October 17, 2006
Game notes for Saturday's Big 12 game at Oklahoma State (PDF link to the right)...
GAME 8:
Texas A&M AGGIES (6-1, 2-1 Big 12)
at
Oklahoma State COWBOYS (4-2, 1-1 Big 12)
| GAME INFO |
| Saturday, Oct. 21, 6:05 p.m. (CDT) Boone Pickens Stadium (48,000), Stillwater, Okla. Ticket Info: |
| RECORDS |
| Texas A&M: 6-1, 2-1 Big 12 Oklahoma State: 4-2, 1-1 Big 12 |
| RANKINGS |
| A&M is ranked 23rd in the latest USA Today poll and 25th by the Associated Press. |
| TELEVISION |
| None |
| RADIO |
| WTAW-AM 1620 (Local) Dave South, play-by-play Dave Elmendorf, commentary Tom Turbiville, sidelines (broadcast time 5:05 p.m. CDT) |
| INTERNET |
| Live Audio (Free): (Aggies All-Access) Live Stats: (okstate.com) |
| SERIES |
| A&M leads, 15-6 Last Meeting: (10/15/05) Last in Stillwater: (10/16/04) |
| UP NEXT |
| A&M at Baylor Saturday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m. Floyd Casey Stadium, Waco, Texas TV: None Tickets: |
SERIES INFORMATION
The Aggies hold a 15-6 advantage over Oklahoma State in the all-time series between the two schools, which dates back to the first meeting in 1913 ... Since the formation of the Big 12 Conference in 1996, the Aggies have won eight of 10 against the Cowboys, including the last two. ... The last time A&M went to Stillwater, the Aggies emerged victorious against the top 20-ranked Cowboys (No. 15 USA Today/No. 16 AP), 36-20.
BACK IN THE TOP 25
Fresh off an impressive 25-19 win over No. 19/21 Missouri, the Aggies (6-1, 2-1 vs. Big 12) are back in the national Top 25 rankings as they head to Stillwater for a 6 p.m. homecoming tilt with Oklahoma State (4-2, 1-1) on Saturday. The Aggies are No. 23 by the Associated Press and No. 25 by the USA Today.
The Aggies are in the Top 25 for the first time since the preseason polls of 2005 when A&M was No. 17 in the AP and USA Today polls prior to facing Clemson. The ranking marks the 11th time that the Aggies have been ranked in at least one of the two polls during the Dennis Franchione era. (one week in 2003, eight weeks in 2004, one in 2005 and one in 2006.
6-1 AGAIN
The Aggies are 6-1 for the second time in the Dennis Franchione era. The other time came in 2004 when the Aggies took a 6-1 record to Waco and fell to the Bears 35-34 in overtime.
GOING BOWLING
The Missouri victory was A&M's sixth of the season, which surpassed 2005's win total, and made the Aggies bowl-eligible for the 19th time in the last 22 seasons. It is the second time the Aggies have achieved bowl eligibility in Franchione's four seasons at A&M.
Since 1985, the Aggies have played in 15 bowl games, including nine New Year's Day bowls.
TRENDY AGGIES
- The Aggies have limited their last four opponents to a 16 percent success ratio on third-down tries (7-of-44).
- The last four games have seen the Aggies dominate the time of possession battle by an average of over 12 minutes per game. In the first three games of the season the Aggies operated at a slight TOP deficit.
- A&M has converted over 56 percent of third down tries in its last three games -- all against conference opponents. In the four-game non-conference schedule, the Aggies converted at a 49 percent clip.
- The Aggies have allowed an average of 75.2 rushing yards (3.4 per carry) over the past four games.
- The Aggies are No. 1 in third-down offense and defense overall and in Big 12 games only.
- The A&M defense has allowed just three successful third-down tries (20 chances) in the third quarter.
- Quarterback Stephen McGee has thrown 87 straight passes without an interception.
- Big back Jorvorskie Lane has made 43 consecutive carries without a negative result dating back to a one-yard loss against Texas Tech.
- Receivers Chad Schroeder and Martellus Bennett have at least one catch in every game in 2006. L'Tydrick Riley and Chris Alexander have catches in four straight games.
