Top linebacker options in the transfer portal for Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s biggest positional need in the transfer portal this offseason is without a doubt the linebackers.

There is no way around this one right here. Texas A&M needs some linebackers and they need them badly. Out of the five linebackers that got snaps this season, two of them are transferring. Both Andre White Jr. and Tarian Lee Jr. entered the portal. Also, freshman reserve linebacker Ish Harris is transferring.

Edgerrin Cooper is an easy one to pencil in as a starter next season as well as Chris Russell Jr., both of whom were top five in defensive snaps played this season for the Aggies. Beyond that, is it a whole lot of nothing. Freshman Martrell Harris Jr. came on late in the season but he is more of a outside linebacker/edge rusher type. 

The Aggies missed on Oklahoma State transfer linebacker Mason Cobb, who seemed to be the top target at the position. They have added to the roster with three signees in the 2023 class but none of them currently project at being ready for year one playing time.

We will take a look at the current transfer portal entries (uncommitted) to see who the Aggies may have at their choosing. Because the Aggies are looking for experience and proven talent, we will look towards the top of the portal rankings.

Nick Jackson – University of Virginia

The top uncommitted linebacker in the transfer portal, Jackson is the No. 3 ranked prospect at his position overall. He was an ultra productive defensive weapon for Virginia the past four seasons, racking up 352 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, and eight pass deflections.

Jackson would offer the Aggies three years of starting experience in a power five conference. He earned second-team All-ACC honors after finishing this season with 104 tackles. Jackson was one of the most productive linebackers in the nation in each of the past three seasons. He has one year of eligibility left.

As of right now, if you are looking for a one year rental that has proven experience and tons of production, this is your guy.

Clayton Smith – Oklahoma

Smith is essentially the opposite of what Jackson has to his resume. Smith, a former five-star prospect in the class of 2021, has never found a groove as a Sooner. In five total games, Smith has gotten eight total tackles. He has registered no other stats.

He makes this list purely because of his potential. The fact is, he is still a 6-foot-4, 245 pound defender, which makes him a ‘tweener at linebacker or edge rusher. But if you feel he still has that upside and potential of talent inside of him, it may be worth it to take a chance on him out of the portal. He still has three years of eligibility remaining, which means you have time to develop him. But if he is not ready this upcoming year, the Aggies are still stuck in their issue of not having a plug-and-play linebacker to help take over.

Ra Ra Dillworth – North Carolina

Unfortunately for the Aggies, most of the production in the portal has been snatched up already, so most of what is left is unproven. One of these is North Carolina linebacker Ra Ra Dillworth, who was a top-100 prospect in the class of 2021. He was a ultra-talented prospect but has not found a groove with the Tar Heels. In two seasons, he has accumulated 20 tackles and one sack.

Texas A&M offered Dillworth coming out of high school so Jimbo Fisher is familiar with him. There may be some interest in the second time around. Also, with Texas landing his teammate, cornerback Tony Grimes, it may easier to build a connection with him if they choose to.

Other possible names of interest out of the portal:

KeSean Brown – Appalachian State

Gaethhan Bernadel – Florida Atlantic

Jacob Mangum-Farrar – Stanford

David Reese – Florida

Jaden Navarrette – Oregon

Diwun Black – Florida

Avery Huff – Miami

Phillip Webb – LSU

Antoine Sampah – LSU