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A Changing of the Guard? As Texas A&M fans eagerly anticipate the beginning of the 2007 football season, many are wondering if this could be - the year. Not just a year labeled a success because of an acceptable number of wins and a good bowl game, but one where the Aggies are at the top of the Big 12 conference and receiving mention among college football's elite programs. Positive steps were obvious in 2006, but the 9-wins, which included a late-season victory over arch rival Texas, failed to adequately satisfy the growing maroon appetite. A 12-7 win in Austin used to be good enough, but bragging rights over the Horns are no longer considered the benchmark of success - and a loss to Cal in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl put a damper on what would have otherwise been a solid season. This season, though, could offer more. Much more! If the depth chart and its collection of stars were the only measuring stick, the Aggies would likely have been the pre-season choice to win the Big 12 conference. But the schedule - specifically the road schedule - is tough and that provides the resistance to the wagon being completely full. It can be argued, however, that A&M has more horses in more starting positions than any other stable in the conference, and a glance at the collection of skill on offensive side of the ball makes that clearly obvious. Stephen McGee is unquestionably the backbone of the A&M team. The junior signal caller from Burnet has been compared to former Aggie great Bucky Richardson and it's not just because of the number 7 he wears on his back. Like Richardson in the late 80's, many think of the fiery quarterback as purely a runner but it's far more than his legs that add value. In addition to rushing for over 800 yards, McGee passed for 2295 yards and 12 touchdowns, completing 62% of his throws (194 of 313) with only 2 interceptions. A pre-season injury to his throwing arm (triceps muscle) lingered for much of the season, but, unlike the reaction in Austin, the Aggies and their fearless leader pieced together nine wins without registering an excuse after a loss. That attitude typifies McGee and is a reflection of the hard-working, determined and spirited character that runs throughout the remainder of the roster. Those traits are certainly key components to the make-up of any championship caliber team, but what could eventually push A&M into national title contention is the collection of skill that comes with it. Sophomore running back Michael Goodson rushed for 847 yards (6.7 yards/carry average) during his true freshman season in Aggieland and the talented tailback from Klein Collins may end up being the best player to ever play the RB position at Texas A&M. High praise, no doubt, but the combination of speed, vision and explosiveness is, in this corner, unmatched by anyone else in the Big 12 conference. Listed as a pre-season All-Big 12 pick, Goodson is a safe bet for future Heisman Trophy mention as well, especially if you consider the experience and ability of the players who will be blocking for him up-front. Senior center Cody Wallace, a first-team all-Big 12 pick in 2006, is the cornerstone of what many consider to be one of the best starting offensive lines (along with OU) in the Big 12 conference. It's certainly the most experienced and this group of talented upperclassmen helped pave the way for 2689 yards and 32 rushing touchdowns last season. Senior leader Kirk Elder flanks Wallace at guard and beside Elder at quick tackle is the player who might eventually be drafted higher by the NFL than any of the other lineman in the group, junior Yemi Babalola. All told, 4 seniors including guard Chris Yoder and tackle Corey Clark comprise the starting unit. If the swivel of Goodson maneuvering behind an experienced and top-ranked offensive line isn't enough to push the Aggies over the top, then a train plowing straight ahead probably will be. Junior running back Jorvorskie Lane, who will likely eclipse the scoring record (rushing touchdowns - 44) established by former Aggie tailback Darren Lewis, is one - if not the - best big backs in the country. Leading Lane into the hole is the blue-collar, unsung hero of A&M's offense and one of the top fullbacks in the country, Chris Alexander. The senior from Humble is a tremendous asset to A&M's offense, both as a lead blocker and a receiver out of the backfield. During last season's game against Texas, the big fullback leveled several Longhorn defenders as the Aggies plowed their way downfield on a 16 play - 88 yard game-clinching drive. Those blocks may go