Published Dec 3, 2020
AggieYell Mailbag
Mark Passwaters  •  AggieYell
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@mbpRivals

Here's the AggieYell Mailbag for the first week of December, 2020:

Q: ok - seems like a good question is WTF is going on with WR development? As you mentioned in Monday Thoughts, they have 4* and 5* players on the bench or on the field taking up space and nothing else. With around 10-13 WRs on the roster, you basically have a TE, converted WR/RB, and maybe Chase Lane if he plays.

Deeper thoughts on player development or the lack thereof by this staff? (Rooster77)

A: It's pretty clearly an issue, considering how short-handed they are right now. This is one area where the spread actually kind of hurts. Texas wideouts and many around the country are used to running two or three different routes, then A&M throws a huge book at them that gives them a whole lot less of an opportunity to improvise. Also, if you don't block well, you don't play. It seems like the combination of those two is hindering a lot of wideouts and at some point, you're either going to have to make adjustments or run out of guys who can play.

Q: As of now, which uncommitted players do you think will sign with A&M during the early signing period? (davidimy)

A: You really don't want me making predictions about signees. Every time that happens, it's bad. So I'd just keep a look out for Tunmise Adeyele, LJ Johnson, Bryce Foster, Shemar Turner and Remington Strickland.

Q: Can you explain the wide variations in our QBs play? Have you ever seen someone so varied in his play from really good to downright atrocious? (BC93)

A: I think some is line play, some was the weather and some is between his ears. Kellen Mond has, for much of this year, relaxed and let his talent and training carry him. Last weekend, especially, he was thinking too much and it affected him. He needs to stop second-guessing himself and let it rip.

Q: Whats the probability of us keeping at least 1 or 2 of the Spiller/Smith/Wydermyer show after next season? Same for Kenyon and Leal (TAMU_insiderontwitter)

A: Right now, I'd say Spiller is the most likely of the group to lead and Ainias the least likely. But Kenyon may be at a new position next year, which could slow his progression a little bit; Leal has been really good, but hasn't become an absolute monster yet. Wydermyer's numbers may be reduced by the emergence of Baylor Cupp next year (if it happens).

Q: Were you surprised Achane did not get more playing time against LSU? (Maroon1)

A: I was. I thought that game set up well for him.

Q:Asking you to assess the seniors as follows:

1. Which were locks to get drafted or legit UFA opportunity before the season started and their status remains unchanged based on their play so far?

Locks? Kellen Mond, Buddy Johnson and Jhamon Ausbon. That was about it. Carson Green probably would have and Dan Moore may have gotten a look at guard.

2. Which have played well enough to become locks to get drafted or legit UFA opportunity?

Green, Moore, Jared Hocker, Jayden Peevy, Aaron Hansford, Micheal Clemons, Myles Jones and Keldrick Carper.

3. Which would benefit by taking advantage of the extra year?

Hansford and Peevy. I think they can go from mid- to late-round picks to much higher with an extra year of starting experience.

4. Which are most likely to take advantage of the extra year? (Aggiewoo)

A: Can't answer that one. Really haven't heard it brought up yet.

Q: Is Meyer's wife really looking for a house in Austin? (katyag)

A: Oh no, not this again.

Q: How come the officiating crew carries a 50 inch clock onto the field to count down every f'ing commercial, but they bring out a 6 inch screen for video review? (J87)

A: Good question, but I hate both pieces of equipment and really hate the guy holding the countdown clock.

Q: How do the Auburn db's compare to those from LSWho? (DriverD)

A: Safeties are a lot better, corners are not as good. They're an average secondary as a whole.

Q: What's your thoughts on Kellen's performance against LSU? It appears the rain and rust from a few weeks took a toll on the offense. Also any thoughts on who will replace Chase Lane in the line up? (Sheriff43)

A: It wasn't good, that's for sure. The weather was certainly a factor. The LSU pass rush was a factor. But he was also a factor (as I said above). The last two can be better and have to be.