OSU CONNECTIONS
- Aggie assistant head coach Kenith Pope coached the Oklahoma State defensive ends from 1987-90.
- Aggie defensive coordinator Gary Darnell received his undergraduate degree from OSU in 1969 and his first coaching job was as the Cowboys' freshman coach.
- Safeties coach Bill Clay was the D-coordinator at OSU from 2001-04.
- Director of On Campus Recruiting Johnny Barr served two stints at OSU: as outside linebacker coach from 1986-88 and then as the co-defensive coordinator in 1995-96.
3rd DOWN TURNAROUND
The Aggies lead the Big 12 in third-down offense and defense in all games and Big 12 games only.
On offense, the Aggies are converting their third-down tries at an impressive 52.6 percent clip (50-of-95), which is a significant improvement over 2005's 40.4 percent success rate.
Defensively, the Aggies have limited their opponents to a 26.1 percent success rate on third-down tries in 2006. Last year, opponents converted 44.4 percent of their third-down situations against the A&M defense.
Aggies Stay On/Getting Off the Field 2006 (Rk.) Third Downs 2005 (Rk.) 52.6% (#1) 3rd Down Offense 40.4% (#6) 26.1% (#1) 3rd Down Defense 44.4% (#12)
COUNT ON THE J-TRAIN
When the game is on the line, sophomore Jorvorskie Lane has proven that he can be counted on to get the tough yard.
Through seven games, Lane has produced either a first down or a touchdown 19 times on 22 carries on third or fourth down.
In all, Lane has pounded his way to 30 first downs and 14 touchdowns on his 102 carries in 2006. At his current pace, Lane would score 24 touchdowns in the Aggies' 12-game regular season. The Aggies' school record for touchdowns in a season is 19 by Joel Hunt (1927) and Darren Lewis (1990).
Lane has rushed or passed for a touchdown in nine straight games.
"*Money Plays" for Lane Train Situation 1st Down TD $ Attempts 1st down rush 10 4 14 58 2nd down rush 5 4 8 22 3rd down rush 12 6 16 18 4th down rush 3 0 3 4 Total 30 14 41 102 * - "Money Plays" are defined as plays resulting in a first down or a touchdown.
YAC YARDS FOR J-TRAIN
A postgame review of the A&M-Missouri game by the Aggie coaching staff revealed that running back Jorvorskie Lane broke 18 tackles and had 70 YAC (yards after contact) yards against the Tigers.
200 / 200 OFFENSE
Texas A&M is one of five teams nationally passing and rushing for over 200 yards per game in 2006. Those five teams have combined for a 29-4 record.
200 Rushing / 200 Passing Team Rush Pass Rec. Clemson 250.6 208.4 6-1 Louisville 214.8 293.0 6-0 Nebraska 207.7 240.7 6-1 Oregon 206.0 252.3 5-1 Texas A&M 200.0 210.7 6-1
SECOND-HALF CLAMPS
The Aggie defense hasn't allowed a second half touchdown since the Texas Tech game, a span of four quarters. In fact, the Aggie D-Squad has allowed only three touchdowns and 30 total points in the second half by the opposing offense. This has been key to the Aggies' 6-1 start since A&M has been tied or behind at halftime in four of seven games this season.
Last week, Missouri rolled to 269 first half yards, but were limited to a total of six yards on six plays in the third quarter and 106 yards on 26 plays in the second half.
Tied or Down at Halftime Opponent Half Result Army 14-14 W, 28-24 Texas Tech 14-24 L, 27-31 Kansas 7-10 W, 21-18 Missouri 17-17 W, 25-19
COMPLETION PACE
Quarterback Stephen McGee is on pace to smash A&M's 20-year old record for season completion percentage. McGee is completing over 64 percent of his passes on 115-of-178 passing.
Texas A&M Season Completion % List Rk Player, Year Cmp. % 1. Stephen Mcgee, 2006 64.6 2. Kevin Murray, 1986 60.7 3. Dustin Long, 2003 60.6 4. Mark Farris, 2000 59.9 5. Corey Pullig, 1994 59.9
McGEE STINGY WITH INTs
With just one pickoff among 178 pass attempts, redshirt sophomore Stephen McGee ranks No. 1 in the Big 12 and No. 2 nationally in interception percentage.
