In solving problems, bigger problems arise

Injuries and inexperience aside, Aggies look good heading into Saturday's game against the Wolves

By: Jack Molitor

Posted: 8/26/08

Texas A&M football Head Coach Mike Sherman said that a lot of the big questions heading into the 2008 season have been answered. It's the bigger questions that are still giving him "gray hairs."

With the new pro-style offense A&M will be running, emphasis has switched to the offensive line and tight ends, two areas that the Aggies have limited experience in. After losing star tight end Martellus Bennett to the NFL Draft and co-legionnaire of doom Joey Thomas to graduation, the tight end position has been left thin. Sherman will be relying on the converted junior Jamie McCoy to support the position.

Senior starting quarterback Stephen McGee echoed the concern at tight end because of its importance in Sherman's office, but said McCoy was performing well, especially because of the pressure put on him. Freshmen Harold Turnage and Frank Avery will be backing up McCoy, so the junior will have to shoulder the load.

The other pressing issue is the offensive line, which has the same experience problems. McGee said the group has the talent to protect him when he drops back, but that it will still be a work in progress, especially with the new coaching staff and voluminous new playbook. Michael Shumard and Travis Schneider will anchor the two tackle positions but the inside linemen will be by committee. Sherman said true freshman Brian Thomas was already taking reps with the first and second strings.

Injuries at fullback will also be a problem heading into the year. Sherman did not fully disclose the injury situation with Jorvorskie Lane, but McGee confirmed it was a head injury and intimated that it was a concussion. Also suffering with a neck injury, Lane might be touch and go for the first few games. Nick LaMantia is also nursing a leg injury.

An encouraging piece of news came from the tailback position, where Mike Goodson, Bradley Stephens and true freshman Cyrus Gray are poised to make up one of the most formidable backfields in the Big 12. Players and coaches sang Gray's praises for someone just entering the system.

While there will be more passing in Sherman's offense, the Aggies will remain a running team, so the tailbacks will be the focal point. Goodson said that he did not mind if he does not accumulate 1,000 yards as long as Stephens and Gray get good reps.

Gray is not the only freshman turning heads. Wide receiver Jeff Fuller has also been taking reps with the first and second strings and was a starter on Sherman's depth chart. McGee said having a big target at 6 foot 4 inches to throw at was very encouraging, especially since Fuller is so young.

The change in offense might have some worried, but it has McGee itching to start. He said that as a quarterback, he is looking forward to getting to pass the ball around more. Because the option is all but gone from the new offense, McGee said he was glad his body would be saved from the pounding normally reserved for running backs.

Coaches and players said they were just anxious to get out on the field and play someone other than themselves. Goodson stated that the team wanted to be largely unheralded and come in under the radar.