Dec. 21, 2009
GAME NOTES (PDF format):Â Click Here
COLLEGE STATION, Texas--Texas A&M (6-6) returns to the postseason on December 28 as the Aggies face Georgia (7-5) in the 2009 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl at Shreveport's Independence Stadium (49,180) ... kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (CST) and the game will be televised nationally by ESPN2 ... A&M will be making its 31st bowl appearance all-time and the first since a trip to the 2007 Alamo Bowl ... the Aggies, who finished fifth in the Big 12's South Division, wrapped up the regular season with a tough 49-39 loss to No. 3 Texas at Kyle Field on Nov. 26 ... the Bulldogs finished the regular season tied for second in the SEC's Eastern Division with a 4-4 mark and are one of six SEC squads with a 7-5 record ... Georgia concluded its schedule with a 30-24 victory at 7th-ranked Georgia Tech on Nov. 28 ... 2009 will mark Texas A&M's third trip to the Independence Bowl and their first since 2000.
ADVOCARE V100 INDEPENDENCE BOWL
TEXAS A&M AGGIES (6-6) vs GEORGIA BULLDOGS (7-5)
TELEVISION: ESPN2 HD (National)
Ron Franklin, play-by-play
Ed Cunningham, commentary
Quint Kessenich, sidelines
RADIO: Texas A&M Sports Network
Dave South, play-by-play
Dave Elmendorf, commentary
Tom Turbiville, sidelines
Sports USA Radio Network (national)
Rich Cellini, play-by-play
Charles Arbuckle, commentary
Rich Herrera, sidelines
SATELLITE RADIO: none
LIVE AUDIO: none
LIVE STATS: independencebowl.org
RANKINGS: neither team is ranked
SERIES HISTORY: A&M leads, 3-1
A&M STREAK: Lost 1
LAST MEETING: UGA 42, A&M 0 (Sept. 13, 1980 in Athens)
BOWL HISTORY: A&M leads, 1-0 (40-20 win in 1950 Presidential Cup)
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FOLLOWING THE ACTION
•            RADIO -- The 50-station Texas A&M Sports Network will broadcast the game live from Independence Stadium ... Dave South (play-by-play), Dave Elmendorf (commentary) and Tom Turbiville (sidelines) will call the action ... pregame show begins at 3 p.m. ... fans attending the game can listen on the low end of the FM dial.
•            INTERNET -- independencebowl.org will offer live play-by-play and statistics ... live audio of the game will NOT be available per bowl radio rights agreements.
TRAVEL PLANS
The Texas A&M football team will convene in Shreveport on Wednesday, Dec. 23 and headquarter at the Clarion Hotel (1419 E. 70th St., 318-797-9900) ... Alan Cannon, Brad Marquardt and Matt Simon from the Media Relations Office will accompany the team and can be reached via e-mail or cell phone.
A&M/GEORGIA SERIES NOTABLES
Texas A&M leads the all-time series with Georgia, 3-1, which dates back to 1950 ... the first meeting between the schools was also the only other postseason meeting in the series, as the Aggies downed the Bulldogs in the 1950 Presidential Cup, 40-20, in College Park, Maryland ... the teams played a home-and-home of sorts a few years later ... A&M defeated UGA, 14-12, in Dallas in 1953, and downed the Bulldogs, 6-0, in Athens the following season ... Texas A&M coach Paul "Bear" Bryant picked up his first victory in Aggieland in the 1954 game ... the last meeting between the schools occurred on Sept. 13, 1980 at Sanford Stadium, with 12th-ranked Georgia and freshman running back Herschel Walker blanking the Aggies, 42-0, en route to the national championship ... Mike Sherman has never faced Georgia ... Mark Richt has never faced Texas A&M.
INJURY UPDATE
CORYELL JUDIE--shoulder surgery (out for season) ... RICKY CAVANAUGH--knee (out for season).
BOWL NO. 31 FOR AGGIES
Texas A&M will be playing in its 31st bowl in its 115th season of football when it takes on Georgia in the 2009 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl. More than half of A&M's bowl appearances have come in the last 25 years.
SENIOR CLASS OF 2009
The Texas A&M senior class of 2009 will be playing its final game when the Aggies and Georgia Bulldogs battle in the 2009 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl. Here are some of their accomplishments:
• The class has compiled a 26-24 overall record.
• The Independence Bowl is the third bowl of the seniors' careers.
• Only five senior classes in school history will have played in more bowls than the 2009 seniors (1978, 1992, 1993, 2000 and 2001).
• Beat Texas Tech in Lubbock (52-30 in 2009) for the first time since 1993.
• Beat Texas in Austin (12-7 in 2006) for the first time since 1994.
• Beat four ranked teams: No. 19 Missouri (25-19 in 2006); No. 11 Texas (12-7 in 2006); No. 12 Texas (38-30 in 2007); and No. 21 Texas Tech (52-30 in 2009).
A&M-GEORGIA CONNECTIONS
Aggie defensive coordinator Joe Kines was the Bulldogs' defensive coordinator/assistant head coach from 1995-99. Kines also served as interim head coach for Alabama in 2006 when the Crimson Tide played Oklahoma State in the Independence Bowl (famous halftime interview), and was defensive coordinator at Arkansas in the 1991 game against Georgia, which featured current Bulldog Director of Athletics Damon Evans.
GRADUATION SUCCESS
Nineteen members of the Aggies' 2009 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl roster have already received their degrees from Texas A&M, including 12 that received their diplomas earlier this month.
