Aggie Yell Mailbag, Sponsored by Tipton Auto Group
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Here’s this weeks edition of the Aggie Yell Mailbag:
Q: Given we have had the #1 class before and the highest rated class ever, How would this class stack up against the 2022 class? (RIKKHEN)
A: It’s hard to say because they’re not done yet. We also have the benefit (or horror) of hindsight on the 2022 class, which skews our thoughts. It’s a different coaching staff with different needs and hopefully better thought-out plans. So far, I really like what they’ve done, and this week could start another run of commits.
Q: What is the percentage breakdown of our flock that have made it into the land of milk and honey and those left behind? (HeadleyG2)
A: You know I hate percentages. I think we have the large majority, but I feel bad for the folks who are having issues. It’s frustrating for me too.
Q: Are the three Edge commits going to play more of a LB role or DE? (Ag20)
A: I see Storm Miller and Samu Moala at the JACK, so they’d be a hybrid of both. Jordan Carter I see as a hand in the dirt end.
Q: What’s on3 Industry and how is that different than On3? I guess it doesn’t really matter, but no fun looking at our class drop from #2 to #4. Looks like a couple of 5*s (committed and leaning) lost a star in the transition. Any chance for changes this late in the game? (98 Percenter)
A: The On3 industry takes the rankings of other sites (247 and ESPN, now) and includes them in a composite. And as for the guys who lost a star — they may well get it back. On3 and Rivals are going to merge their recruiting rankings, so we’ll see how that shakes out.
Q: I got nothing against the kid except he’s a damn sip. Which is enough, right? But with that moron Finebaum telling everyone how great he is, is Manning the number 1 football player you have ever rooted against? Or do you have a top 5 college football players that you have hoped would just fail? (Tsmith3001)
A: For starters, I think Finebaum’s comment is stupid. That completely ignores Johnny, Cam Newton, Joe Burrow and goodness knows who else. But I don’t necessarily root against players unless they shoot their mouths off. The only two I can say I genuinely disliked were Arkansas OT Dan Skipper because of how dirty he was (and how Arkansas people rallied to his defense) and UCLA QB Josh Rosen. That’s it. I tend to save my ire for coaches, because they’re adults. When they drop their drawers, there’s no excuse. They should know better.
Q: The defense failed last year. Underwhelming run defense and no pass defense. Even a decent performance would have brought 2-3 more wins. Elko said he will fix it for the upcoming season. Were the issues coaching? Players? Is it reasonable to think Elko can fix it by being more involved? (Metzger field)
A: I think it was everything — coaching, scheme and players. It was the first year in the system for most of these guys, and they commented in the summer how much more complex it was than what they had under D.J. Durkin. The guys who are likely in the two-deep now either have a year of experience in it or are veterans. But the inability to play zone? That’s coaching. That’s why Lyle Hemphill is here, and why Elko’s more involved. If he can get this defense back close to 2021 levels — I say close because they were third in the nation in scoring defense and 14th in total defense — they’re going to win a lot of games.
Q: How would you compare A&M offensive line recruiting to Texas’s this year? (FbFan222)
A: Texas may have had more individual talent — the draft would sure indicate that — but as a group, they weren’t great. They pass blocked pretty well, but were 89th in sacks allowed and 121st in tackles for loss allowed. They were 71st in rushing (but 14th in passing, as Quinn Ewers threw a lot).
A&M was 69th in sacks allowed and 12th in tackles for loss allowed last season, and they should be better as a unit this year. Texas’ line was built more to protect Ewers. A&M’s was designed to pound you with the run (which didn’t work against South Carolina and Texas). They’re two different kinds of groups.
One thing that they both have in common is experience. Now, A&M needs to translate that into something tangible.
Q: What are the main differences between an official and unofficial visit? (AggieAppraiser)
A: An unofficial visit is one where the player is on his own dime and can take as many as he wants. An official visit is one where the school pays for everything, including airfare and lodging. Usually, parents and family members are invited as well.
Q: I do not think I have seen when SEC days are and when fall practice begins. (DentonAg80)
A: Media days are July 14-17, and practice will probably begin two weeks after that. So the end of the month, basically.
Q: With all of these weird position names for hybrid-style players, like DTs that are fast enough to play DE or LBs big enough to play DE, is there one for LBs fast enough to play DB or DBs who had the mass and strength to play LB?
