IN FOCUS: Defensive Tackles
Aug 17, 2017 | Football
12thman.com's coverage of the 2017 Training Camp is brought to you by:
 |
This is the latest in a series of position-by-position previews.
The phrase 'SEC Ready' applies to this group. The top four form as good a collection of defensive tackles as there are in this league.
Kingsley Keke, Zaycoven Henderson and Daylon Mack have already made plays. If they do it on a consistent basis in 2017, the defense, as a whole, will be that much better.
Justin Madubuike is a redshirt freshman that provides quality depth. He could be ready to burst on the scene.
Then it's a matter of how deep the Aggies can get. TD Moton is a redshirt freshman. Jayden Peevy and Josh Rogers are true freshmen that may be asked to contribute.
The Aggies need a fifth or sixth defensive tackle to emerge. But, there are no questions about the talented top four that anchor this group.
ZAYCOVEN HENDERSON
- Classification: Senior
- Hometown: Longview
- High School: Longview
- 2016 Highlights: started all 13 games ... recorded 40 tackles with 3 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, which ranked fourth on team ... 3-plus tackles in nine of the team's 14 games.
- Career (A&M): 35 games, 81 tackles (36 solo), 16.5 TFLs, 6 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries.
- David Turner says: "Zaycoven's a guy that brings a lot of energy to the group. He's a disruptive force. He understands football. He's smart. We really expect him to have a really good year."
KINGSLEY KEKE
- Classification: Junior
- Hometown: Richmond
- High School: George Ranch
- 2016 Highlights: Produced 37 tackles, including 4.0 quarterback sacks and 7.0 tackles for loss, while seeing action in all 13 games ... earned the starting job early in the season and started the final nine games ... had a season-high eight tackles in the bowl game against Kansas State ... his four QB sacks ranked fourth on the team.
- Career: 26 games, 45 tackles (18 solo), 7.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 4 pass deflections.
- David Turner says: "Big. Strong. Athletic. (He) can be a disruptive force. He really has to be a consistent guy for us. I told him the other day the expectation level for him is very high."
DAYLON MACK
- Classification: Junior
- Hometown: Gladewater
- High School: Gladewater
- 2016 Highlights: Was a top reserve in the Aggies' defensive tackle rotation ... contributed 25 tackles, including 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, in 13 games of action ... had a season-high four tackles against Alabama ... posted at least one tackle in 10 games.
- A&M Career: 26 games, 57 tackles (25 solo), 12 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 forced fumble.
- David Turner says: "Daylon has to be a whole lot more consistent in terms of effort. I see him trying to do more this fall. I'm pleased with where he is. He's got to learn to get out of his comfort zone. He's making progress, and (taking) steps."
JUSTIN MADUBUIKE
- Classification: Redshirt Freshman
- Hometown: McKinney
- High School: McKinney North
- David Turner says: "Justin is big. He has a high motor. He's strong. He's still learning the game. He's eager. He's proven so far in practice he can be a force."
Players Mentioned
DL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DL
/ FootballOne-on-One: Adam Cushing
Thursday, September 11
The Aggie Football Hour (Ep 3)
Wednesday, September 10
The Pulse #12.2 | Family Over Everything
Wednesday, September 10
One-on-One: Will Lee III
Wednesday, September 10