GRADUATE FOOTBALL PLAYERS (7)
Derek Dumas                   Michael Shumard
Matt Featherston           Vincent Williams
Lee Grimes                       Jeff Wood
Jordan Peterson             Â
DECEMBER 2009 GRADUATES (12)
Cody Beyer                       Jamie McCoy
Chevar Bryson                 Ryan O'Bryant
Robbie Frost                    Jordan Pugh
Marcus Gold                    Matt Rankin
Burl Jordan                       Craig Raschke
Kevin Matthews              DeMaurier Thompson
SCHEDULED FOR MAY AND SUMMER 2010
Don Bishop                       Matt Moss
Andrew Engram              Lucas Patterson
Pierre Fleurinor               Antonio Perry
Cole Graybill                     Gary Randall
Michael Hodges               Ryan Tannehill
Jerrod Johnson                Anthony Vela
Justin McQueen              Ryan Whitmer
Howard Morrow            Â
NEW OFFENSIVE SCHEME PRODUCES IMPRESSIVE RESULTS
Using a no-huddle offensive scheme for the first time in 2009, the Aggies have gained an impressive 465.3 yards per game, which leads the Big 12 and ranks No. 5 nationally. A&M is the only team in the nation ranked in the top 25 in each of the four main offensive statistical categories - No. 5 in total offense, No. 15 in scoring offense (33.9 points per game), No. 22 in passing offense (274.9 yards per game) and No. 25 in rushing offense (190.4 per game). The new scheme has drastically increased A&M's number of offensive plays and the Aggies are one of just two teams in the nation that average 80 or more offensive plays per game.
               2009 OFFENSE (AFTER 12 GAMES)                          2008 OFFENSE (FINAL - 12 games)
Category                            NCAA   Big 12   Avg.      Category                            NCAA   Big 12   Avg.
Total Offense                  5             1             465.3    Total Offense                  78          12          340.9
Rushing Offense             25          2             190.4    Rushing Offense             114        8             88.5
Passing Offense              22          6             274.9    Passing Offense              27          11          252.4
Scoring Offense               15          3             33.9       Scoring Offense               64          11          25.0
UNDENIABLE TRENDS
In the "not sure what it means" category, the Aggies are 6-0 in non-televised games, and 0-6 in televised contests. In the "know what it means" category, the Aggies are 6-0 when they rush for 200 yards or more, and 0-6 in games when they rush for less than 200 yards.
MAGIC NUMBER is 200
Opponent                   Rush Yds   TV?       Result
Baylor                                375        No         W, 38-3
*at Texas Tech                321        No         W, 52-30
*Iowa State                      267        No         W, 35-10
Utah State                        251        No         W, 38-30
New Mexico                    245        No         W, 41-6
UAB                                     236        No         W, 56-19
----------------------------------------------------------
*Texas                                190        ESPN    L, 39-49
at Colorado                       132        FCS        L, 34-35
*vs Arkansas                    113        ESPN    L, 19-47
*Oklahoma State            109        FSN       L, 31-36
*at Oklahoma                  59          FSN       L, 10-65
at Kansas State                -13         FCS        L, 14-62
* denotes bowl eligible teams
JOHNSON RE-WRITING RECORD BOOK
Second-team All-Big 12 quarterback Jerrod Johnson already holds several single season school records, and another is within reach.
ALREADY THERE (8)
Category                            JJ in `09                Old Record
Completions                    267        212 by Kevin Murray, 1987
Attempts                           439        364 by Stephen McGee, 2007
Passing Yards                   3,217    2,791 by Reggie McNeal, 2004
Passing TDs                       28          21 by Jerrod Johnson, 2008
TD Responsibility             36          24 by Jerrod Johnson, 2008
300-Yard Passing             5             3 by Dustin Long, 2002
Total Offense                  3,672    3,509 by Reggie McNeal, 2004
Total Plays                         570        545 by Stephen McGee, 2007
ON THE HORIZON (1)
Category             JJ in `09 Rank     Current Record
Comp. Pct.         60.8       2nd       62.0 (Stephen McGee, 2006)
JOHNSON'S IMPACT ON CAREER RECORD BOOK
Despite starting only 22 games, quarterback Jerrod Johnson already owns several notable career records, including passing touchdowns and TD responsibility, and in a variety of quarterback-centric records.
ALREADY THERE (3)
Category                            JJ Car    Old Record
Passing TDs                       51          48 by Kevin Murray, 1983-86
TD Responsibility             65          59 by Reggie McNeal, 2002-05
300-Yard Passing             7             3 by two players
Comp. Pct.                        60.0       59.5 by Stephen McGee, 2005-08
ON THE HORIZON (4)
Category             JJ Career             Rank     Current Record
Completions     463        5th        560 (Corey Pullig, 1992-95)
Attempts            772        6th        991 (Corey Pullig, 1992-95)
Passing Yards    5,702    4th        6,992 (Reggie McNeal, 2002-05)
Total Offense   6,382    5th        8,876 (Reggie McNeal, 2002-05)
JOHNSON KEEPS THE CHAINS MOVING
Texas A&M junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson is a record-setting passer, but he consistently relies on his legs to keep drives going. An impressive 53 of his 106 rushes this season have produced a "money play,"Â which is defined as a play that results in a first down or touchdown. Johnson is especially proficient on third and fourth down rushes with 29 money plays in 39 attempts, including 24 on 32 third down rushes.
