Can the corners do it again?
AggieYell.com is breaking down the 2016 Aggie football team one position group at a time, from highest rated to lowest. The number six group on the list: the cornerbacks.
Why they're sixth: Neither starting job is locked down and there are questions about the overall depth of the group. Then again, there was last year as well and they responded brilliantly. And, unlike last year, there are a lot of options to choose from in 2016.
The likely starters:
Junior Nick Harvey
Height/Weight: 5'10", 180 lbs.
2015 stats: 29 tackles, 2 TFL, 4 passes broken up
Harvey did a good job backing up Brandon Williams last year and gets his shot at a starting job in 2016. He had the job through the spring and is probably the most likely guy to start this year. A fantastic athlete, the coaching staff is hoping his play matches his talent.
Redshirt Junior Priest Willis
Height/Weight: 6'2", 200 lbs.
2015 stats: Redshirted
After sitting out a year due to his transfer from UCLA, the Aggies get a former high 4-star recruit from the 2014 recruiting class. Willis played a fair amount with the Bruins, but never seemed to find his niche and transferred. Now, he'll be playing for a defensive coordinator who loves big, physical corners. Willis has a lot to prove, but A&M has faith that he'll be very productive in John Chavis' scheme.
In the mix:
Sophomore Deshawn Capers-Smith
Height/Weight: 6', 190 lbs.
2015 stats: 2 tackles in 6 games
Used sparingly as a corner during his freshman season, the Aggies are hoping another outstanding athlete can transition to corner like Brandon Williams did last year. Capers-Smith got a chance to run with the first team some this spring before being passed by Willis, but will continue to get a look this fall. He will likely see his playing time increase this season.
Senior Alex Sezer Jr.
Height/Weight: 5'9", 180 lbs.
2015 stats: 7 tackles in 12 games
Probably the fastest player on the team, Sezer has found the transition to defensive back to be less than easy. He did work his way into the backup nickel job for a few games last year and got a long look at corner in the spring. That final audition will likely continue in the fall.
Redshirt Junior Noel Ellis
Height/Weight: 5'10", 185 lbs.
2015 stats: 17 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery
Ellis is definitely going to play a significant amount in 2016, it's just a matter of how he's used. He could certainly remain as the backup nickel to Donovan Wilson, but if a new arrival like Okenna Okeke is ready for that job, then Ellis could be moved back outside and compete for a starting job at corner. Largely overlooked, Ellis remains a guy with solid coverage skills who doesn't mind putting a hit on a receiver or running back.
Redshirt Freshman Roney Elam
Height/Weight: 6'2", 180 lbs.
2015 stats: Redshirted
Elam is an interesting case, because he's got the size John Chavis desires and has a lot of athleticism, but he wasn't ready to go during his freshman campaign. Obviously bigger in the spring, Elam still is a ways down the depth chart and will have to fight his way up.
Redshirt Junior Victor Davis
Height/Weight: 6', 180 lbs.
2015 stats: 3 tackles, 3 PBU in 5 games
Davis was buried on the depth chart last year and wasn't used much at all. He's a solid defender against the run, but has struggled in pass coverage. He'll have to have a great summer to pass up the younger players ahead of him.
True Freshman Charles Oliver
Height/Weight: 6'2", 185 lbs.
2015 stats (at Fairfield High School): 1,775 yards rushing and 22 TD
Oliver was the first corner commit Chavis got at A&M and he fits the bill for what the defensive coordinator is looking for. He's tall, physical, fast and has room to grow. Chavis has already said how excited he is to see Oliver compete this summer, so he might be one to watch shoot up the depth chart once training camp begins.
True Freshman Travon Fuller
Height/Weight: 6', 170 lbs.
2015 stats (at Athens High School): 54 tackles, 7 PBU, 2 INT, 1 forced fumble
The first member of the 2016 signing class to commit, Fuller brings solid ball skills and good speed to secondary. He's been largely overlooked as the recruiting class reaches campus, but he's got the talent to compete for playing time.