Big 12 Fewest INTs/Attempt Rk. QB, School Att./INT Pct. 1. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 178 / 1 .56 2. Zac Taylor, Nebraska 164 / 2 1.22 3. Colt McCoy, Texas 147 / 3 2.04 4. Chase Daniel, Missouri 228 / 5 2.19 5. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech 316 / 7 2.22 NCAA Fewest INTs/Attempt Rk. QB, School Att./INT Pct. 1. Kevin Kolb, Houston 232 / 1 .43 2. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M 178 / 1 .56 3. Drew Willy, Buffal
USING HIS WEAPONS
Led by first-year quarterback Stephen McGee, the Aggies have done a good job of using a variety of receiving targets in 2006. The Aggies have used 11 different receivers, a school record, in two games this season. A total of 16 receivers have at least one catch in 2006, which ties a school record.
Spreading It Around Position Catches-Yards TD Wide Receivers (8) 71/969 4 Tight Ends (2) 28/340 1 Running Backs (5) 21/154 3 Quarterback (1) 1/ 12 0
EXPLOSIVE FRANKS
Junior Kerry Franks averages 29.2 yard per touch of the football, which is tops in the Big 12 among players averaging more than 60 all-purpose yards per game.
Franks has six of the Aggies' 10 longest plays in 2006 and a team-best 11 plays of 20 yards in length.
Taking to the House Rk. Player, School Yds/Touch 1. Kerry Franks, Texas A&M 29.2 2. Marcus Herford, Kansas 25.4 3. Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State 21.9 4. Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State 20.9 5. Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma 20.0
KO RETURN IMPROVEMENT
Led by junior Kerry Franks, the Aggies have improved from one of the nation's worst kickoff return units in 2005 into one of the nation's best in 2006.
In 2005, the Aggies ranked No. 109 of 117 teams nationally with a 17.5 kickoff return average. After seven games in 2006, the Aggies are averaging a lofty 30.2 yards per return.
The speedy Franks tallied the Aggies first kickoff return touchdown since 2003 against Texas Tech with a spectacular 99-yard jaunt. Franks' 31.4 kickoff return average ranks No. 2 in the Big 12 Conference and No. 8 natinoally.
Starting Point 2006 Kickoff Returns 2005 30.2 Kickoff Return Average 17.5 No. 2 Big 12 Rank No. 12 No. 8 NCAA Rank No. 109
DEFENDING THE PASS
With seven games in the books, it is clear the Aggie defense has made significant strides against the pass from 2005 to 2006:
The Year After 2006 Category 2005 53.6% Completion % 60.6% 197.6 Yards/Game 304.6 113.64 Pass Efficiency 142.66
TOUGH SCHEDULE
Texas A&M's finishing schedule is tied for second-toughest in the Big 12 and its overall schedule ranks as the fifth-toughest in the conference, according to the NCAA.
Big 12 Toughest Finishing Schedules Rk Team Opponents Record Pct. 1. Oklahoma State 24-12 .667 2. Texas A&M 19-10 .655 Texas 19-10 .655 Nebraska 19-10 .655 5. Baylor 17-12 .586 Big 12 Toughest Overall Schedules Rk Team Opponents Record Pct. 1. Texas 37-24 .607 2. Oklahoma State 35-25 .583 3. Texas Tech 33-24 .579 4. Oklahoma 38-28 .576 5. Texas A&M 32-24 .571 Source: NCAA
A&M'S LEGION OF DOOM
The Aggies are using their tight ends more in 2006 than at any time in recent memory. The duo of sophomore Martellus Bennett and junior Joey Thomas, deemed the "Legion of Doom" by Bennett, have combined for 28 catches for 340 yards or an average of 4.0 catches per game, despite Thomas missing the Louisiana Tech and part of the Army game with an injury.
The most that A&M has ever utilized its tight end was in 1986 when Rod Bernstine led the Southwest Conference with 65 catches (5.9 catches per game) for 710 yards. Bernstine was the only tight end to catch a pass that year.