MONEY PLAYS FOR JOHNSON
                               1st         TD          $$          Rushes
Overall                49          8             53          106
3rd/4th Downs 27          4             29          39
JOHNSON HAS BEEN A DIFFERENCE-MAKER IN 2009
In his second season as a starter, quarterback Jerrod Johnson has developed into a difference-maker in 2009. He ranks among the nation's top quarterbacks in virtually every important statistical category.
JOHNSON IN NCAA, BIG 12 RANKINGS
Category                            NCAA   Big 12   Avg.
Total Offense                  6             2             306.0
Passing Yards                   15          5             268.1
Points Responsibility     5             1             18.3
Passing TDs                       6             1             28 total
Interception Pct.             8             1             1.37
Passing Efficiency            34          3             140.69
PART-TIME STARTER TO FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICAN
A part-time starter in his first two seasons at A&M, junior Von Miller emerged as the nation's most feared pass rusher in 2009. Miller, who shifted to a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position last spring, has been atop the NCAA's sack leaders list all season and is within reach of Texas A&M's school record of 20 sacks by Jacob Green in 1979. Through 12 games, Miller has compiled 17 quarterback sacks for a loss of 112 yards, and stands No. 2 on A&M's illustrious single season sacks list.
A first-team All-America pick by the Sporting News, Miller is Texas A&M's first first-team All-America selection since cornerback Jason Webster earned All-America honors in 1999.
NCAA QB SACKS LEADERS
               Player, School                                  Sacks    Avg
1.           Von Miller, Texas A&M                17          1.42
2.           Brandon Sharpe, Texas Tech      15          1.36
3.           Josh McNary, Army                        12.5       1.14
4.           Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue                  13          1.08
5.           Bruce Miller, UCF                            12          1.00
TEXAS A&M -- SEASON QB SACKS LIST
               Player                                 Season Sacks
1.           Jacob Green*                  1979      20
2.           Von Miller                         2009      17
3.           Ray Childress*                 1983      15
               John Roper*                    1987      15
               John Roper                       1988      15
6.           Aaron Wallace                 1988      14.5
               Keith Mitchell*                1996      14.5
8.           Jacob Green                     1978      13
               William Thomas               1990      13
               Marcus Buckley               1991      13
               Keith Mitchell                  1995      13
12.         Marcus Buckley*             1992      12
* first-team AP All-American
LEADER IN DISRUPTIVE DEFENSE
NCAA quarterback sack leader Von Miller leads the Big 12 Conference in three of the disruptive defensive categories - sacks, tackles for losses and forced fumbles.
BIG 12 QB SACKS LEADERS
               Player, School                                   QBS/Gm
1.           Von Miller, Texas A&M                1.42
2.           Brandon Sharpe, Texas Tech      1.36
3.           Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska        0.92
               Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma               0.92
               Aldan Smith, Missouri                   0.92
BIG 12 FORCED FUMBLES LEADERS
               Player, School                                   FF/Gm
1.           Von Miller, Texas A&M                0.33
2.           Jeff Wheeler, Kansas                    0.27
               Brandon Sharpe, Texas Tech      0.27
4.           six players                                          0.25
BIG 12 TACKLES FOR LOSS LEADERS
               Player, School                                   TFL/Gm
1.           Von Miller, Texas A&M                1.75
2.           Aldan Smith, Missouri                   1.54
3.           Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma               1.50
               Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska        1.50
5.           Brandon Sharpe, Texas Tech      1.40
JOHNSON MIGHT BE BIG 12'S BEST
Texas A&M junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson ranks in the top five in the Big 12 Conference in virtually every passing and total offense statistical category.
               BIG 12 PASS EFFICIENCY LEADERS                                          BIG 12 POINTS RESPONSIBILITY LEADERS
               Player, School                                                                                  Player, School                                  Â
1.           Colt McCoy, Texas                                          147.46  1.           Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M                      18.3
2.           Blaine Gabbert, Missouri                             141.60  2.           Todd Reesing, Kansas                                   14.3
3.           Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M                      140.69  3.           Colt McCoy, Texas                                          13.9
4.           Taylor Potts, Texas Tech                              135.76  4.           Taylor Potts, Texas Tech                              13.2
5.           Zac Robinson, Oklahoma St.                       135.42  5.           Blaine Gabbert, Missouri                             13.0
               BIG 12 TOTAL OFFENSE LEADERS                                             BIG 12 PASSING TOUCHDOWNS LEADERS
               Player, School                                                                                  Player, School                                  Â
1.           Todd Reesing, Kansas                                   311.3    1.           Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M                      28
2.           Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M                      306.0    2.           Colt McCoy, Texas                                          27
3.           Colt McCoy, Texas                                          296.9    3.           Landry Jones, Oklahoma                              23
4.           Blaine Gabbert, Missouri                             294.2                    Blaine Gabbert, Missouri                             23
5.           Taylor Potts, Texas Tech                              291.0    5.           Todd Reesing, Kansas                                   22
               BIG 12 INT PERCENTAGE LEADERS                                          BIG 12 PASSING TD PCT. LEADERS
               Player, School                                                                                 Player, School                                  Â
1.           Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M                      1.37       1.           Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M                      6.38
2.           Blaine Gabbert, Missouri                             1.69       2.           Landry Jones, Oklahoma                              5.78
3.           Todd Reesing, Kansas                                   2.02       3.           Colt McCoy, Texas                                          5.77
4.           Grant Gregory, Kansas St.                           2.29       4.           Blaine Gabbert, Missouri                             5.56
5.           Colt McCoy, Texas                                          2.56                       Zac Robinson, Oklahoma St.                       5.56
MICHAEL IGNITES DOWN THE STRETCH
A strong second half of the season pushed true freshman running back Christine Michael to Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors. After the first six games of 2009, Michael had gained 285 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns, but over the final six games, Michael gained 482 yards and scored seven touchdowns.
