Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1 vs. Big 12)
at
Iowa State (3-3, 0-3 vs. Big 12)
KICKOFF/DATE: 2:36 p.m. (CT), Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011
SITE: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, iowa (CAP. 55,000)
TELEVISION:
ABC (Regional)
Mark Neely, play-by-play
Ray Bentley, analyst
RADIO:
Texas A&M Sports Network
Dave South, play-by-play
Dave Elmendorf, commentary
(Home call on Sirius 113/XM 194)
RANKINGS
Texas A&M (No. 17 - AP Top 25/No. 18 - USA Today Poll)
Iowa State (Not ranked)
SERIES HISTORY: Texas A&M leads, 9-1 (won 2)
LAST MEETING: Oct. 31, 2009: Texas A&M 35, ISU 10 in College Station, Texas
LIVE AUDIO: aggieathletics.com, radioaggieland.com
LIVE STATS: aggieathletics.com
AGGIES HIT THE ROAD LOOKING FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WINS
No. 17/18 Texas A&M will be seeking its third straight win, including its second straight on the road when the Aggies take on unranked Iowa State in a 2:36 contest on Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. The Aggies are coming off wins over Texas Tech in Lubbock and Baylor last Saturday in College Station as they gear up for the challenge from the Cyclones. After sweeping its non-conference games, ISU has opened Big 12 play with losses to Texas, Baylor and Missouri. With ISU as a tradition Big 12 North foe, the two teams have played just 10 games previously with A&M holding a 9-1 advantage in the series. The Aggies have won the last two games since ISU's lone win in the series in 2005 (ISU 42, A&M 14 in College Station).
MILESTONES WATCH …
• Win over ISU would give Aggies ninth win in last 10 Big 12 contests, which would be the most successful run against Big 12 opponents ever. Aggies went 8-1 vs. Big 12 in 1998 (7-1 regular season, plus title game).
• QB Ryan Tannehill is 258 yards from becoming the 13th Aggie to hit the 4,000-yard plateau in career total offense (in just his 12th game as a starter at QB)
• PK Randy Bullock is 15 points from becoming A&M's fourth 300-point scorer, and five FGs from becoming fourth PK with 50 three-pointers.
• CB Terrence Frederick is one pass broken up from matching Wrecking Crew founder Chet Brooks and Donovan Greer at No. 9 on career PBUs list (26).
• WR Ryan Swope is 40 yards from 2,000 yards in career all-purpose.
• WR Jeff Fuller is five catches away from 200 career receptions.
• RB Cyrus Gray is just 228 all-purpose yards away from the 6,000-yard plateau.
• A&M's next fumble recovery will be their first since the 2010 Texas game, a span of seven games, 29 quarters and 640 opponent chances. (A&M was credited with a fumble recovery when OSU WR Justin Blackmon inexplicably dropped the ball and it rolled through the endzone).
HONORS ROLL IN AFTER BAYLOR WIN
A variety of weekly honors rolled in for the Aggies after last Saturday's 55-28 win over then No. 20 Baylor at Kyle Field:
Ryan Tannehill (25-of-37, 415 yards, 6 TDs, 470 total yards, 55 rushing yards)
• Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week
• Davey O'Brien Quarterback of the Week
• One of eight “Stars of the Week” by the Manning Award
• National Peformer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards
• National Offensive Player of the Week by CollegeSportsMadness.com
• Nominated for QB Performance of the Week by All-Star Football Challenge
Ryan Swope (11 catches, 206 yards, 4 TDs of 68, 68, 8 and 5 yards in length)
• Big 12 Player of the Week by Rivals.com
• National WR Performer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards
Randy Bullock (2-of-2 FGA, long of 47, 6-6 on PATs, 66.7 on kickoff with 4 touchbacks)
• Honorable Mention PK Performer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards
Damontre Moore (4 tackles, 1.5 QBS for loss of 9 yards, 2.5 TFL for loss of 10 yards)
• Honorable Mention PK Performer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards
TWO OF A KIND
Texas A&M and Baylor are the only two teams in the NCAA FBS with offenses that rank in the top 25 in rushing, passing, total and scoring offense. A&M is one of 15 teams nationally averaging more than 200 rushing and 200 yards passing.
Top 25 in NCAA Statistics
Rushing Offense No. 16 227.67
Passing Offense No. 23 297.00
Total Offense No. 524.67
Scoring Offense No. 11 41.67
HEADING TO HALFTIME
On A&M's final offensive drive of the first half in the 2011 season, the Aggies have scored in all six games with five TDs and one FG. In the last four games, all four scoring drives have been 11 or more plays and over 62 yards in length.
Last Drive of 2nd Quarter Success
SMU: TD, 6 plays-52 yards, 2:16 TOP
Idaho: TD, 6 plays-56 yards, 1:43 TOP
Oklahoma State: FG, 15 plays-62 yards, 6:08 TOP
Arkansas: TD, 11 plays-82 yards, 2:56 TOP
Texas Tech: TD, 11 plays-63 yards, 3:28 TOP
Baylor: TD, 11 plays-80 yards, 3:45 TOP
AGGIES IN THE RANKINGS
Texas A&M is in both the Associated Press media poll and the USA Today head coaches poll for the 13th straight week dating back to Nov. 7, 2010.
Boosted by a 55-28 shellacking of No. 20 Baylor in College Station, the Aggies jumped four spots to No. 17 in the AP Top 25 and five spots to No. 18 in the USA Today poll.
In the first BCS poll of 2011, the Aggies stand at No. 17.
LAST TIME OUT: Second-half surge dooms Bears
Texas A&M rolled to 31 second-half points and put up a goose egg on defense in the fourth quarter as the Aggies handed No. 20 Baylor a 55-28 loss at Kyle Field.
• The Aggies' 55-28 victory over Baylor marked A&M's seventh straight win over schools from the state of Texas. Since Mike Sherman's first season when the Aggies were swept by three state rivals, the Aggies have compiled a 9-1 record against Texas schools. It was A&M's 68th win against Baylor, which is the most wins against any opponent.
• Ryan Swope had an enormous day with 11 catches for 206 yards and a school record 4 receiving touchdowns … the 206 yards ranks as the fifth-highest total by an Aggie wideout in school history, and was a career high … first multi-TD game of his career… second Aggie with double-digit receptions in multiple games
• Ryan Tannehill went 25-for-37 for 415 yards and 6 TDs … the 6 TDs were a career high and matched the second-highest total in school history … his 415 yards through the air were the third most in school history.