Utilizing the Tight End Year Top TE Pass Catchers Total Avg./G 1986 Rod Bernstine 65 5.9 2002 Greg Porter 50 4.2 2006 M. Bennett, J. Thomas 28 4.0 1983 Rich Siler 43 3.9 1989 Mike Jones 40 3.6
GRID / HOOPS BENNETT
A&M sophomore Martellus Bennett is one of a handful of Div. I-A athletes to play football and basketball. Last year, Bennett became the first Aggie to letter in football and basketball since Billy Bob Barnett in 1969.
Div. 1-A Football-Basketball Stars Player Position School Martellus Bennett TE Texas A&M Rodney Hannah TE Houston Avery Holley WR Florida Atlantic Jordan Kent WR Oregon Travis Lewis WR Eastern Michigan Carl Sims WR Baylor Matt Trannon WR Michigan State Source: University of Houston
BRANTLY'S BEST
Sophomore punter Justin Brantly, who is .2 of a punt from entering the NCAA and Big 12 ranking, is averaging an impressive 46.7 yards per punt, which would lead the Big 12.
Brantly 2006 Game by Game Opponent No.-Yds. TB 50+ I20 Avg. Net The Citadel 3-170 0 3 2 56.7 47.3 UL-Lafayette 1- 58 0 1 1 58.0 52.0 Army 3-121 1 2 0 40.3 28.3 La. Tech 5-239 1 2 1 47.8 40.2 Texas Tech 3-155 0 1 0 51.7 42.3 at Kansas 6-232 1 1 1 38.7 26.3 Missouri 4-193 0 2 1 48.3 45.8 Total 25-1168 3 12 6 46.7 37.9
MR. TOUCHDOWN
In a strong return to the lineup, senior wide receiver Chad Schroeder has grabbed a team-high 24 catches for 399 yards and produced first downs on 17 of his 24 catches.
Schroeder missed the final three games of 2005 after suffering a broken leg in game 8 against Iowa State.
Schroeder now has 11 receiving touchdowns on just 56 career catches, which is tied for fourth-most in school history.
The average length of his touchdown catches is 31.9 yards. Adding to his touchdown legacy, Schroeder has also thrown a TD pass (vs. Oklahoma, 2004) and had a TD rush (vs. Texas State, 2005) as a holder on field goal placements.
Quick Strike TD Length Opp. Year 46 Army 2006 15 La.-Lafayette 2006 27 The Citadel 2006 5 Kansas State 2005 44 Texas State 2005 32 SMU 2005 15 SMU 2005 31 Clemson 2005 45 Oklahoma 2004 49 Baylor 2004 42 Baylor 2003 31.9-yard average on TD catches Up the Charts Rk Player, Years Rec. TDs 1. Bob Long, 1966-68 79 19 2. Tony Harrison, 1990-93 89 14 3. Albert Connell, 1995-96 98 13 4. Chad Schroeder, 2002- 56 11 Bethel Johnson, 1999-2002 117 11 Jeff Nelson, 1982-85 92 11 Don Jones, 1980-83 56 11 7. Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 172 10 Jamaar Taylor, 2001-03 108 10
PAYDIRT FOR J-TRAIN
NCAA touchdowns leader Jorvorskie Lane has pounded his way to 14 touchdowns in 2006 and is averaging 12.0 points per game.
NCAA Touchdowns Leaders Rk Player, Team TD 1. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M 14 Garrett Wolfe, N. Illinois 14 James Davis, Clemson 14 4. P.J. Hill, Wisconsin 12 5. Several players 11
DODGE DEBUT
Twenty-five year old junior college tranfer Mark Dodge, who served in the U.S. Army for four years after high school, has made two starts and been a strong defender off the bench.
- Dodge's Background
- Joins former quarterback Mike Jay (1973-75) as the only scholarship Aggie players with a military background since the war years.
- Weighed 170 pounds as a receiver/safety at Yerington High School in Nevada, but gained 35 pounds of muscle while in the Army. Currently weighs in at 222 pounds.
- Dodge was in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, traditionally known as "The Old Guard" -- the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the President. The oldest active-duty infantry regiment in the Army, having served the country since 1784, participates in more than 6,000 ceremonies a year.
- Dodge, who earned the rank of sergeant in two years, attended state dinners, a Daytona 500 and an NCAA women's basketball Final Four. He has chatted more than once with President Bush and has met Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Hanks, Mariah Carey, John Travolta and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, among others.