               MICHAEL's FIRST SIX GAMES                                    MICHAEL's LAST SIX GAMES
               Game                                  Att-Yds-TD                         Game                                  Att-Yds-TD
1             New Mexico                    11-93-1                7             at (21) Texas Tech           22-121-2
2             Utah State                        17-94-0                8             Iowa State                        10-63-1
3             UAB                                     DNP (injured)   9             at Colorado                       16-74-1
4             vs Arkansas                      11-46-0                10          at Oklahoma                    14-25-0
5             (15) Oklahoma State      9-30-1                 11          Baylor                                 11-116-2
6             at Kansas State                11-22-0                12          (3) Texas                            19-83-1
               TOTAL (4.8 yds/carry)    59-285-2                              TOTAL (5.2 yds/carry)    92-482-7
GRAY/MICHAEL MAKE IMPRESSIVE TWO-HEADED RUSHING ATTACK
Running backs Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael make Texas A&M one of only 15 teams nationally to have two or more rushers ranked among the top 100 in individual rushing yards. Texas A&M is the only team with two rushers ranked in the top 10 in the Big 12 Conference. The other 14 teams with a pair of Top 100 rushers are Army, Air Force, California, Colorado State, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia Tech, Middle Tennessee State, Navy, Nevada (3), Northern Illinois, Ohio State (3), Oklahoma, Oregon,
TWO AMONG THE BIG 12's TOP 10 RUSHERS
               TEXAS A&M
               Christine Michael, Fr.    6th        69.7
               Cyrus Gray, So.                9th        62.7
TRIPLE-DIGIT TANNEHILL
Sophomore quarterback/receiver Ryan Tannehill is only 23 games into his career at A&M but he enters the Independence Bowl on the cusp of reaching triple digits in career receptions. With 99 career catches, Tannehill needs just one reception against the Bulldogs to become the first sophomore and only the eighth player in school history to reach the 100-catch plateau. The previous high career total by a sophomore was 72 by career receptions record holder Terrence Murphy. His freshman-sophomore total already ranks as the No. 2 two-year total of any receiver in school history behind only the 100-catch junior/senior seasons for Murphy.
As background, Tannehill came to A&M as a quarterback and remains a quarterback. However, during fall camp of his redshirt freshman season he was third on the A&M depth chart behind Jerrod Johnson during fall camp, but still takes the large majority of practice snaps under center. For the majority of 2009, he has seen just spot duty (mostly third down situations) at receiver. He has started just six games (all at wide receiver) during his two-year career with no starts in 2009.
TOP TWO-YEAR RECEPTION TOTALS
               Player, Year                                      Best 2-Yr Span
1.           Terrence Murphy, 2001-04         100 catches, Jr/Sr
2.           Ryan Tannehill, 2008-09                99 catches, Fr/So
3.           Albert Connell, 1995-96                98 catches, Jr/Sr
4.           Jason Carter, 2004-05                   90 catches, Jr/Sr
5.           Martellus Bennett, 2005-06        87 catches, So/Jr
6.           Jeff Fuller, 2008-09                        84 catches, Fr/So
               A&M CAREER RECEPTIONS LIST                                                A&M CAREER RECEIVING YARDS LIST
               Player, Years                                     Catches                               Player, Years                                     Rec. Yards
1.           Terrence Murphy, 2001-04         172                       1.           Terrence Murphy, 2001-04         2,600
2.           Bethel Johnson, 1999-02              117                       2.           Bethel Johnson, 1999-02              1,740
3.           Keith Woodside, 1983, 85-87      110                       3.           Jamaar Taylor, 2001-03                 1,705
4.           Jamaar Taylor, 2001-03                 108                       4.           Tony Harrison, 1990-93                 1,576
5.           Martellus Bennett, 2005-07        105                       5.           Albert Connell, 1995-96                1,525
               Rod Bernstine, 1983-86                105                       6.           Jason Carter, 2002-05                    1,457
7.           Jason Carter, 2002-05                    102                       7.           Ryan Tannehill, 2008-                    1,418
8.           Ryan Tannehill, 2008-                    99
FELLOW SOPH FULLER MAKES HIS MARK
The only A&M player in the same fast start ballpark as Ryan Tannehill is current teammate Jeff Fuller. With 84 career catches to his credit, Fuller has also easily surpassed career catches school record holder Terrence Murphy's freshman/sophomore total. Due to Fuller's absence from four games in 2009 due to a broken, he has played in four fewer games than Tannehill, but his per-game average is slightly higher (4.42/G to 4.30/G). While Fuller takes a backseat to Tannehill in catches and yards, he shines in receiving touchdowns. Fuller already owns the season receiving touchdowns record (9 in 2008) and is within striking distance of the career receiving touchdowns record with 16 (record is 19 by Bob Long from 1966-68).