• Offense racked up season-high 681 yards (266 rushing, 415 passing) … total was No. 7 in school history.
• The Aggies did not punt against the Baylor, and 11 drives resulted in nine scores.
• The Aggies scored a touchdown on the first drive of the second half for the first time this season. Previously, the Aggies had two field goals and three punts on the opening drive of the second half.
AGGIES' 2011 SACK ATTACK NEARS 2010 TOTAL
Just six games into 2011, the Aggies' sack attack has already rolled up 26 quarterback sacks which is just four short of 2010's Von Miller-led total of 30 QBS. Last year, 11 players combined to total the 30 sacks, led by Miller's Big 12-leading 10.5. In 2011, 13 players have combined for 26 sacks, led by junior Sean Porter's Big 12-best 7.5.
After six games in 2010, the Aggies had produced just 10 sacks.
WRECKING CREW LEADS NCAA, BIG 12 IN SACK
Averaging 4.33 quarterback sacks per game, the Aggies lead the Big 12 and the NCAA Football Subdivision in that category.
NCAA Team Sacks Leaders
1 Texas A&M 4.33
2 Oklahoma 4.00
Rutgers 4.00
4 Stanford 3.83
5 Illinois 3.71
Big 12 Team Sacks Leaders
1 Texas A&M 4.33
2 Oklahoma 4.00
3 Oklahoma State 3.17
4 Kansas State 2.17
5 Missouri 2.17
PORTER STEPS UP FOR WRECKING CREW
On a team seeking to replace the big-play capabilities of departed All-American Von Miller, junior Sean Porter has been impressive from the outside linebacker spot opposite of Miller's old “Joker” position. After six games, Porter leads the team in solo tackles, QB sacks and total tackles for losses. Porter leads the Big 12 in QB sacks and tackles for loss.
Being asked to get to the quarterback is new for Porter, who entered 2011 with just 1.5 QB sacks in his previous two seasons (15 starts in 26 games).
NCAA Sack Leaders
1 Whitney Mercilus, Illinois 1.43
2 Vinny Curry, Marshall 1.36
3 Nordly Capi, CSU 1.33
4 Sean Porter, Texas A&M 1.25
5 Frank Alexander, Oklahoma 1.08
Big 12 Sack Leaders
1 Sean Porter, Texas A&M 1.25
2 Frank Alexander, Oklahoma 1.08
3 Jamie Blatnick, Oklahoma State 0.83
4 Tony Jerod-Eddie, Texas A&M 0.67
Jordan Voelker, Kansas State 0.67
Meshak Williams, Kansas State 0.67
AGGIES ACHIEVING BALANCE ON OFFENSE
Over the last four games against Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Texas Tech and Baylor, the Aggies are averaging 253.5 rushing yards/43.0 rushes and 289.75 passing yards/36.5 pass attempts.
PROTECTING THE PASSER
The Texas A&M offensive front is one of the best in the nation at protecting the quarterback. The Aggie O-line has allowed just three sacks while proving protection on 215 pass attempts. A&M's average of 0.5 QB sacks allowed per game is tied for No. 3 nationally, and the Aggies are tied atop the Big 12 with Oklahoma. The O-line has kept the Aggie passers clean in four of six games, while allowing sacks against Big 12 foes Oklahoma State (2) and Texas Tech (1).
BIG BOYS PAVING THE WAY
All five offensive line starters are over 300 pounds, and the average weight of the Aggies' starting five on the offensive line is 310.6 pounds, making them the heaviest group in school history.
Big and Young
LT Luke Joeckel, So-1L, 310
LG Jarvis Harrison, Fr-RS, 317
C Patrick Lewis, Jr-2L, 306
RG Brian Thomas, Jr-1L, 315
RT Jake Matthews, So-1L, 305
Did you know?
Texas A&M is one of just seven teams without a senior starter on the offensive line. The others are Arizona, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Tennessee, UNLV and USC.
BULLOCK SHOWS OFF POWER BOOST
Senior placekicker Randy Bullock's hard work last summer has resulted in more distance on his kickoffs. Currently the most accurate kicker in school history with a career success rate of 76.3 percent on field goal attempts, Bullock had registered only 27 touchbacks in 192 career kickoffs (14.1 percent). In 2011, Bullock already has 16 touchbacks on 48 kickoffs (33.3 percent), and is averaging 66.2 yards per kickoff (nearly four-yard improvement from 2010). During fall camp, Bullock referenced the key to his improvement: “The biggest thing is I'm not having to play catch-up,” Bullock said. “Last year I had been sick all summer. This year I came in healthy after working all summer and I'm ready to go.”
BULLOCK CHASING RECORDS
Randy Bullock took down the career extra points record last week, and remains on on pace to break a variety of placekicking records. With 45 career field goals, Bullock ranks fourth on A&M's career list, but is unlikely to catch Bryant's record of 60. Bullock's current career FG percentage of .763 is on pace to break Todd Pegram's record of .747 from 2002-05. His current season percentage of .917 (11-of-12) is behind only Pegram's .923 school record from 2004 (12-of-13).
A&M Career Extra Points
1 Randy Bullock, 2008- 150
2 Kyle Bryant, 1994-97 145
3 Todd Pegram, 2002-05 142
4 Terry Venetoulias, 1990-93 139
5 Tony Franklin, 1975-78 123
A&M Career Field Goals
1 Kyle Bryant, 1994-97 60
2 Todd Pegram, 2002-05 56
Tony Franklin, 1975-78 56
4 Randy Bullock, 2008- 45
David Hardy, 1979-82 43
A&M Career FG Percentage
1 Randy Bullock, 2008- .763
2 Todd Pegram, 2002-05 .747
3 Terence Kitchens, 1998-00 .732
4 Kyle Bryant, 1994-97 .706
5 Terry Venetoulias, 1990-93 .700
A&M Career Scoring
1 Kyle Bryant, 1994-97 325
2 Todd Pegram, 2002-05 309
3 Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-08 302
4 Tony Franklin, 1975-78 291
5 Randy Bullock, 2008- 285
A&M Season FG Percentage
1 Todd Pegram, 2004 12-13 (.923)
2 Randy Bullock, 2011 11-12 (.917)
3 Terence Kitchens, 2000 15-18 (.833)
4 Kyle Bryant, 1997 18-22 (.818)
5 Russell Bynum, 1998 16-20 (.800)
Layne Newman, 2006 12-15 (.800)
DESOTO PIPELINE
Three of the Aggies' most experienced and productive players are former DeSoto Eagles -- true senior running back Cyrus Gray, true senior defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie and fifth-year senior inside linebacker Garrick Williams.
