QB and WRs, what's our ability and interest in emphasizing the run this year (without relying on a running QB)? (bushaggie)

A: I think they're definitely more interested in running the football this year. Noel Mazzone has indicated that already. If you have Prater/McCoy/Lanfear in the middle of the line, you should be able to run block pretty well up the middle.

Q: I understand they will add to football staff. Gary Kubiak was in town , why can't we use him in some capacity? Maybe get him ready to be head coach. (Bub1matte2)

A: Maybe they can use him in some capacity, but I am totally opposed to the idea of Kubiak as head coach. He has not been in the college ranks in more than 20 years, his NFL job nearly killed him and he has no ties high school coaches, no experience recruiting and would have no immediate people to hire for his staff. A&M already went down this road with Mike Sherman and it failed.

Q: Your thoughts on the announced Ole Miss FB sanctions? (BoxsterBoy72)

A: Well, the sanctions aren't announced yet, save for the self-imposed bowl ban for this year. But the allegations are damning and, if proven, they're in it deep. They would cripple the Ole Miss program for years to come.

Q: How does Sumlin and staff compare to Alabamas staff in regards to recruiting, X's and O's, and just in general on how to be successful? (Big Smoothie)

A: Take a look at Alabama's success on the field and in recruiting. Nobody compares to them, except maybe Clemson. It's a question that has a pretty obvious answer.

Q: Will we finally have a team that improves over the season? (anotheroldag)

A: The $64,000 question. Considering the youth of the team, especially on offense, I can see that happening. But will the coaching staff alter their approach to the stretch run? If they don't, then the team won't be any better.

Q: Based on a 4-3 defense, who would your top four all-time Aggies be? (Gulf Coast Ag)

A: Wow. This is a killer question. I'll give you a DT, a DE and two linebackers. Sam Adams, Myles Garrett, Von Miller and Dat Nguyen. If I had to add a couple of corners, Aaron Glenn and Ray Mickens (or maybe Kevin Smith?) would get the call. A&M has run a 3-4 for a lot of years, so that makes the choosing tough.

Q: If your still taking questions, what's up with Kubiak? Did he meet with the AD as reported by a poster on this board? Any buzz on what if any role he would have? (map87)

A: At this point, there is no buzz on any role. If he could be used as an offensive advisor, that would be tremendous. But as I said earlier, I'm worried about his health (first and foremost) and his lack of acclimation to the current college game.