               A&M SEASON RECEIVING TDs LIST                         A&M CAREER RECEIVING TDs LIST
               Player                                 No.        Year                      Player                                 No.        Years
1.           Jeff Fuller                          9             2008      1.           Bob Long                           18          1966-68
2.           Bethel Johnson                8             2002      2.           Jeff Fuller                          16          2008-
               Bob Long                           8             1968      3.           Tony Harrison                  14          1990-93
               Bob Long                           8             1967      4.           Albert Connell                 13          1995-96
5.           Jeff Fuller                          7             2009      5.           Chad Schroeder               12          2003-06
               Albert Connell                 7             1995
EZ'S RECORD-BREAKING FIRST SEASON
Despite joining a squad that returned three players that had 40 or more catches in 2008, 2009 true freshman Uzoma "EZ" Nwachukwu quickly made an impact on the Aggies' receiving corps. Highlighting his first season accomplishments were: a four-touchdown on four touches performance against Utah State (most-ever by player with at least one rushing and one receiving TD), matching school record with three receiving touchdowns vs. Utah State (done by four other players, including Jeff Fuller later in the season), breaking Fuller's true freshman record for receiving yards with 670 (breaking Fuller's 2008 mark of 630) and matching the school record for 100-yard receiving games (3).
If not for Ryan Tannehill and Fuller's 2008 freshman campaigns, Nwachukwu would own freshman school records for catches, yards and touchdowns. After 12 games, Nwachukwu ranks No. 3 or higher in all three categories.
A&M FRESHMAN RECEPTIONS LIST
               Player, Year                                       Catches
1.           Ryan Tannehill, 2008                      55
2. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Jeff Fuller, 2008Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 50
3. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Uzoma Nwachukwu, 2009Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 37
4.           Terrence Murphy, 2001                36
* No. 27 on overall season catches list
 A&M FRESHMAN RECEIVING YARDS LIST
               Player, Year                                       Yds
1.           Ryan Tannehill, 2008                      844
2. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Uzoma Nwachukwu, 2009Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 670
3. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Jeff Fuller, 2008Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 630
* No. 14 on overall season receiving yards list
A&M FRESHMAN RECEIVING TDs LIST
               Player, Year                                       TDs
1.           Jeff Fuller, 2008                               9
2.           Uzoma Nwachukwu, 2009           6
3.           Ryan Tannehill, 2008                      5
* No. 7 on overall season receiving TDs list
HONORS FLOOD IN FOR A&M'S FRESHMEN
Five members of Texas A&M's record-setting 2009 signing class (P Ryan Epperson, DB Dustin Harris, OL Patrick Lewis, RB Christine Michael, WR Uzoma Nwachukwu) received some kind of postseason accolades. A school record 19 members of head coach Mike Sherman's second signing class, including 18 true freshmen (second in NCAA), saw action in 2009 (see charts page A10).
A complete list of honors can be found on pages A4 and A5 of this section.
UNDERCLASS FLASH
The Aggies have produced 101 plays of 20 yards or more, including an eye-catching 85 (84 percent) coming from freshmen or sophomores. The Aggies' 11 longest plays of the season have been produced by underclassmen.
AGGIES PLAYING 18 TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2009
Texas A&M has played an extraordinary number of true freshmen in 2009. The Aggies have used 18 true freshmen from head coach Mike Sherman's second signing class, which is a school record. The previous high number of true freshmen to see action for the Aggies was 15 for Tom Wilson's 1980 team, which finished 4-7. Including among the 1980 freshmen were future NFL Draft picks Jeff Fuller Sr., Keith Guthrie, Mark Lewis, Ken Reeves, Tommy Robison and Thomas Sanders.
Since 1972, the Aggies have awarded varsity letters to 10 or more true freshman in a season only a handful of times: 15 in 1980, 11 in 1973 and 10 in 1972 and 2008. Interestingly, only once since the advent of freshman eligibility have the Aggies not played a single true freshman (1989).
early risers
Offense/SPECIALISTS (8)
Stephen Barrera*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â OLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Clear Lake, Texas (Clear Lake)Â Â Â started three games at OT
Ryan Epperson                P            Keller, Texas (Keller)                    season debut at Texas Tech
Brandal Jackson*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â WRÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Navasota, Texas (Navasota)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 15 catches for 231 yards
Patrick Lewis*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â OLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â LaPlace, La. (East St. John)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â started at OG past eight games
Kenric McNeal                 WR        Spring, Texas (Spring)                  44-yard TD catch was long play of game vs. UNM
Christine Michael*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â RBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Beaumont, Texas (West Brook) leads team in rushing yds and rushing TDs
Ryan Swope*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â WRÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Austin, Texas (Westlake)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â first career start at CU; over 100 yds for season
Uzoma Nwachukwu*Â Â Â Â WRÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Allen, Texas (Allen)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â team leader in receiving yards
Defense (10)
Aaron Arterburn             LB          Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall)         saw first action vs OSU, has 6 tackles in 5 games
Steven Campbell*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â DB Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Houston, Texas (Jersey Village) 8 tackles in first start vs OSU
Kirby Ennis                        DL          Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville)     active interior defender has 11 tackles and .5 TFL
Dustin Harris*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â DBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Livingston, Texas (Livingston)Â Â Â Â starter at CB and PR, career high 8 tackles vs OSU
Michael Lamothe            LB          New Iberia, La. (New Iberia)      seen action in 11 games
Spencer Nealy                 DL          San Antonio, Texas (Reagan)     18 tackles, including 3 TFL and one sack
Sean Porter*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â LBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Schertz, Texas (Clemens)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 41 tackles, including 4 TFL; first career start at CU
Jonathan Stewart*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â LBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shreveport, La. (Byrd)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â seen action in every game, 25 tackles, including 1 TFL
Steven Terrell                  DB         Allen, Texas (Allen)                       seen action in every game
Colton Valencia                DB         Missouri City, Texas (Hightower)seen action in every game
* started in 2009
NUMBER-CRUNCHING THE UNDERCLASSMAN IMPACT
Freshmen and sophomores have had an enormous impact for the Aggies in 2009...