unnoticed by most neutral observers but they are delivered on a week-in, week-out basis. The receiving corps should be led by another All-American candidate, tight end Martellus Bennett. Tellus not only compliments the offensive line with excellent blocking ability on the edge, but his athletic skill as a pass catcher in space provides QB Stephen McGee and the offense with another dangerous offensive weapon. Senior Joey Thomas and his receiving skills compliment those of Bennett and give A&M one of the top two tight end combinations (along with Missouri) in the country. At wide receiver, Pierre Brown and Kerry Franks are both poised for big seasons. Earvin Taylor and Howard Morrow are big targets with experience. The speed and vertical capabilities of E.J. Shankle and the size of Terrence McCoy (6'4" 206) give the Aggies an abundance of valuable commodities should the offense choose to get it done through the air. The offense as a whole could be the best ever at Texas A&M. The talent is certainly in place to validate that claim, but one of the few questions being asked is whether or not McGee can effectively distribute the football to his vast array of weapons. If the answer is yes, and all indications are that will be, then opposing defenses won't be able to stack to stop the run. If opponents are made to play A&M honest, specifically vertically, then there likely won't be a game on the schedule that the Aggies can't control offensively. Gary Darnell and the Wrecking Crew defense made great strides in 2006. The numbers before his arrival were horrendous, but the witty defensive coordinator smartly simplified the defense, fine-tuned assignment and focused on aggressively running to the football. Those adjustments coupled with A&M's ability to control the football and eat up clock on offense helped produce a dramatic turnaround. The end result was fresher, more confident football players and a significant jump up the statistical ladder. Continued defensive improvements in 2007 could dramatically enhance A&M's chances at reaching Big 12 title and BCS bowl games. While the offense has a number of key players who won't be around in 2008, the defense is more a mixture of seasoned veterans with young stars prepared to make a name. Led by pre-season All-Big12 pick Chris Harrington and senior leader Red Bryant, the defensive line, like their counterparts on the offense, are a talented and experienced group. But there are other stars in the making, like Cyril Obiozor, Kellen Heard and Michael Bennett. NT Henry Smith doesn't get the notice, but when he wants to collapse the interior he's as good as it gets. Amos Gbunblee and Chris Smith provide valuable depth and newcomer Lucus Patterson (moved from the offensive line in the spring) could be a surprise addition to the interior. Rumor has it that the line-backing corps is as good a group as A&M has had under Dennis Franchione. Senior Mark Dodge stuffed Texas' Henry Melton on 4th and 1 near the goal line to open the game against the Longhorns last season and then picked off a pass to seal it at the end. Misi Tupe is a great defender in space, and pair of sophomores - Anthony Lewis and Matt Featherston - round out the two-deep. Top-rated recruit Derrick Stephens of Cy-Falls high school could earn early playing time. The defensive backfield has come a long way in two seasons and if A&M expects to be Big 12 champions it could be this unit that eventually allows that to happen. The 4-man rotation at cornerback is probably the best it's been in a number of years, with Danny Gorrer, Jordan Peterson, Marquis Carpenter and Arkeith Brown. Safety is the position that should have Aggie opponents on the alert as newcomers Jordan Pugh and Kenny Brown are both rising stars at the WHIP position. Devin Gregg returns at free and Alton Dixon packs a punch at strong safety. The roster is finally filled with talented players that Coach Dennis Franchione has recruited to A&M. During last week's Big 12 Conference media days, Coach Fran proclaimed this team his best since his arrival prior to the 2003 season. Schedule aside, it's not far-fetched to believe the Aggies are better, at least on paper, than any opponent they'll play in 2007. Everything seems to be in place to make a legitimate run at the Big 12 championship. More importantly, the players, after being two yards away (against OU) from reaching the title game a year ago, now believe anything is possible. Accomplish the primary goal of a Big 12 championship and it could be a season to remember, as the Big 12 title holder is usually in line for national honors. Let the games begin! Texas A&M Depth Chart Texas A&M Roster |