Making an Impact … 2011
Cyrus Gray (DeSoto Class of '08) Nearing 6,000 career all-purpose yards
Tony Jerod-Eddie (DeSoto Class of '08) DL's top tackler with 24 stops, 4 sacks
Garrick Williams (DeSoto Class of '07) No. 4 tackler with 34 tackles
COMING AND GOING
The Aggies will be one of the most experienced teams in the nation in 2011 with 18 of 22 position starters returning, including 10 of 11 from the offense. A&M also returns a whopping 60 lettermen, which is EASILY the most in school history. The previous high for returning lettermen was 50 on the 1988 and the 2010 squads.
SIX GRADUATED ON AGGIES' 2011 ROSTER
Texas A&M has six graduates on the fall 2011 roster.
Danny Baker August 2011 University Studies (Mays Business School)
Ben Bass May 2011 Ag Leadership and Development
Matt Sherman August 2011 University Studies (Agriculture and Life Sciences)
Lionel Smith August 2011 Ag Leadership and Development
Ryan Tannehill May 2011 Biology
Garrick Williams August 2011 University Studies (Agriculture and Life Sciences)
SIDENOTE: Mike Sherman gave a rousing speech to the 2011 summer graduates at the commencement convocation ceremony. The complete speech can be found on the University website (tamunews.tamu.edu) or by clicking “12th Man TV” link on AggieAthletics.com.
THE VERSATILE RYAN TANNEHILL
No Football Bowl Subdivision player ever can match senior quarterback Ryan Tannehill's versatility résumé. Research has shown that Tannehill is the only player in NCAA FBS history with a 400-yard passing game and a 200-yard receiving game to his credit. Tannehill is also the only FBS player to surpass 3,000 passing yards and 1,500 receiving yards in his career. The Big Spring High School product had his 200-yard receiving day against Kansas State as a freshman, and posted his 400-yard passing game in his starting debut last season against Texas Tech (ironically, his father's alma mater). In addition, Tannehill remains the Aggies' holder on placekicks and has three career punts to his credit.
2011 Update: Tannehill is on school record pace for completion percentage at 67.1 while completing 141-of-210 passes for 1,742 yards and 13 TDs. Posted 300-yard passing games against Idaho and Oklahoma State, and a 400-yard game against Baylor. Named Walter Camp National Player of the Week and Davey O'Brien Quarterback of the Week for his six-TD, 415-yard passing effort vs. Baylor.
Tannehill's Impressive Résumé
Receptions/Single Game 12 vs. Kansas State, 2008 (No. 5 in school history)
Receiving Yards/Single Game 210 vs. Kansas State, 2008 (No. 3 in school history)
Receptions/Season 55 in 2008 (No. 8 in school history)
Receiving Yards/Season 844 in 2008 (No. 4 in school history)
Receptions/Career 112 (No. 4 in school history)
Receiving Yards/Career 1,596 (No. 5 in school history)
Passing Yards/Single Game 449 vs. Texas Tech, 2010 (school record)
Completions/Single Game 36 vs. Texas Tech, 2010 (No. 2 in school history)
Attempts/Single Game 50 vs. Texas Tech, 2010 (No. 7 in school history)
Passing TDs/Single Game 6 vs. Baylor, 2011 (tNo. 2 in school history)
Completion Pct./Season 65.0 in 2010 (school record)
Total Offense/Single Game 470 vs. Baylor, 2011 (No. 2 in school history)
RECORD-SETTING FULLER
When Jeff Fuller announced that he would forgo the 2011 NFL Draft and stay at A&M for his senior season, it virtually ensured that there would be a new name at the top of every career receiving at the school. That became complete last week when Fuller laid claim to the career receiving yards record to go along with his already-earned career catches and receiving touchdowns school records.
2011 Update: Has battled injuries this season with a balky hamstring and a concussion against Texas Tech. Had season-highs with nine catches for 82 yards vs. Arkansas. Has remained a high-level contributor with 32 catches for 351 yards and two TDs in 2011 (No. 2 on team in all three categories)
Fuller's Résumé
• Named to “watch lists” for Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, the Maxwell Award, the Biletnikoff Award and the Pony Express Award.
• Has caught at least one pass in every game of his career (39 straight).
• School record holder with 30 career TD catches, which is No. 3 among active FBS players.
• School record holder with 195 career catches, which is No. 8 among active FBS players.
• School record holder with 2,615 career receiving yards, which is No. 11 among active FBS players.
• Became Texas A&M's first 1,000-yard receiver in 2010.
• Owns three of the top five single season receiving touchdowns efforts in school history.
• Set the season catches record (tie with Ryan Swope) with 72 catches in 2010.
Texas A&M Career Receptions List
Player, Years Catches
1 Jeff Fuller, 2008- 195
2 Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 172
3 Ryan Swope, 2009- 131
4 Bethel Johnson, 1999-02 117
5 Keith Woodside, 1983, 85-87 110
Texas A&M Career Receiving Yards List
Player, Years Rec. Yards
1 Jeff Fuller, 2008- 2,615
2 Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 2,600
3 Bethel Johnson, 1999-02 1,740
4 Jamaar Taylor, 2001-03 1,705
5 Ryan Swope, 2009- 1,616
Texas A&M Career Receiving TDs List
1. Jeff Fuller, 2008- 30
2. Bob Long, 1966-68 19
3. Tony Harrison, 1990-93 14
4. Albert Connell, 1995-96 13
5. Chad Schroeder, 2003-06 12
SWOPE'S SHORT GAME KEEPS OFFENSE HUMMING
Lining up all over the field, slot receiver Ryan Swope is Mr. Inside to Jeff Fuller's Mr. Outside. Swope keeps the Aggie offense humming with his repertoire of bubble screens, sweeps and over-the-middle catches, along with his defense-stretching speed (he's regarded as the fastest receiver on the team).
Swope finished 2010 with a school-record 72 catches (tie with Fuller) for 825 yards. He challenged the Aggies' single game record for catches in last year's season-opener with 13 catches against Stephen F. Austin. His ability to make plays down the field with his blazing speed helped him put the Oklahoma game out of reach with a career-long 64-yard touchdown reception.