As for Lane, sounds like they may not need a replacement. His injury apparently wasn't as bad as first thought.

Q: Spiller, Smith & Achane are the best trio of RBs since _____?

You'd have to go back to the 80s.

Would it be better for the program to lose a playoff game or win a New Years Day bowl game?

Man, it's always better to be in the final four.

Assuming those were the only two options.I think our teams are generally intimidated by Bama and LSU so we go into the game at a disadvantage. It's been better for some teams with better leadership, but in general we feel intimidated. What say you? (Booyah)

A: They absolutely were NOT intimidated by LSU. The defense especially. They knew they were better and were frustrated that they didn't win by more. Alabama may be a different story, because Buddy Johnson said they tied that game up at 14 and guys were shocked, like they didn't think they could win. They've got to kill that mindset dead, because they're getting to the point where they can (and should) compete with anyone.

Q: Sure seems we have lots of defensive signees, along with skilled positions. What are our chances with the big O line guys for commitments? Seems like if you follow Alabama's progress, they always get the pick of the liiter O line, and consistently put them in the NFL... this year is proof, I think, that the as the O Line goes, so goes the offense. Even more so next year when King or Calzada is behind center. (bobdoc54)

A: Don't forget that A&M already has three tackles committed. Deuce Fatheree shot up the rankings this time and is a high 4-star; Trey Zuhn is in the Rivals 250 and Matthew Wykoff is a monster. So it's not like they haven't done a lot of good there already.

Q: Is the kicker on the football team also the safety in case the return man gets down field or do all kickers run to the sidelines as soon as they kick off. Asking for a friend. (86aggie)

A: No, you run down the field and get ready to tackle. Ask Braden Mann.

Q: Can you neither confirm nor deny that Leal was the sophomore who told Anthony Hines to buzz off when he tried to sow dissent? (Aggiewoo)

A: All I'm gonna say on that is there are certain underclassmen who have the clout, both physically and in reputation, that you don't mess with. DeMarvin Leal tops that list.

Q: Is there a chance Clemons might play against Auburn? (superag1000)

A: No.

Q: Say Urban Myer is named coach by the end of the week. Does that throw recruiting into a cocked hat? (h273)

A: No, not for 2021.

Q: what positions will be the focus for the 2022 class???

A: Hard to say until we see how this class ends up. That may change their thinking.

who has not played any down in the 2020 class?

A: Chris Morris, Josh Bankhead, Braedon Mowry, Josh Moten, Dallas Walker and Blake Smith. The rest have at least gotten a couple of snaps here and there.

thought that Muhsim Muhammad was a very polished receiver, thought he would have contributed already this year. what's going on with him?

A: Same thing that's going on with Demond Demas and a lot of other receivers. They just don't think he's ready yet.

will we have enough talent next year on offense? new QB , replacing 4 out 5 players on the OL, new WR's....(mrdoctore86)

A: I like Haynes King a lot, so I'm optimistic there. You'll have Cupp (hopefully) with Wydermyer. You have all the backs returning. None of the wideouts are leaving unless they transfer. You get Caleb Chapman back. Demas and Muhammad should be ready to contribute by next year. The line will be talented but inexperienced, so I don't think it'll be as good as this year's but should be manageable. So I'm pretty optimistic they can be good next year in spite of the turnover.

Q: How does Manziel saying he accepted money from alumni affect the program? (ag20)

A: It doesn't.

Q: Probably missed this - but is there an opportunity for Clemons to make it back for the CFP?

If they get there, he should be back.

Also do you have any insight if Achane can transition to WR and play a Ainias like roll...as it seems like Spiller is destined to get all carries and such a waste to not have Achane out there in some fashion. (Fatrobby)

A: Sure, I think that's a possibility. I don't think he will this year for obvious reasons (time), and they need him in the backfield right now. But it's definitely something I think he would be able to do (and has already kind of proven).