- Was in the Pentagon filling out paperwork on his top-secret security clearance on Sept. 11, 2001 when the hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. Dodge was called to assist in search-and-recovery efforts.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Three of Dennis Franchione's assistant coaches have been head coaches at some point in their careers: Gary Darnell at Western Michigan (1997-2004) and Tennessee Tech (1983-85); Bob DeBesse at Texas State (1997-2002); and Jim Bob Helduser at Texas State (1992-96).
Six of the nine assistants have coordinated offenses or defense prior to coming to Texas A&M: Darnell (DC at Texas, Notre Dame, Florida, Wake Forest and Kansas State); Les Koenning (OC at Alabama, Houston and Duke); Bill Clay (DC at Oklahoma State, UAB, UTEP, Mississippi State, Temple, SMU and Southern Miss); DeBesse (OC at Minnesota and TCU); Stan Eggen (DC at UNLV); and Mark Tommerdahl (OC at Wyoming).
3rd QUARTER DOMINATION
While A&M has outscored the opposition in every quarter, the Aggies have the biggest advantage in the third quarter. A&M has scored 73 points in the third quarter, while allowing just 17 points.
The only touchdown allowed by the Aggie defense in the third quarter came against Army when a fumbled punt return set up the BlackKnights at the Aggie 37.
NEWCOMER IMPACT
Ten members of the Aggies' 2006 signing class, including seven true freshmen, have seen action so far this season.
Junior college transfers Mark Dodge, Misi Tupe and Johnathan Batson have combined to make 64 tackles on defense.
True freshman that have seen action include running back Mike Goodson, placekicker Matt Szymanski, cornerback Jordan Pugh, wide receiver Cody Beyer, deep snapper Corey Gibas, wide receiver E.J. Shankle and linebacker Anthony Lewis.
LEWIS MOVES INTO TOP 10
Senior running back Courtney Lewis ranks in the top 10 in career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns
A&M's Career Rushing Yards List Rk Player, Years Yards 1. Darren Lewis, 1987-90 5,012 2. Curtis Dickey, 1976-79 3,703 3. Greg Hill, 1991-93 3,262 4. Rodney Thomas, 1991-94 3,014 5. George Woodard, 1975-77, 79 2,911 6. Bubba Bean, 1972-75 2,846 7. Dant? Hall, 1996-99 2,818 8. Courtney Lewis, 2003- 2,644 9. Johnny Hector, 1979-82 2,587 10. Roger Vick, 1983-86 2,471 A&M's Career Rushing TDs List Rk Player, Years TDs 1. Darren Lewis, 1987-90 44 2. Rodney Thomas, 1991-94 41 3. George Woodard, 1975-77, 79 35 4. Curtis Dickey, 1976-79 34 5. Greg Hill, 1991-93 33 6. Courtney Lewis, 2003- 30 Joel Hunt, 1925-27 30 Bucky Richardson, 1987-91 30 9. Leeland McElroy, 1993-95 29 10. D'Andre Hardeman, 1995-99 28
WATCH LIST WATCH
Three Aggies have been mentioned on "watch lists" for various national awards:
Preseason Accolades Player Award (s) Justin Brantly Ray Guy Red Bryant Bednarik Cody Wallace Rimington Justin Warren Bednarik, Butkus, Nagurski
AGGIE ADDITIONS
Franchione added three more scholarship players to his teams over the summer: placekicker Matt Szymanski from College Station; deep snapper Corey Gibas from Covina, Calif., and defensive back Will Harris from Lakewood, Ohio via Solano JC in California.
TURNOVER ADVANTAGE
During the Dennis Franchione era at Texas A&M, the Aggies are 16-1 in games with a turnover margin advantage. In games with an even or minus turnover margin, the Aggies are 6-19.
Games with Turnover Advantage, Fran Era Opponent Year Turn Take +/- Result Baylor 2003 -2 +4 +2 W, 73-10 Kansas 2003 -1 +3 +2 W, 45-33 Wyoming 2004 0 +3 +3 W, 31-?0 Clemson 2004 0 +4 +4 W, 27-?6 Kansas St. 2004 -1 +4 +3 W, 42-30 at Iowa St. 2004 0 +2 +2 W, 34-?3 at Oklahoma St. 2004 0 +2 +2 W, 36-20 Colorad
PREP QBs AT WR
Texas A&M has several former prep quarterbacks excelling at wide receiver.
