Texas A&M picked up where they left off last season ranked in the Top 10. The Aggies are ranked 6th in the 2021 Preseason AP Top 25 Poll that came out on Monday.
Aggies are Ranked 6th
Texas A&M was one of five SEC teams ranked in the Top 25 Poll, and one of three ranked in the Top 10, along with Alabama (#1) and Georgia (#5).
The Aggies finished the 2020 season with a 9-1 record and a 41-27 win over #13 North Carolina in the Orange Bowl.
They must replace QB Kellen Mond, a 4-year starter who passed for 9,661 yards and 71 touchdowns in his Aggie career. But they do return talent at the other offensive skill positions:
- RB Isaiah Spiller: 1036 yards, 9 TDs.
- RB Devin Achane: 364 yards rushing, 4 TDs; 43 catches, 564 yards, 6 TDs.
- RB Ainias Smith: 293 yards, 4 TDs.
- TE Jalen Windermyer: 46 catches, 506 yards, 6 TDs.
- WR Chase Lane: 29 catches, 409 yards, 2 TDs.
But the true strength of this team may be the defense. The Aggies return nine starters to a unit that ranked #9 in the FBS in total defense, allowing just 317 yards per game, and #2 nationally in rushing defense, allowing a measly 92 yards per game.
The 2021 defense is set up to be a replica of the “Wrecking Crew” defenses of the late 80s and early 90s.
One of the many leaders on this defense is junior DL DeMarvin Leal, who earlier this summer was named an SEC TOP 30 Player and preseason All-SEC going into this season. Leal posted 37 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, and three pass breakups in 2020.
Leal was a standout defender at Converse Judson, where he earned 1st Team 6A All-State honors. He was rated a 5-star prospect by 247sports. In his prep career, Leal made 195 tackles, 43 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks.
He signed with the Aggies in 2019, spurning offers from Alabama, Texas, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma just to name a few.
The Aggies open the 2021 season at Kyle Field on September 4 vs Kent State.
Tony Thomas is a freelance writer. He also writes about college football on his own website, www.thegridironnews.com.
