Only one Saturday remains between now and the first game of Texas A&M’s season. Today, we’re taking a look at one of the most pivotal positions on the football field: the linebackers.
Who did we lose?
- Solomon DeShields represents the biggest loss in production for the Aggies at the linebacker position. Deshields mostly played in a relief role but did make one start last season. DeShields has moved on to the NFL.
Who do we bring back?
- Taurean York and Scooby Williams were starters at linebacker for Texas A&M most of last season, and the Aggies get both back in 2025. They’ll be the core of a defense that is expecting big improvements in 2025.
- Jordan Lockhart and Tristan Jernigan both return for their sophomore seasons, while Daymion Sanford returns for his junior season. Sanford represents quality and experienced depth for the Aggies, while both Lockhart and Jernigan will look to contribute more after playing sparingly in 2024.
What other names should we know?
- Linebacker was not a position group that Texas A&M felt it needed to address in the portal over the course of the off-season. The Aggies did bring in two freshman backers, however. I don’t expect Noah Mikhail or Kelvion Riggins to be called on too much, but both could make appearances, given the physical nature of the SEC and the possibility for injury.
Overall Grade: B
This is a group that brings both solid production and experience back for 2025. Taurean York is the leader of this locker room, and I expect a better season out of him in 2025. If Scooby Williams can stay healthy, this makes for a really solid duo.
Behind Williams and York, Sanford’s experience helps provide solid depth
and familiarity with Mike Elko’s system. I also think Lockhart will see a lot of time on the field in 2025. I need to see more playmaking ability out of this group to move them any higher, but Texas A&M should feel good about what they have at the position this season.