HS QBs Making Difference at WR 2006 Player Hometown (HS) Rec./Yds/TD Pierre Brown Duncanville (DHS) 9/83/0 Senior HS Stats: 1,734 total offense, 23 TDs Michael Corey Delta, Utah (DHS) 1/6/0 Senior HS Stats: L'Tydrick Riley Crockett (CHS) 16/148/0 Senior HS Stats: 1,717 total offense, 24 TDs Chad Schroeder Austin (Westlake) 24/399/3 Senior HS Stats: 3,436 total offense, 37 TDs
ACTIVE TACKLERS
The Aggies have 12 defenders with more than 50 career tackles, including Justin Warren, Melvin Bullitt and Brock Newton who have 100 or more.
A&M Active Career Tackles Leaders Rk Player Tackles 1. Justin Warren, LB, Sr. 242 2. Melvin Bullitt, DB, Sr. 144 3. Brock Newton, DB, Jr. 104 4. Jason Jack, DL, Jr. 94 5. Japhus Brown, DB, Jr. 93 6. Red Bryant, DL, 2004, Jr. 78 7. Nurahda Manning, LB, Sr. 71 8. Chris Harrington, DE, Jr. 69 9. Devin Gregg, DB, So. 67 10. Danny Gorrer, DB, So. 57 11. Bryce Reed, DL, Sr. 55 12. Marquis Carpenter, DB, Jr. 53
STARTING POINT
The Aggies have 42 players with at least one career start to their credit, including 19 with double digit starts. Leading the way is last year's conference tackle leader Justin Warren with 32 career starts.
A&M Active Career Starts Leaders Player Starts Justin Warren, LB, Sr. 32 Red Bryant, DL, Jr. 30 Kirk Elder, OL, Jr. 29 Jason Jack, DL, Jr. 25 Melvin Bullitt, DB, Sr. 19 Courtney Lewis, RB, Sr. 18 Chris Harrington, DL, Jr. 18 Corey Clark, OL, Jr. 18 Cody Wallace, OL, Jr. 18 Earvin Taylor, WR, Jr. 16 Japhus Brown, DB, Jr. 14 Chad Schroeder, WR, Sr. 14 Brock Newton, DB, Jr. 13 Yemi Babalola, OL, Jr. 12 Alex Kotzur, OL, Sr. 12 Chris Yoder, OL, Jr. 12 Martellus Bennett, TE, So. 12 Danny Gorrer, DB, So. 12 Devin Gregg, DB, So. 10 Jorvorskie Lane, RB, So. 9 Stephen McGee, QB, So. 8 Grant Dickey, OL, Sr. 7 Joey Thomas, TE, Jr. 6 Marquis Carpenter, DB, Jr. 6 Jordan Peterson, Fr. 6 Travis Schneider, So. 6 Misi Tupe, LB, Jr. 5 Bryce Reed, DL, Sr. 5 Nurahda Manning, LB, Sr. 4 Michael Bennett, DE, So. 4 Pierre Brown, WR, So. 4 L'Tydrick Riley, Sr. 4 Howard Morrow, WR, So. 3 Kerry Franks, WR, Jr. 2 Marques Thornton, Sr. 2 Chris Alexander, FB, Jr. 2 Mark Dodge, Jr. 2 Amos Gbunblee, TE/DE, So. 1 Samson Taylor, RB, So. 1 Brandon Leone, RB, Sr. 1 Matt Featherston, Fr. 1 Arkeith Brown, So. 1
NFL OPENING DAY ROSTERS
#95 Sam Adams, DL, Cincinnati Bengals #99 Rocky Bernard, DL, Seattle Seahawks #89 Dan Campbell, TE, Detroit Lions #11 Jason Carter, WR, Minnesota Vikings (practice squad) #31 Sammy Davis, DB, San Francisco 49ers #95 Ron Edwards, DL, Kansas City Chiefs #89 Robert Ferguson, WR, Green Bay Packers #26 Aaron Glenn, DB, Dallas Cowboys Jason Glenn, LB, Minnesota Vikings #82 Dante Hall, WR, Kansas City Chiefs #63 Geoff Hangartner, OL, Carolina Panthers #57 Warrick Holdman, LB, Washington Redskins #13 Bethel Johnson, WR, New Orleans Saints (injured reserved) #93 Johnny Jolly, DL, Green Bay Packers #33 Keith Joseph, RB, New Orleans Saints #48 Terrence Kiel, DB, San Diego Chargers #9 Shane Lechler, P, Oakland Raiders #68 Seth McKinney, OL, Miami Dolphins #76 Steve McKinney, OL, Houston Texans #10 Reggie McNeal, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (practice