Photo by: Russell James/Texas A&M Athletics
POSITION OUTLOOK: Linebackers
Aug 20, 2018 | Football
AUGUST OUTLOOK
Depth is a concern, and the Aggies will need to find it. There are four ready to go, and they're a talented collection of size, speed and power. They can pack a punch at the point of contact. Texas A&M has quality at the linebacker position, but the young guys need to be ready if called upon.
A REAL PRO
A coaching change requires adjustment from everybody, but Tyrel Dodson probably had to dig a little deeper than most. He was close with former defensive coordinator John Chavis. Chief was a big reason why Dodson chose A&M. The Franklin, Tennessee native will be just fine through the transition however. As he puts it, higher on the priority list was choosing a school, not a staff.
"It hurt when (Chavis) left. He's a family friend," the linebacker recalls. "But because of A&M, I knew I was in the right hands."
Dodson was mature when he stepped on campus, and now has grown into the guy young players look up to when they arrive.
He gives a good description of the program's culture change.
"We took what was a hobby, and turned it into a profession," he says on the different mindset under Jimbo Fisher.
Dodson made 105 stops last year, 11 for lost yardage, and picked off three passes. The tackle total ranked among the SEC's top five.
Dodson conducts himself like a professional, and that could be the next level of his football career.
OT's FIFTH FRAME
At Dodson's side is one that goes about his business in the same way. Otaro Alaka is a savvy veteran that creates another defensive anchor.
Like Donovan Wilson, he had a season taken away due to injury. After closing his freshman year with Defensive MVP honors in the 2014 Liberty Bowl, Alaka lost his sophomore season due to shoulder problems and was granted a medical redshirt. He's ready for his fifth and final year in the program.
No one on this side of the ball has played as much as Alaka. When he makes his third tackle this season, he'll reach the 200 milestone for his career. He's spent his share of time in opposing backfields too, as 25.5 of his A&M stops have been behind the line of scrimmage.
With Alaka and Dodson to build around, the foundation is there for a good group.
BUDDING STARS?
Buddy Johnson looks the part. He's added to his frame. The signs point to him stepping into a key role on the defense. He's been manning the 'rover' position in Mike Elko's scheme.
Johnson describes the new spot as being 'like a roll down safety'. It's a position that will certainly have to cover some ground. Lateral movement will be key. The rover is asked to be multiple in what he does.
Johnson had 20 tackles, playing in 12 games, as a freshman last season.
Anthony Hines III will be there too. The highly recruited Plano product had 33 tackles as a freshman, six for lost yardage. He fits the description of Elko's rover. Long and athletic. The ground needed to cover, Hines can provide it.
Hines made significant stops in big games, registering highlights against the likes of Auburn, Florida and LSU.
Hines and Johnson could handle parts on stage in their first acts. With some experience now, can they step toward the spotlight?
With these two, Dodson and Alaka ready, the question still remains as to who carries a role behind them.
There are candidates, and they'll have to step up. In the SEC there are no bit parts. Everyone has to be ready when the curtain rises on their chance to shine.
Depth is a concern, and the Aggies will need to find it. There are four ready to go, and they're a talented collection of size, speed and power. They can pack a punch at the point of contact. Texas A&M has quality at the linebacker position, but the young guys need to be ready if called upon.
A REAL PRO
A coaching change requires adjustment from everybody, but Tyrel Dodson probably had to dig a little deeper than most. He was close with former defensive coordinator John Chavis. Chief was a big reason why Dodson chose A&M. The Franklin, Tennessee native will be just fine through the transition however. As he puts it, higher on the priority list was choosing a school, not a staff.
"It hurt when (Chavis) left. He's a family friend," the linebacker recalls. "But because of A&M, I knew I was in the right hands."
Dodson was mature when he stepped on campus, and now has grown into the guy young players look up to when they arrive.
He gives a good description of the program's culture change.
"We took what was a hobby, and turned it into a profession," he says on the different mindset under Jimbo Fisher.
Dodson made 105 stops last year, 11 for lost yardage, and picked off three passes. The tackle total ranked among the SEC's top five.
Dodson conducts himself like a professional, and that could be the next level of his football career.
OT's FIFTH FRAME
At Dodson's side is one that goes about his business in the same way. Otaro Alaka is a savvy veteran that creates another defensive anchor.
Like Donovan Wilson, he had a season taken away due to injury. After closing his freshman year with Defensive MVP honors in the 2014 Liberty Bowl, Alaka lost his sophomore season due to shoulder problems and was granted a medical redshirt. He's ready for his fifth and final year in the program.
No one on this side of the ball has played as much as Alaka. When he makes his third tackle this season, he'll reach the 200 milestone for his career. He's spent his share of time in opposing backfields too, as 25.5 of his A&M stops have been behind the line of scrimmage.
With Alaka and Dodson to build around, the foundation is there for a good group.
BUDDING STARS?
Buddy Johnson looks the part. He's added to his frame. The signs point to him stepping into a key role on the defense. He's been manning the 'rover' position in Mike Elko's scheme.
Johnson describes the new spot as being 'like a roll down safety'. It's a position that will certainly have to cover some ground. Lateral movement will be key. The rover is asked to be multiple in what he does.
Johnson had 20 tackles, playing in 12 games, as a freshman last season.
Anthony Hines III will be there too. The highly recruited Plano product had 33 tackles as a freshman, six for lost yardage. He fits the description of Elko's rover. Long and athletic. The ground needed to cover, Hines can provide it.
Hines made significant stops in big games, registering highlights against the likes of Auburn, Florida and LSU.
Hines and Johnson could handle parts on stage in their first acts. With some experience now, can they step toward the spotlight?
With these two, Dodson and Alaka ready, the question still remains as to who carries a role behind them.
There are candidates, and they'll have to step up. In the SEC there are no bit parts. Everyone has to be ready when the curtain rises on their chance to shine.
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