2011 Update: Team leader in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Named Big 12 Player of the Week by Rivals.com after posting his first career 200-yard game with 206 yards against Baylor. His four TD catches were a school record. Had 100-yard games vs. SMU (8-109) and Oklahoma State (7-105).
Swope's Résumé
• Named to “watch list” for the Biletnikoff Award.
• Matched Jeff Fuller's 72 catches in 2010 to break Rod Bernstine's long-standing single season record of 65 catches.
• Opened 2010 season with a 13-catch, 106-yard performance against Stephen F. Austin, which tied for the second-most in school history behind Albert Connell's record 18 catches from 1996 vs. Colorado.
• Has six career 100 yard receiving games, and one 200-yard game.
• Set school record with four TD catches against Baylor in 2011.
• Had a pair of career-long 68-yard TD catches against Baylor in 2011.
GRAY ON HIS WAY TO 6,000 ALL-PURPOSE YARDS
Preseason first-team All-Big 12 RB Cyrus Gray, a senior from DeSoto, Texas, is the leading returning rusher in the conference after rushing for 1,133 yards in 2010. Always a solid running back, Gray took his game to the next level in 2010. He earned the starting nod at RB over Christine Michael in game seven, and then Michael suffered a season-ending broken leg in game 8 which forced Gray to shoulder the bulk of the carries for the first time in his career. The transformation was stunning as Gray averaged 134.0 yards in the final seven games of the season after gaining just an average of 32.5 yards in first six games of 2010.
2011 Update: All-purpose yards school record holder continues to churn out the yards and is closing in on 6,000-yard plateau. Ranks No. 51 nationally in rushing with 86.8 average. Nine-game streak of 100-yard rushing games was snapped against Oklahoma State, one shy of A&M record. Has 12 career 100-yard rushing games, including 10 in his last 13 games.
Gray's Résumé
• Named to “watch lists” for Doak Walker Award, the Maxwell Award and the Pony Express Award
• Big 12's leading returning rusher (1,133 yards in 2010)
• Rushed for a career-high 223 yards on 27 carries in the 2010 regular season finale against Texas, who was a record for an A&M player against the Longhorns and was A&M's first 200-yard rushing game since Leeland McElroy had 229 on 35 carries against LSU in 1995.
• Gray is A&M's game, season and career leader in kickoff return yardage.
• Gray is A&M's career all purpose yardage leader.
Big 12 All-Purpose Career Leaders
6,812 Darren Sproles, Kansas State, 2001-04
6,718 DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma, 2007-10
6,161 Cedric Benson, Texas, 2001-04
5,992 Ricky Williams, Texas, 1996-98
5,772 Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
TRENDS AND NOTABLES
• The Aggies have scored 28-of-29 times in the red zone (inside 20) with 21 touchdowns.
• After four home games, Kyle Field has been filled to 104.9 percent capacity, averaging 87,073 fans/game.
• #TAMU Opponents have 11 QB sacks/QB hurries vs. #Aggies...Wrecking Crew has 48 QBS/QBH
• On 3rd down carries by Christine Michael (5) and Cyrus Gray (7), the Aggies have made first downs 12 times on 13 carries.
• On third down catches by Ryan Swope (8), Jeff Fuller (4) and Uzoma Nwachukwu (4), the trio has produced a first down or touchdown on 16 of 18 catches.
• Swope and Fuller have produced a first down and/or TD 50 times on 72 combined catches.
• Weird stat: @aggiefootball has allowed just 4 opponent punt returns in 6 gms. Only seven teams in FBS with fewer
• Texas A&M's Kyle Field was rated the No. 20 “top venues in sport” by BusinessInsider.com, and was the highest rated college football stadium on the top 100 list. Coach Mike Sherman's old stomping grounds with the Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field, topped the list.
• The gameday experience at Kyle Field was rated best in the country in the Sport Illustrated College Football Preview. Texas A&M's traditions were rated No. 3 by the publication.
• Aggies own scoreboard bragging rights on every football-playing team in the state of Texas, except first-year program UTSA. A&M's winning streaks over the other Texas schools range from a high of 24 over the TCU Horned Frogs (1973-1995, 2001) down to a one-game streak over Texas.
• Jeff Fuller spent time last summer working with one of the NFL's top receivers, Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. Aggies remember Fitzgerald's trip to Kyle Field as a Pitt Panther when he torched the A&M secondary for seven catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns in 2003. “I learned tons of things,” Fuller said. “He's extremely competitive, tries to beat me into the ground running and conditions wise. A great role model, great person. One of the things he said is 'there is not substitute for work,' which I think is incredibly true. The way he goes out and works every single day and makes the people around him better as well.”
• Aggies on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame are bare-foot kicking legend Tony Franklin and the winningest head coach in Texas A&M history, R.C. Slocum.
• Jeff Fuller has caught at least one pass in A&M-record 37 straight games, which is every game of his career. Ryan Swope has caught at least one in 23 straight games, including multiple catches in 20 straight games.
• Head coach Mike Sherman has made eight bowl trips as a member of Texas A&M's coaching staff. Only R.C. Slocum with 18 bowl trips has been to more as a Aggie coach.
