Texas A&M's 48-20 win over Arizona State is defined by the Aggies' fourth quarter, scoring 24 points, thanks to two pick-six scores from sophomore Edge Marco Jones and senior cornerback Julio Humphrey, who dominated in the second half and were two of the highest-rated players in Pro Football Focus's post-game grades.
During the preseason, Texas A&M's secondary, especially the cornerback rotation, looked like one of the roster's predominant strengths, as senior Dezz Ricks returned for his final season as the No. 1 lockdown CB, while the addition of Tennessee transfer Rickey Gibson provided immediate depth and starting potential.
However, Julio Humphrey, who, due to injuries and a lack of trust from the coaching staff, did not see the field much
last season, put in the necessary amount of work and then some this offseason, outright earned the No. 2 CB job, and has thrived during his first two starts.
Per PFF, Humphrey led the cornerback room with a 79.9 coverage grade, allowing just three catches on six targets for 42 yards and ASU wide receiver Reed Harris' first half touchdown. Dezz Ricks finished with a 71.9 coverage grade, allowing just one reception on two targets for just one yard.
Senior nickel Bravion Rogers was equally impressive in coverage (71.4), allowing just two receptions on five targets for seven yards, and has quickly risen as one of the most reliable starters/reserve options, outperforming starting nickel Jordan Shaw. Rickey Gibson did not have a good game, allowing two receptions on two targets for 52 yards and a poor coverage grade (42.8).
Allowing a total of two touchdowns to one star wide receiver is a job well done by Texas A&M's secondary, which should continue to get better going into SEC play.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Per PFF, several Texas A&M cornerbacks stood out against Arizona State
