The situation: defensive recruiting
While the Aggies seem pretty close to set on the offensive side of the ball, there are still a few moving pieces on the defensive side for the 2018 recruiting class.
Defensive end: The biggest unknown?
Committed: Max Wright, Katy Taylor; Tyree Wilson, New London
Targets: Jeremiah Martin, San Bernardino (Ca.) Cajon; Joseph Ossai, Conroe Oak Ridge
The situation: Even with the emergence of Landis Durham as a budding star, this remains a critical position in terms of 2018 recruiting. After all, the Aggies will lose Jarrett Johnson -- a big loss -- and Qualen Cunningham after this season. There are rumblings freshman Tyree Johnson may not be happy and Micheal Clemons and Justin Dunning have yet to really make an impact.
Wright was one of the state's dominant players before tearing his ACL, but he should be healthy by the time next season starts. His injury, though really unfortunate, could ensure he's an early signee with A&M. Wilson is an athlete with a high upside, but right now is undersized. He'll probably need a year to get bigger and stronger.
At the moment (including commits) the depth chart for 2018 includes Durham and Clemons as starters, Tyree Johnson (if he stays) and Dunning as primary backups and fellow redshirt Ondario Robinson as well. Wright, if healthy, jumps into the rotation immediately. But this also shows why the Aggies are seriously pursuing Martin and Ossai and would take both if they want to commit. They're still after Alabama commit Vernon Jackson of Boling as well.
Defensive tackle: One more, please?
Committed: Dominic Livingston, Aldine Davis
Targets: Bobby Brown, Arlington Lamar
The situation: The Aggies wouldn't mind adding another tackle, but their options have really dwindled. Brown is listed as a defensive end, but when he's already 270 pounds, I think he's going to end up playing inside like Justin Madubuike. Brown is down to a couple of schools and it looks like (for the moment) that A&M and Alabama are the leaders.
Linebackers: Window shopping, could buy
Committed: DaShaun White (OLB), Richland; Brian Johnson (OLB), Manvel
Targets: Cameron Wilkins (MLB), Del Valle
The situation: With the emergence of Tyrel Dodson as an All-SEC player, Otaro Alaka returning for another season, Buddy Johnson developing quickly and Anthony Hines showing very strong positive flashes -- to say nothing of Santino Marchiol, who hasn't played yet but remains a big favorite of the coaches -- the Aggies suddenly have a solid group of linebackers for the first time in a half-decade. Adding more linebackers to the group they have committed has gone from a necessity to a positive development. White is the top player in this group and is up to around 220 pounds, but has kept his impressive speed. Johnson could end up being a nickel, but if he's a linebacker, he's one of the fastest in the nation in this class. Wilkins could well flip from terrible Mizzou, and then A&M can figure out whether he's a MIKE or an outside guy.
Safety: These aren't the droids you're looking for. Move along.
Committed: Leon O'Neal, Cy-Springs
Targets: None
The situation: The Aggies, frankly, don't need anyone else to join O'Neal in this class. He's become a leader among the 2018 class and fits in nicely with the future depth chart. Assuming Donovan Wilson returns next year (which, frankly, he should), the Aggies will have him, the rapidly emerging Derrick Tucker, Larry Pryor, Keldrick Carper, Ikenna Okeke and Speedy Howard. He could jump right into the two deep and perhaps push Okeke to linebacker (ok, that's me speculating). But in any case, the Aggies have a good bit of young quality depth and adding a hammer like O'Neal is just what the doctor ordered.
Cornerback: One more target
Committed: Jordan Moore, Yoakum
Targets: Isaac Taylor-Stuart, San Diego (Ca.) Helix
The situation: The Aggies' biggest problem so far this year has clearly been in the secondary, even though they've improved significantly after getting torched by Josh Rosen week 1. A&M got Jordan Moore as an early Christmas gift last year and has been looking to add one more corner if possible, but they blundered and lost out on some Houston-area prospects they might otherwise have been in on. But they're still in the mix for the top-rated guy on their list: Taylor-Stuart, who announced earlier this week he'll official to A&M.
Would the Aggies probably like to take more than one more corner given the circumstances? Probably, but the numbers game makes it really tough. They'll still have Charles Oliver (junior), Debione Renfro (sophomore), Myles Jones (sophomore), Nick Harvey (RS-senior), Kemah Siverand (RS-junior), Roney Elam (RS-junior), Clifford Chattman (RS-sophomore if he qualifies academically, Devin Morris (RS-freshman) and Travon Fuller (RS-sophomore). There just isn't much more room.