Aggies on 2011 NFL Training Camp Rosters
Matt Allen, OL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Martellus Bennett, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Michael Bennett, DL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rocky Bernard, DL, New York Giants
Red Bryant, DL, Seattle Seahawks
Melvin Bullitt, DB, Indianapolis Colts
Ron Edwards, DL, Carolina Panthers
Mike Goodson, RB, Carolina Panthers
Danny Gorrer, DB, Baltimore Ravens
Geoff Hangartner, OL, Buffalo Bills
Jerrod Johnson, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Shane Lechler, P, Oakland Raiders
Kevin Matthews, OL, Tennessee Titans
Jamie McCoy, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Stephen McGee, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos
Don Muhlbach, DS, Detroit Lions
Cyril Obiozor, LB, Arizona Cardinals
Lucas Patterson, OL, Kansas City Chiefs
Jordan Pugh, DB, Carolina Panthers
Cody Wallace, OL, Houston Texans
Ty Warren, DL, Denver Broncos
Pat Williams, DL, Minnesota Vikings
Billy Yates, OL, Cleveland Browns
Aggies on NFL Coaching Staffs:
Dennis Allen, Denver Broncos (DC)
Kyle Caskey, Cincinnati Bengals (Off. Quality Control)
Jerry Fontenot, Green Bay Packers (RBs)
Johnny Holland, Houston Texans (LBs)
Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans (Head Coach)
Shawn Slocum, Green Bay Packers (STC)
at
Iowa State (3-3, 0-3 vs. Big 12)
KICKOFF/DATE: 2:36 p.m. (CT), Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011
SITE: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, iowa (CAP. 55,000)
TELEVISION:
ABC (Regional)
Mark Neely, play-by-play
Ray Bentley, analyst
RADIO:
Texas A&M Sports Network
Dave South, play-by-play
Dave Elmendorf, commentary
(Home call on Sirius 113/XM 194)
RANKINGS
Texas A&M (No. 17 - AP Top 25/No. 18 - USA Today Poll)
Iowa State (Not ranked)
SERIES HISTORY: Texas A&M leads, 9-1 (won 2)
LAST MEETING: Oct. 31, 2009: Texas A&M 35, ISU 10 in College Station, Texas
LIVE AUDIO: aggieathletics.com, radioaggieland.com
LIVE STATS: aggieathletics.com
AGGIES HIT THE ROAD LOOKING FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WINS
No. 17/18 Texas A&M will be seeking its third straight win, including its second straight on the road when the Aggies take on unranked Iowa State in a 2:36 contest on Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. The Aggies are coming off wins over Texas Tech in Lubbock and Baylor last Saturday in College Station as they gear up for the challenge from the Cyclones. After sweeping its non-conference games, ISU has opened Big 12 play with losses to Texas, Baylor and Missouri. With ISU as a tradition Big 12 North foe, the two teams have played just 10 games previously with A&M holding a 9-1 advantage in the series. The Aggies have won the last two games since ISU's lone win in the series in 2005 (ISU 42, A&M 14 in College Station).
MILESTONES WATCH …
• Win over ISU would give Aggies ninth win in last 10 Big 12 contests, which would be the most successful run against Big 12 opponents ever. Aggies went 8-1 vs. Big 12 in 1998 (7-1 regular season, plus title game).
• QB Ryan Tannehill is 258 yards from becoming the 13th Aggie to hit the 4,000-yard plateau in career total offense (in just his 12th game as a starter at QB)
• PK Randy Bullock is 15 points from becoming A&M's fourth 300-point scorer, and five FGs from becoming fourth PK with 50 three-pointers.
• CB Terrence Frederick is one pass broken up from matching Wrecking Crew founder Chet Brooks and Donovan Greer at No. 9 on career PBUs list (26).
• WR Ryan Swope is 40 yards from 2,000 yards in career all-purpose.
• WR Jeff Fuller is five catches away from 200 career receptions.
• RB Cyrus Gray is just 228 all-purpose yards away from the 6,000-yard plateau.
• A&M's next fumble recovery will be their first since the 2010 Texas game, a span of seven games, 29 quarters and 640 opponent chances. (A&M was credited with a fumble recovery when OSU WR Justin Blackmon inexplicably dropped the ball and it rolled through the endzone).
HONORS ROLL IN AFTER BAYLOR WIN
A variety of weekly honors rolled in for the Aggies after last Saturday's 55-28 win over then No. 20 Baylor at Kyle Field:
Ryan Tannehill (25-of-37, 415 yards, 6 TDs, 470 total yards, 55 rushing yards)
• Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week
• Davey O'Brien Quarterback of the Week
• One of eight “Stars of the Week” by the Manning Award
• National Peformer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards
• National Offensive Player of the Week by CollegeSportsMadness.com
• Nominated for QB Performance of the Week by All-Star Football Challenge
Ryan Swope (11 catches, 206 yards, 4 TDs of 68, 68, 8 and 5 yards in length)
• Big 12 Player of the Week by Rivals.com
• National WR Performer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards
Randy Bullock (2-of-2 FGA, long of 47, 6-6 on PATs, 66.7 on kickoff with 4 touchbacks)
• Honorable Mention PK Performer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards
Damontre Moore (4 tackles, 1.5 QBS for loss of 9 yards, 2.5 TFL for loss of 10 yards)
• Honorable Mention PK Performer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards
TWO OF A KIND
Texas A&M and Baylor are the only two teams in the NCAA FBS with offenses that rank in the top 25 in rushing, passing, total and scoring offense. A&M is one of 15 teams nationally averaging more than 200 rushing and 200 yards passing.
Top 25 in NCAA Statistics
Rushing Offense No. 16 227.67
Passing Offense No. 23 297.00
Total Offense No. 524.67
Scoring Offense No. 11 41.67
HEADING TO HALFTIME
On A&M's final offensive drive of the first half in the 2011 season, the Aggies have scored in all six games with five TDs and one FG. In the last four games, all four scoring drives have been 11 or more plays and over 62 yards in length.
Last Drive of 2nd Quarter Success
SMU: TD, 6 plays-52 yards, 2:16 TOP
Idaho: TD, 6 plays-56 yards, 1:43 TOP
Oklahoma State: FG, 15 plays-62 yards, 6:08 TOP
Arkansas: TD, 11 plays-82 yards, 2:56 TOP
Texas Tech: TD, 11 plays-63 yards, 3:28 TOP
Baylor: TD, 11 plays-80 yards, 3:45 TOP
AGGIES IN THE RANKINGS
Texas A&M is in both the Associated Press media poll and the USA Today head coaches poll for the 13th straight week dating back to Nov. 7, 2010.
Boosted by a 55-28 shellacking of No. 20 Baylor in College Station, the Aggies jumped four spots to No. 17 in the AP Top 25 and five spots to No. 18 in the USA Today poll.
In the first BCS poll of 2011, the Aggies stand at No. 17.
LAST TIME OUT: Second-half surge dooms Bears
Texas A&M rolled to 31 second-half points and put up a goose egg on defense in the fourth quarter as the Aggies handed No. 20 Baylor a 55-28 loss at Kyle Field.
• The Aggies' 55-28 victory over Baylor marked A&M's seventh straight win over schools from the state of Texas. Since Mike Sherman's first season when the Aggies were swept by three state rivals, the Aggies have compiled a 9-1 record against Texas schools. It was A&M's 68th win against Baylor, which is the most wins against any opponent.
• Ryan Swope had an enormous day with 11 catches for 206 yards and a school record 4 receiving touchdowns … the 206 yards ranks as the fifth-highest total by an Aggie wideout in school history, and was a career high … first multi-TD game of his career… second Aggie with double-digit receptions in multiple games
• Ryan Tannehill went 25-for-37 for 415 yards and 6 TDs … the 6 TDs were a career high and matched the second-highest total in school history … his 415 yards through the air were the third most in school history.