EARLY RISERS
Category             Fr./So. Total     Pct.
Rushing               1,766    2,285    77.3
Receiving            2,495    3,299    75.6
Scoring                323        407        79.4
Tackles                535        879        60.9
McCOY DEVELOPS INTO TOP-FLIGHT TE
When second-year head coach Jamie McCoy, who developed into one of the Big 12 Conference's top tight ends under Sherman and tight end coach Kirk Doll's tutelage. Over past two seasons, McCoy has pulled down an impressive 74 catches for 828 yards and six touchdowns, which is just off of the numbers produced by NFL second round draft pick Martellus Bennett in his final two seasons at A&M (87 catches for 1,084 and seven touchdowns). In 2009, McCoy ended second-team All-Big 12 tight end and fullback honors.
For the first two years of McCoy's career, he bounced around between quarterback (his recruited position) and wide receiver, and he played only sparingly. McCoy rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown as a freshman quarterback in 2006, and then didn't have any stats as a receiver in 2007. Sherman moved McCoy to TE for the 2008 spring drills and he responded with 43 catches as a junior and 31 catches as a senior.
               BIG 12's TOP TE PASS-CATCHERS                                             A&M CAREER TE RECEPTIONS LIST
               Player, School                                   No-Yds-TD                         Player                                 No.        Years
1.           Riar Geer, Colorado                       36-402-4              1.           Martellus Bennett          105        2005-07
2.           Jamie McCoy, Texas A&M           31-328-1                              Rod Bernstine                 105        1983-86
3.           Derrick Catlett, Iowa State          27-289-2              3.           Richard Osborne             86          1972-75
4.           Justin Akers, Baylor                        27-249-1              4.           Greg Porter                      84          1999-02
5.           Mike McNeill, Nebraska               25-240-4              5.           Jamie McCoy                   74          2006-08
100-YARD RECEIVING GAMES
Texas A&M tied a school record with eight 100-yard receiving games from four individuals. The three century games by freshman Uzoma Nwachukwu matches a school record.
100-YARD GAMES in 2009
Player, Class                                     100+     Season High
Uzoma Nwachukwu, Fr-HSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8-141 vs OSU
Jeff Fuller, So-1LÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6-132 vs TEX
Ryan Tannehill, So-1LÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3-101 vs UAB
Brandal Jackson, Fr-HSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 4-118 vs ARK
AVERAGING OVER 80 OFFENSIVE PLAYS PER GAME
Texas A&M is one of only two teams in the NCAA FBS to average over 80 offensive plays per game. Former A&M offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin's Houston Cougar leads the nations with an average of 83.8 plays per game and the Aggies are right behind with 80.1 plays per game. Interestingly, five of FBS's top eight teams are from the Big 12 Conference.
2009 NCAA LEADERS -- PLAYS PER GAME
               Team                   Conf     Plays
1.           Houston              C-USA  83.8
2.           Texas A&M        Big 12   80.1
3.           Northwestern  Big Ten 76.6
4.           Oklahoma          Big 12   76.3
5.           Texas                  Big 12   75.6
6.           Texas Tech         Big 12   75.3
7.           Miami (Ohio)    MAC     73.8
8.           Kansas                Big 12   73.7
TEXAS A&M -- SEASON PLAYS PER GAME
               Year      Plays     Record
1.           1986      81.4       9-3
2.           2009      80.1       6-6
3.           1985      77.9       10-2
               1978      77.9       8-4
5.           1991      76.4       10-2
SEEKING 100 THIRD-DOWN SUCCESSES
Texas A&M leads the Big 12 and ranks No. 6 nationally with a 50.5 percent success rate in third-down situations. The Aggies have been successful on 94 of 186 third-down tries in 12 games in 2009. The Aggies' 94 conversions is already a school record (previous high was 92 in 2007) and the 50.5 success rate is on pace to break the school standard of 50.3 set in 2006. Only Georgia Tech (100 in 13 games) and Northwestern (95 in 12 games) have more third down conversions than the Aggies.
MOST THIRD-DOWN CONVERSIONS, FBS
               Team                                   No.
1.           Georgia Tech                    100
2.           Northwestern                  95
3.           Texas A&M                        94
               Houston                              94
5.           Air Force                             90
JOHNSON, TANNEHILL LEAD THIRD-DOWN PARADE
The Aggies' record-setting success in third down situations is definitely a team effort, but there's no question that junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson and sophomore wide receiver Ryan Tannehill lead the way in that area. Johnson and Tannehill have combined to produce 40 "money plays" (produces a first down or touchdown) on 51 third down rushes or receptions.