squad) #96 Mike Montgomery, DL, Green Bay Packers #48 Don Muhlbach, DS, Detroit Lions #47 Boone Stutz, TE/DS, Atlanta Falcons #74 Rex Tucker, OL, Detroit Lions #94 Ty Warren, DL, New England Patriots #27 Jason Webster, DB, Atlanta Falcons #94 Pat Williams, DL, Minnesota Vikings #74 Billy Yates, OL, New England Patriots Aggies on NFL Coaching Staffs: Dennis Allen, Atlanta Falcons (Defensive Assistant) Johnny Holland, Houston Texans (Defensive Assistant) Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans (Head Coach) Gary Reynolds, Seattle Seahawks (Quality Control/Offense) Zerick Rollins, Seattle Seahawks (Def. Line/Quality Control)
FAMILY AFFAIR
The Aggies have a number of players with family connections to Texas A&M athletics.
Starting strong safety Melvin Bullitt's father, Jerry, lettered for the Aggies from 1980-83 and started at linebacker for three seasons. The elder Bullitt posted 222 tackles and 11 sacks during his career.
Melvin's uncle, Steve Bullitt, lettered for the Aggies from 1983-86.
Junior Chris Harrington is the nephew of former A&M two-sport All-American Dave Elmendorf. Elmendorf, who had an All-Pro career with the Los Angeles Rams, currently serves as the color analyst for the Aggie Radio Network.
Senior L'Tydrick Riley's uncle, Claude Riley ranks as one of the greatest basketball players in A&M history. The "Crockett Rocket" still ranks No. 6 in points and No. 3 in rebounds in the Aggie record book.
Junior Earvin Taylor's older brother, Jamaar, caught 108 passes for 1,705 yards from 2001-03.
Brothers Michael and Martellus Bennett are just one of a handful of brothers whose playing careers have overlapped at Texas A&M.
True freshman Jerrod Johnson's father, Larry, played split end for the Aggies in the late 1970s.
COACH FRAN RANKS AMONG THE WINNINGEST COACHES
The 26th head football coach in Texas A&M history, Dennis Franchione is in his fourth season in Aggieland and his 24th season as a collegiate head coach. Franchione has compiled a 22-20 record at Texas A&M.
With a career record of 177-93-2 as a head coach, Coach Fran is the sixth-winningest active Div. 1-A head coach in college football (by total wins).
Texas A&M is the seventh stop for Franchione as a collegiate head coach, and has coached previously at Southwestern (Kan.) College (1981-82), Pittsburg State (1985-89), Southwest Texas State (1990-91), New Mexico (1992-97), TCU (1998-2000) and Alabama (2001-02).He also served as an assistant coach at Kansas State (1978-80) and Tennessee Tech (1983-84).
Franchione has won eight conference championships and a divisional crown in his 22 seasons. In 2002, Franchione's Alabama squad had the best record in the SEC West but were ineligible for the crown.
Winningest Active Div. I-A Coaches (by Victories) Rk Coach, School Wins 1. Bobby Bowden, Florida St. 363 2. Joe Paterno, Penn St. 358 3. Frank Beamer, Va. Tech 192 Jim Tressel, Ohio State 192 5. Chris Ault, Nevada 180 6. Dennis Franchione, A&M 177 7. Mack Brown, Texas 175 8. Fisher DeBerry, Air Force 168 9. Dick Tomey, San Jose St. 165 10. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 153