• Offense racked up season-high 681 yards (266 rushing, 415 passing) … total was No. 7 in school history.
• The Aggies did not punt against the Baylor, and 11 drives resulted in nine scores.
• The Aggies scored a touchdown on the first drive of the second half for the first time this season. Previously, the Aggies had two field goals and three punts on the opening drive of the second half.
AGGIES' 2011 SACK ATTACK NEARS 2010 TOTAL
Just six games into 2011, the Aggies' sack attack has already rolled up 26 quarterback sacks which is just four short of 2010's Von Miller-led total of 30 QBS. Last year, 11 players combined to total the 30 sacks, led by Miller's Big 12-leading 10.5. In 2011, 13 players have combined for 26 sacks, led by junior Sean Porter's Big 12-best 7.5.
After six games in 2010, the Aggies had produced just 10 sacks.
WRECKING CREW LEADS NCAA, BIG 12 IN SACK
Averaging 4.33 quarterback sacks per game, the Aggies lead the Big 12 and the NCAA Football Subdivision in that category.
NCAA Team Sacks Leaders
1 Texas A&M 4.33
2 Oklahoma 4.00
Rutgers 4.00
4 Stanford 3.83
5 Illinois 3.71
Big 12 Team Sacks Leaders
1 Texas A&M 4.33
2 Oklahoma 4.00
3 Oklahoma State 3.17
4 Kansas State 2.17
5 Missouri 2.17
PORTER STEPS UP FOR WRECKING CREW
On a team seeking to replace the big-play capabilities of departed All-American Von Miller, junior Sean Porter has been impressive from the outside linebacker spot opposite of Miller's old “Joker” position. After six games, Porter leads the team in solo tackles, QB sacks and total tackles for losses. Porter leads the Big 12 in QB sacks and tackles for loss.
Being asked to get to the quarterback is new for Porter, who entered 2011 with just 1.5 QB sacks in his previous two seasons (15 starts in 26 games).
NCAA Sack Leaders
1 Whitney Mercilus, Illinois 1.43
2 Vinny Curry, Marshall 1.36
3 Nordly Capi, CSU 1.33
4 Sean Porter, Texas A&M 1.25
5 Frank Alexander, Oklahoma 1.08
Big 12 Sack Leaders
1 Sean Porter, Texas A&M 1.25
2 Frank Alexander, Oklahoma 1.08
3 Jamie Blatnick, Oklahoma State 0.83
4 Tony Jerod-Eddie, Texas A&M 0.67
Jordan Voelker, Kansas State 0.67
Meshak Williams, Kansas State 0.67
AGGIES ACHIEVING BALANCE ON OFFENSE
Over the last four games against Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Texas Tech and Baylor, the Aggies are averaging 253.5 rushing yards/43.0 rushes and 289.75 passing yards/36.5 pass attempts.
PROTECTING THE PASSER
The Texas A&M offensive front is one of the best in the nation at protecting the quarterback. The Aggie O-line has allowed just three sacks while proving protection on 215 pass attempts. A&M's average of 0.5 QB sacks allowed per game is tied for No. 3 nationally, and the Aggies are tied atop the Big 12 with Oklahoma. The O-line has kept the Aggie passers clean in four of six games, while allowing sacks against Big 12 foes Oklahoma State (2) and Texas Tech (1).
BIG BOYS PAVING THE WAY
All five offensive line starters are over 300 pounds, and the average weight of the Aggies' starting five on the offensive line is 310.6 pounds, making them the heaviest group in school history.
Big and Young
LT Luke Joeckel, So-1L, 310
LG Jarvis Harrison, Fr-RS, 317
C Patrick Lewis, Jr-2L, 306
RG Brian Thomas, Jr-1L, 315
RT Jake Matthews, So-1L, 305
Did you know?
Texas A&M is one of just seven teams without a senior starter on the offensive line. The others are Arizona, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Tennessee, UNLV and USC.
BULLOCK SHOWS OFF POWER BOOST
Senior placekicker Randy Bullock's hard work last summer has resulted in more distance on his kickoffs. Currently the most accurate kicker in school history with a career success rate of 76.3 percent on field goal attempts, Bullock had registered only 27 touchbacks in 192 career kickoffs (14.1 percent). In 2011, Bullock already has 16 touchbacks on 48 kickoffs (33.3 percent), and is averaging 66.2 yards per kickoff (nearly four-yard improvement from 2010). During fall camp, Bullock referenced the key to his improvement: “The biggest thing is I'm not having to play catch-up,” Bullock said. “Last year I had been sick all summer. This year I came in healthy after working all summer and I'm ready to go.”
BULLOCK CHASING RECORDS
Randy Bullock took down the career extra points record last week, and remains on on pace to break a variety of placekicking records. With 45 career field goals, Bullock ranks fourth on A&M's career list, but is unlikely to catch Bryant's record of 60. Bullock's current career FG percentage of .763 is on pace to break Todd Pegram's record of .747 from 2002-05. His current season percentage of .917 (11-of-12) is behind only Pegram's .923 school record from 2004 (12-of-13).
A&M Career Extra Points
1 Randy Bullock, 2008- 150
2 Kyle Bryant, 1994-97 145
3 Todd Pegram, 2002-05 142
4 Terry Venetoulias, 1990-93 139
5 Tony Franklin, 1975-78 123
A&M Career Field Goals
1 Kyle Bryant, 1994-97 60
2 Todd Pegram, 2002-05 56
Tony Franklin, 1975-78 56
4 Randy Bullock, 2008- 45
David Hardy, 1979-82 43
A&M Career FG Percentage
1 Randy Bullock, 2008- .763
2 Todd Pegram, 2002-05 .747
3 Terence Kitchens, 1998-00 .732
4 Kyle Bryant, 1994-97 .706
5 Terry Venetoulias, 1990-93 .700
A&M Career Scoring
1 Kyle Bryant, 1994-97 325
2 Todd Pegram, 2002-05 309
3 Jorvorskie Lane, 2005-08 302
4 Tony Franklin, 1975-78 291
5 Randy Bullock, 2008- 285
A&M Season FG Percentage
1 Todd Pegram, 2004 12-13 (.923)
2 Randy Bullock, 2011 11-12 (.917)
3 Terence Kitchens, 2000 15-18 (.833)
4 Kyle Bryant, 1997 18-22 (.818)
5 Russell Bynum, 1998 16-20 (.800)
Layne Newman, 2006 12-15 (.800)
DESOTO PIPELINE
Three of the Aggies' most experienced and productive players are former DeSoto Eagles -- true senior running back Cyrus Gray, true senior defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie and fifth-year senior inside linebacker Garrick Williams.