AGGIES TOP FIVE "MONEY" PLAYERS
3rd Down Situations      1st         TD          $$          Plays
Jerrod Johnson                23          2             24          32 rush
Ryan Tannehill                 16          3             16          19 rcpt
Jeff Fuller                          8             3             9             9 rcpt
Cyrus Gray                        7             2             7             11 rush
Christine Michael            6             1             7             9 rush
VETERAN PUGH STANDS TALL IN SECONDARY
Senior Jordan Pugh is the anomaly on Aggies' youthful defense with a team-best 36 career starts and action in 49 career games. Since missing the Oklahoma State game with a concussion, Pugh has produced 47 tackles (8.7 average), a fumble recovery, two interceptions and two broken up passes, while earning a spot on the All-Big 12 second team.
PUGH STEPS UP FOR AGGIE "D" (LAST 7 GAMES)
Opponent                         Solo/Asst            Total     FR          INT        PBU
Oklahoma State                                  -- did not play (injured) --
at Kansas State                7/3        10          0             0             0
at Texas Tech                   5/0        5             1             0             1
Iowa State                        5/7        12          0             1/16      0
at Colorado                       6/2        8             0             1/9        1
at Oklahoma                    3/4        7             0             0             0
Baylor                                 9/5        14          0             1/39      0
Texas                                  2/3        5             0             0             0
Total                                    37/24    61          1             2/64      2
50 FOR PUGH AND FEATHERSTON
The Independence Bowl will mark the 51st game of veteran Michael Shumard (40).
RETURNS ARE FEW WITH EPPERSON
True freshman punter Ryan Epperson, an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection, has not allowed any punt return yards in the last five games. In that span, Epperson has 18 punts and just three have been returned for zero yards. Epperson took off his redshirt for game seven this year against Texas Tech.
GRAY EARNS BIG 12 WEEKLY HONORS
Sophomore tailback Cyrus Gray was named the Big 12's Special Teams Player of the Week by a select media panel on November 9.
Gray totaled 181 yards on four kick returns in A&M's game at Colorado, including a career-best 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second quarter. He also added a 45-yard kick return in the fourth quarter to set up the Aggies' final score.
The honor is the second of Gray's career, who also earned special teams POW honors last season after his performance against Oklahoma. It is also the first Big 12 weekly football honor of any kind for A&M in `09.
JOHNSON'S PICKOFF-FREE STREAK ENDS IN BIG 12 RECORD FASHION
Junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson threw his first interception of the season against Kansas State (Oct 17), but not before breaking the Big 12's single season record for consecutive pass attempts without a pickoff. Johnson threw 225 straight passes without a pickoff to open 2009 before KSU's Tysyn Hartman stepped in front of his pass attempt in the second quarter. He broke the old single season mark of 213 set by Kansas' Todd Reesing in 2007. He had increased his overall Big 12 record streak to 242 attempts, which dated back to last year's Baylor game.
TURNING OVER THE ROSTER
If there are times that the 2009 Aggies look like a totally different team than last year's 4-8 edition, it's because they virtually are. Second-year head coach Mike Sherman has played a total of 79 players in 2009, including 39 or 49 percent that have made their maroon and white playing debuts this season. Thirteen of the 39 newbies have made at least one start. Leading the way is Sherman's stellar 2009 signing class, which has seen 19 of its members earn playing time. Here's a closer look at where all the new blood came from:
2009 SIGNING CLASS (19)
Aaron Arterburn, LBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Kenric McNeal, WR
#Stephen Barrera, OTÂ Â Â #Christine Michael, RB
#Steven Campbell, SÂ Â Â Â Â Spencer Nealy, DE
Kirby Ennis, DTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â #Uzoma Nwachukwu, WR
Ryan Epperson, PÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â #Sean Porter, LB
#Dustin Harris, CBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â #Jonathan Stewart, LB
#Brandal Jackson, WRÂ Â Â #Ryan Swope, WR/RB
*Coryell Judie, CBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Steven Terrell, DB
Michael Lamothe, LBÂ Â Â Â Â Colton Valencia, DB#Patrick Lewis, OG
SQUADSMEN (9)
Don Bishop, TEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Jay Tolliver, RB
Nick Trice, WR
Blane Cheatham, DBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Taylor Randle, WR
#Michael Hodges, LBÂ Â Â Â Â Caleb Russell, RB
Craig Raschke, OLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
REDSHIRT FRESHMEN (6)
Rod Davis, DLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Jeffrey Hyde, OL
Tommy Dorman, QBÂ Â Â Â Â Â #Kyle Mangan, LB
Adren Dorsey, DLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Brian Thomas, OLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
TRANSFERS (3)
#Matt Allen, OGÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ken Wood, P
Cole Graybill, FBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
# at least one start in 2009Â Â Â * JUCO transfer (injured/out for year)
CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
A look at some of the Aggies' impact players showcases head coach Mike Sherman's ability to shift players to different positions to maximize their talents:
change for the better
Von Miller                         LB to `jack'         first-team All-American, leads FBS with 17 sacks
Jamie McCoy                   WR to TE             31 catches for 328 yards
Kyle Mangan                    FB to LB               fourth on team with 63 stops, leads with 7 PBUs
Garrick Williams               DB to LB              third on team with 71 tackles
IT'S PRONOUNCED "CHRIS-TIN"
Christine Michael's first name is spelled "Christine," but it's pronounced "Chris-tin." Michael reports that his unusual first name was given to him by his mother, who really wanted her first child to be a girl and already had the name chosen. "My mom wanted her first child to be a girl, and she had my name picked out from Day 1. She thought it was unique for a boy. Now, whatever anyone wants to call me, I just go along with it." [Source: San Antonio Express-News, Sept. 8, 2009]
PRO DADS
The 2009 Texas A&M football roster is dotted several players whose father were accomplished professionals in the NFL or NBA.