Can you think of anyone who could actually do that? (3rd Gen Ag)
Q: With the change to on3 can you clarify the recruiting rankings we see for each player? For example, before the change Boobie was a five star and in the top 20 nationwide. After the switch he’s a 4 star and much lower ranked. I assume the new info we see for him reflects the On3 rating. But I also noticed that it still shows his rivals rating along with rating sites.
so I’m just a little confused about if rivals recruiting ratings are going away and now it’s all on3. Any clarification you can provide would be helpful. (Aggiewoo)
A: The new rating reflects the On3/Rivals ranking. But it’s now going to be just the Rivals ranking, with the On3 scoring scale of 0-100 compared to the old 5-6.1 scale. The Rivals 250 will become the Rivals 300. Basically, all recruiting stuff will be on Rivals, and we’ll all have access to it.
Q: How’s your mom doing?
A: She’s started chemo and she says she feels pretty good. But she’s also tired a lot.
How’s Arie?
Not so hot. She was back in the hospital for a couple of days last week, but they seem to realize that 1) Gee, she’s not making this up and 2) What we were doing ain’t working.
If Boobie goes west, what do you think made the final difference. It’s always nice to have some boobies in the house.
I can think of two things: Lincoln Riley’s offensive success and NIL. Even though USC has the number one class, they are desperate for playmakers.
What’s your take of the ON3 rankings versus the Rivals’ rankings? Are they configured/calculated any differently?
See right above.
What’s the ONE thing we should all be aware of as a benefit of the ON3 site that Rivals did not have? (Tsip Despiser)
The national coverage, from big stories to NIL and the portal, is excellent.
Q: 1) Which SEC school/stadium is your favor place to cover A&M away games?
A: I honestly do not have one. I feel out of place in each one.
2) Do you think this will be former 5-star DL D.J. Hicks‘ breakout season? (Chile Pequin)
It had better be. There’s a whole lot riding on his play this year. In fact, outside of Marcel Reed, there may be more pressure on him than any other single player on the team.
Q: Does our payment to Rivals cover On3 – is this subject to change? Any other transformations coming?
A: Your Rivals payment covers On3 and that should not change. Unless you feel like paying more, in which case I can start a tip jar.
Also, are NIL deals basically one-year terms that roll over if the player stays in school? (Mckd75)
I think that depends from one deal to another. If companies are smart, they are.
Q: 1. When do the players report?
A: All of them are there, but they’ll get a couple of weeks off and have to be back the night before camp starts. And that date we don’t know yet.
2. When do summer workouts start?
Workouts are ongoing. Training camp will start around the end of the month.
3. Generally speaking, what position groups do you view as key to this year’s success? The obvious ones seem to be DL and CB since they were atrocious last year.
I agree with the D-line, but I’d put the offensive line on there too. You have to control both lines of scrimmage.
4. Ever been to South Bend for a game? Thinking that’ll be my big roadtrip this year. If so, how was experience? (WLake_Ag)
Never been.
Q: Why the emphasis on Edge players and not strongside DEs? (Richard23)
A: I’m not sure there is one. They have Jordan Carter and Tristian Givens who are ends, but Samu Moala and Storm Miller are likely JACKs at the next level. They also have Jermaine Kinsler, who is a strongside defensive end, and they’re after Bryce Perry-Wright, who will announce his decision Saturday. Tank Jones can be whatever he wants.
Q: What are the top 3 ON3 sites in terms of subscribers? Where do we rank? (3s2ghill)
A: I don’t know, but some of the sites that have combined are really big. I would like to see us get to that level, and hopefully some new folks will try us out. (Hint, hint)
Q: quick review of when we need to watch for next several commitments……been on the road and out of the country….. (DentonAg80)
A: Tomorrow: Tank King and Boobie Feaster
Saturday: Bryce Perry-Wright
July 10: Lamar Brown
July 11: KJ Ford
July 18: Tylan Wilson
Q: I hope A&M gets a few recruits on the 4th of July. Do you expect any surprises? (SYoungblood)
A: I think they’ll get one. The surprise may be a disappointment.
Q: Based upon the team that Bucky has assembled, what is an early fair predicted Starting lineup? (RacerRod)
A: Good question. It may depend on whether Rashaun Agee gets his extra year of eligibility (which is expected). But here’s how I think it’ll shape out:
F: Federiko Federiko (5.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG at Texas Tech)
F: Mackenzie Mgbako (12.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG at Indiana)
G: Pop Isaacs (16.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.9 APG at Creighton)
G: Rylan Griffen (6.3 PPG, 2.1 RPG at Kansas)
G: Jacari Lane (17.3 PPG, 4 APG at North Alabama)
Q: Will Bucky be able to get enough players to fill a whole roster? (Spar2cus)
A: I think he may have to go with 13. But he’s got some scorers.
Q: Which position group performance are you anticipating the most? Which game will first tell that tale? (Longneck 80)
A: The defensive line, probably. They’re a very different looking group this year and I’m curious to see how that plays out. We probably won’t know until the Notre Dame game.