Making an Impact … 2011
Cyrus Gray (DeSoto Class of '08) Nearing 6,000 career all-purpose yards
Tony Jerod-Eddie (DeSoto Class of '08) DL's top tackler with 24 stops, 4 sacks
Garrick Williams (DeSoto Class of '07) No. 4 tackler with 34 tackles
COMING AND GOING
The Aggies will be one of the most experienced teams in the nation in 2011 with 18 of 22 position starters returning, including 10 of 11 from the offense. A&M also returns a whopping 60 lettermen, which is EASILY the most in school history. The previous high for returning lettermen was 50 on the 1988 and the 2010 squads.
SIX GRADUATED ON AGGIES' 2011 ROSTER
Texas A&M has six graduates on the fall 2011 roster.
Danny Baker August 2011 University Studies (Mays Business School)
Ben Bass May 2011 Ag Leadership and Development
Matt Sherman August 2011 University Studies (Agriculture and Life Sciences)
Lionel Smith August 2011 Ag Leadership and Development
Ryan Tannehill May 2011 Biology
Garrick Williams August 2011 University Studies (Agriculture and Life Sciences)
SIDENOTE: Mike Sherman gave a rousing speech to the 2011 summer graduates at the commencement convocation ceremony. The complete speech can be found on the University website (tamunews.tamu.edu) or by clicking “12th Man TV” link on AggieAthletics.com.
THE VERSATILE RYAN TANNEHILL
No Football Bowl Subdivision player ever can match senior quarterback Ryan Tannehill's versatility résumé. Research has shown that Tannehill is the only player in NCAA FBS history with a 400-yard passing game and a 200-yard receiving game to his credit. Tannehill is also the only FBS player to surpass 3,000 passing yards and 1,500 receiving yards in his career. The Big Spring High School product had his 200-yard receiving day against Kansas State as a freshman, and posted his 400-yard passing game in his starting debut last season against Texas Tech (ironically, his father's alma mater). In addition, Tannehill remains the Aggies' holder on placekicks and has three career punts to his credit.
2011 Update: Tannehill is on school record pace for completion percentage at 67.1 while completing 141-of-210 passes for 1,742 yards and 13 TDs. Posted 300-yard passing games against Idaho and Oklahoma State, and a 400-yard game against Baylor. Named Walter Camp National Player of the Week and Davey O'Brien Quarterback of the Week for his six-TD, 415-yard passing effort vs. Baylor.
Tannehill's Impressive Résumé
Receptions/Single Game 12 vs. Kansas State, 2008 (No. 5 in school history)
Receiving Yards/Single Game 210 vs. Kansas State, 2008 (No. 3 in school history)
Receptions/Season 55 in 2008 (No. 8 in school history)
Receiving Yards/Season 844 in 2008 (No. 4 in school history)
Receptions/Career 112 (No. 4 in school history)
Receiving Yards/Career 1,596 (No. 5 in school history)
Passing Yards/Single Game 449 vs. Texas Tech, 2010 (school record)
Completions/Single Game 36 vs. Texas Tech, 2010 (No. 2 in school history)
Attempts/Single Game 50 vs. Texas Tech, 2010 (No. 7 in school history)
Passing TDs/Single Game 6 vs. Baylor, 2011 (tNo. 2 in school history)
Completion Pct./Season 65.0 in 2010 (school record)
Total Offense/Single Game 470 vs. Baylor, 2011 (No. 2 in school history)
RECORD-SETTING FULLER
When Jeff Fuller announced that he would forgo the 2011 NFL Draft and stay at A&M for his senior season, it virtually ensured that there would be a new name at the top of every career receiving at the school. That became complete last week when Fuller laid claim to the career receiving yards record to go along with his already-earned career catches and receiving touchdowns school records.
2011 Update: Has battled injuries this season with a balky hamstring and a concussion against Texas Tech. Had season-highs with nine catches for 82 yards vs. Arkansas. Has remained a high-level contributor with 32 catches for 351 yards and two TDs in 2011 (No. 2 on team in all three categories)
Fuller's Résumé
• Named to “watch lists” for Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, the Maxwell Award, the Biletnikoff Award and the Pony Express Award.
• Has caught at least one pass in every game of his career (39 straight).
• School record holder with 30 career TD catches, which is No. 3 among active FBS players.
• School record holder with 195 career catches, which is No. 8 among active FBS players.
• School record holder with 2,615 career receiving yards, which is No. 11 among active FBS players.
• Became Texas A&M's first 1,000-yard receiver in 2010.
• Owns three of the top five single season receiving touchdowns efforts in school history.
• Set the season catches record (tie with Ryan Swope) with 72 catches in 2010.
Texas A&M Career Receptions List
Player, Years Catches
1 Jeff Fuller, 2008- 195
2 Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 172
3 Ryan Swope, 2009- 131
4 Bethel Johnson, 1999-02 117
5 Keith Woodside, 1983, 85-87 110
Texas A&M Career Receiving Yards List
Player, Years Rec. Yards
1 Jeff Fuller, 2008- 2,615
2 Terrence Murphy, 2001-04 2,600
3 Bethel Johnson, 1999-02 1,740
4 Jamaar Taylor, 2001-03 1,705
5 Ryan Swope, 2009- 1,616
Texas A&M Career Receiving TDs List
1. Jeff Fuller, 2008- 30
2. Bob Long, 1966-68 19
3. Tony Harrison, 1990-93 14
4. Albert Connell, 1995-96 13
5. Chad Schroeder, 2003-06 12
SWOPE'S SHORT GAME KEEPS OFFENSE HUMMING
Lining up all over the field, slot receiver Ryan Swope is Mr. Inside to Jeff Fuller's Mr. Outside. Swope keeps the Aggie offense humming with his repertoire of bubble screens, sweeps and over-the-middle catches, along with his defense-stretching speed (he's regarded as the fastest receiver on the team).
Swope finished 2010 with a school-record 72 catches (tie with Fuller) for 825 yards. He challenged the Aggies' single game record for catches in last year's season-opener with 13 catches against Stephen F. Austin. His ability to make plays down the field with his blazing speed helped him put the Oklahoma game out of reach with a career-long 64-yard touchdown reception.