Senior offensive center Kevin Matthews' father, Bruce, was a perennial All-Pro offensive lineman for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Sophomore wide receiver Jeff Fuller's father, Jeff Sr., was a standout defensive back for the Aggies from 1980-83 and then the San Francisco 49ers from 1984-88.
True freshman defensive lineman Spencer Nealy's dad, Ed, was an All-Big Eight forward at Kansas State and played 10 seasons in the NBA, including with the 1992-93 Chicago Bulls that won the NBA title.Â
True freshman defensive lineman Wells Childress' father, Ray, still ranks in the top five in tackles and QB sacks in A&M history and went on to a long career with the Houston Oilers in NFL.
"BULL" MARKET
A question mark a year ago, the placekicker position appears to be a strength for the Aggies in 2009 with the return of sophomore Randy Bullock. In last year's season-opener, the Aggies missed a pair of field goals from less than 40 yards in a 18-14 loss. Bullock pulled off his redshirt in the sixth game of 2008 and responded with 6-of-7 field goals and made 20 straight extra points after missing the first one of his career. Bullock also showed a strong leg by booting a 46-yard field goal against Texas Tech, which was the longest by an A&M kicker since 2004.
Through the `09 regular season, Bullock has converted 12 of 18 field goal attempts, with one of the misses being a fourth-quarter block by Utah State. His 50-yard boot against Oklahoma State was a career best and was the longest by an Aggie since 2000. In addition, Bullock has converted all 49 extra points in `09 and has made 69 in a row entering the bowl game.
TURNOVERS TELL STORY
Since 2005, the Aggies have compiled a 23-5 record in games with a plus turnover margin. In games with an even or minus turnover margin, the Aggies are 7-24. (see chart on page 3)
IMPRESSIVE ASSISTANTS
•            Joe Kines from Alabama, Buddy Wyatt from Nebraska, Van Malone from the previous coaching staff.
•            Several members of Sherman's staff had successful NFL playing careers. Nolan Cromwell was a four-time Pro Bowl safety and the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1980. Van Malone played five seasons for the Detroit Lions and served as the special teams captain.
•            Prior to Texas A&M, Sherman served on the same coaching staff with Nolan Cromwell with the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, Kirk Doll at Texas A&M.
•            As head coach at SMU from 1991-96, Tom Rossley led the Mustangs to a 21-21 tie with the Aggies in 1994, which ended A&M's record 27-game conference winning streak. It was the only blemish on the Aggies' undefeated season that year.
•            Three members of the staff had previous ties to the A&M program. Kirk Doll was the Aggies' linebackers coach from 1988-93 under Jackie Sherrill and R.C. Slocum. Buddy Wyatt coached the defensive line at A&M from 2000-02 under Slocum and Van Malone is in his fourth season coaching the safeties.
NFL EXPERIENCE
The Aggie coaching staff has deep ties to the National Football League. Of the 10 coaches on the A&M staff, seven have experience in the NFL either as coach or as a player, or both. Leading the way is offensive coordinator Nolan Cromwell, who coached 17 years in the NFL with three teams and played 11 seasons. Other double-digit NFLers are head coach Mike Sherman (11 years/three teams, including six as head coach of the Green Bay Packers) and quarterback coach Tom Rossley (11 years/four teams).
AGGIE COACHES WITH NFL EXPERIENCE
Mike Sherman                11 years as coach, six as head coach
Joe Kines                           4 years as coach
Nolan Cromwell               17 years as coach, 11 as a player
Tom Rossley                     11 years as coach
Kirk Doll                              3 years as coach
Randy Jordan                   1 year as coach, 5 years as a player
Van Malone                     4 years as a player
AGGIES IN THE NCAA RANKINGS
A look at Texas A&M in the national statistical rankings, through the regular season:
TEAM rankings
CATEGORYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACTUALÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â NATL RKÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â BIG 12 RKÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â NATL LEADER
Rushing Offense                             190.42  25th      2nd       Nevada (362.25)
Passing Offense                              274.92  22nd     6th        Houston (450.00)
Total Offense                                  465.33  5th        1st         Houston (581.23)
Scoring Offense                               33.92    15th      3rd        Boise State (44.15)
Passing Efficiency                            140.15  34th      3rd        Cincinnati (166.19)
Sacks                                                   2.92       8th        5th        Pittsburgh (3.75)
Interceptions Thrown                   6             16th      1st         Air Force/Boise St/Navy (3)
First-Down Offense                       26.08    2nd       1st         Houston (31.23)
Third-Down Conversion Pct.      50.54    6th        1st         BYU (55.48)
player rankings
CATEGORYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACTUALÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â NATL RKÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â BIG 12 RKÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â NATL LEADER
Points Responsibility     Jerrod Johnson 18.33    5th        1st         Keenum, Houston (22.00)
Sacks                                   Von Miller          1.42       1st         1st         --
Tackles for Loss                Von Miller          1.75       5th        1st         Graham, Michigan (2.17)
Total Offense                  Jerrod Johnson 306.00  6th        2nd       Keenum, Houston (429.31)
Passing Efficiency            Jerrod Johnson 140.69  34th      3rd        Moore, Boise State (167.35)