WATCH: Texas A&M defensive back Leon O'Neal returns pick-six 85 yards
With Texas A&M needing a play to get things going in its season opener Saturday evening, Leon O’Neal delivered with a pick six. O’Neal intercepted Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum and took it 85 yards to the end zone.
The play ended up being the spark the Aggies needed to finish this game. On Texas A&M’s next offensive drive, running back Devon Achane found the end zone on a 63-yard scamper.
Before the score from O’Neal, A&M was clinging to a 13-3 lead late in the third quarter. The Aggies started freshman quarterback Hayne King, who is taking over under center after the graduation of Kellen Mond. The young quarterback tossed his first touchdown of the year to Ainias Smith in the first quarter.
The A&M defense was strong all evening and didn’t allow a touchdown until 8:27 left in the game. The Aggies ranked No. 1 in the SEC last year in yards allowed (317.3 per game).
Entering his senior season with Texas A&M, O’Neal is expected to play a big role in 2021. He had 48 tackles, two interceptions and three pass break ups a year ago. He also had an interception in the Aggies’ season opener against Texas State in 2019.
They are coming off a 9-1 season and Orange Bowl victory against North Carolina. They began this season at No. 6 in the AP poll and have an opportunity to move into the top 5 next week after No. 3 Clemson lost to Georgia.
Things get much tougher for the Aggies going forward. Texas A&M has a couple more nonconference games before opening up SEC play on Sept. 25 against Arkansas. Next up they will face Colorado at 2:30 p.m. CST on Sept. 11 in Denver, Colorado.
Does Leon O’Neal have any more pick six plays in him this season? Either way, he figures to play a major role for the defense as they begin their march to the top of the SEC.