2011 Update: Team leader in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Named Big 12 Player of the Week by Rivals.com after posting his first career 200-yard game with 206 yards against Baylor. His four TD catches were a school record. Had 100-yard games vs. SMU (8-109) and Oklahoma State (7-105).
Swope's Résumé
• Named to “watch list” for the Biletnikoff Award.
• Matched Jeff Fuller's 72 catches in 2010 to break Rod Bernstine's long-standing single season record of 65 catches.
• Opened 2010 season with a 13-catch, 106-yard performance against Stephen F. Austin, which tied for the second-most in school history behind Albert Connell's record 18 catches from 1996 vs. Colorado.
• Has six career 100 yard receiving games, and one 200-yard game.
• Set school record with four TD catches against Baylor in 2011.
• Had a pair of career-long 68-yard TD catches against Baylor in 2011.
GRAY ON HIS WAY TO 6,000 ALL-PURPOSE YARDS
Preseason first-team All-Big 12 RB Cyrus Gray, a senior from DeSoto, Texas, is the leading returning rusher in the conference after rushing for 1,133 yards in 2010. Always a solid running back, Gray took his game to the next level in 2010. He earned the starting nod at RB over Christine Michael in game seven, and then Michael suffered a season-ending broken leg in game 8 which forced Gray to shoulder the bulk of the carries for the first time in his career. The transformation was stunning as Gray averaged 134.0 yards in the final seven games of the season after gaining just an average of 32.5 yards in first six games of 2010.
2011 Update: All-purpose yards school record holder continues to churn out the yards and is closing in on 6,000-yard plateau. Ranks No. 51 nationally in rushing with 86.8 average. Nine-game streak of 100-yard rushing games was snapped against Oklahoma State, one shy of A&M record. Has 12 career 100-yard rushing games, including 10 in his last 13 games.
Gray's Résumé
• Named to “watch lists” for Doak Walker Award, the Maxwell Award and the Pony Express Award
• Big 12's leading returning rusher (1,133 yards in 2010)
• Rushed for a career-high 223 yards on 27 carries in the 2010 regular season finale against Texas, who was a record for an A&M player against the Longhorns and was A&M's first 200-yard rushing game since Leeland McElroy had 229 on 35 carries against LSU in 1995.
• Gray is A&M's game, season and career leader in kickoff return yardage.
• Gray is A&M's career all purpose yardage leader.
Big 12 All-Purpose Career Leaders
6,812 Darren Sproles, Kansas State, 2001-04
6,718 DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma, 2007-10
6,161 Cedric Benson, Texas, 2001-04
5,992 Ricky Williams, Texas, 1996-98
5,772 Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
TRENDS AND NOTABLES
• The Aggies have scored 28-of-29 times in the red zone (inside 20) with 21 touchdowns.
• After four home games, Kyle Field has been filled to 104.9 percent capacity, averaging 87,073 fans/game.
• #TAMU Opponents have 11 QB sacks/QB hurries vs. #Aggies...Wrecking Crew has 48 QBS/QBH
• On 3rd down carries by Christine Michael (5) and Cyrus Gray (7), the Aggies have made first downs 12 times on 13 carries.
• On third down catches by Ryan Swope (8), Jeff Fuller (4) and Uzoma Nwachukwu (4), the trio has produced a first down or touchdown on 16 of 18 catches.
• Swope and Fuller have produced a first down and/or TD 50 times on 72 combined catches.
• Weird stat: @aggiefootball has allowed just 4 opponent punt returns in 6 gms. Only seven teams in FBS with fewer
• Texas A&M's Kyle Field was rated the No. 20 “top venues in sport” by BusinessInsider.com, and was the highest rated college football stadium on the top 100 list. Coach Mike Sherman's old stomping grounds with the Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field, topped the list.
• The gameday experience at Kyle Field was rated best in the country in the Sport Illustrated College Football Preview. Texas A&M's traditions were rated No. 3 by the publication.
• Aggies own scoreboard bragging rights on every football-playing team in the state of Texas, except first-year program UTSA. A&M's winning streaks over the other Texas schools range from a high of 24 over the TCU Horned Frogs (1973-1995, 2001) down to a one-game streak over Texas.
• Jeff Fuller spent time last summer working with one of the NFL's top receivers, Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. Aggies remember Fitzgerald's trip to Kyle Field as a Pitt Panther when he torched the A&M secondary for seven catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns in 2003. “I learned tons of things,” Fuller said. “He's extremely competitive, tries to beat me into the ground running and conditions wise. A great role model, great person. One of the things he said is 'there is not substitute for work,' which I think is incredibly true. The way he goes out and works every single day and makes the people around him better as well.”
• Aggies on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame are bare-foot kicking legend Tony Franklin and the winningest head coach in Texas A&M history, R.C. Slocum.
• Jeff Fuller has caught at least one pass in A&M-record 37 straight games, which is every game of his career. Ryan Swope has caught at least one in 23 straight games, including multiple catches in 20 straight games.
• Head coach Mike Sherman has made eight bowl trips as a member of Texas A&M's coaching staff. Only R.C. Slocum with 18 bowl trips has been to more as a Aggie coach.
Aggies on 2011 NFL Training Camp Rosters
Matt Allen, OL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Martellus Bennett, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Michael Bennett, DL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rocky Bernard, DL, New York Giants
Red Bryant, DL, Seattle Seahawks
Melvin Bullitt, DB, Indianapolis Colts
Ron Edwards, DL, Carolina Panthers
Mike Goodson, RB, Carolina Panthers
Danny Gorrer, DB, Baltimore Ravens
Geoff Hangartner, OL, Buffalo Bills
Jerrod Johnson, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Shane Lechler, P, Oakland Raiders
Kevin Matthews, OL, Tennessee Titans
Jamie McCoy, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Stephen McGee, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos
Don Muhlbach, DS, Detroit Lions
Cyril Obiozor, LB, Arizona Cardinals
Lucas Patterson, OL, Kansas City Chiefs
Jordan Pugh, DB, Carolina Panthers
Cody Wallace, OL, Houston Texans
Ty Warren, DL, Denver Broncos
Pat Williams, DL, Minnesota Vikings
Billy Yates, OL, Cleveland Browns
Aggies on NFL Coaching Staffs:
Dennis Allen, Denver Broncos (DC)
Kyle Caskey, Cincinnati Bengals (Off. Quality Control)
Jerry Fontenot, Green Bay Packers (RBs)
Johnny Holland, Houston Texans (LBs)
Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans (Head Coach)
Shawn Slocum, Green Bay Packers (STC)