Last Wednesday, Jimbo Fisher attended the SEC Media Days with Kenyon Green and DeMarvin Leal. The conference media picked the Aggies to finish second in the SEC West, which should come as no surprise. The breaking news at the time of Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC startled Fisher, but he said he is focused on leading Texas A&M to its first SEC Championship. Check out Fisher’s comments and how they relate to the Aggies’ roster this season.
Quarterbacks
One of the first questions directed to Fisher was how he would fill the shoes of Kellen Mond this season. He has done a decent job of developing quarterbacks including JaMarcus Russell and Jameis Winston in the past. This year, Fisher must choose between Haynes King and Zach Calzada to start at quarterback for the Aggies. Fisher first complimented Mond on his growth and contribution in changing the culture at Texas A&M. He said that Calzada is a talented athlete with an NFL arm, but his biggest strength is his competitiveness and IQ. He added that he thinks King is a great decision maker with quick feet, but Fisher held his ground by stating that the quarterback position is still up for grabs.
It shouldn’t come as a shock if Calzada starts at quarterback at the beginning of the season. But King would be a better option down the road for A&M’s big matchups against Alabama and LSU. Calzada’s experience should propel the Aggies to a decent start. However, there has to be a different, modern feel for the offense if the Aggies want to win the SEC West.
Offensive Line
The offensive line is certainly the biggest concern for the Aggies entering the 2021 season. It was the focal reason for A&M winning in games, such as against Auburn and LSU, last year by helping in the rushing game. New adjustments with Green moving to tackle and Aki Ogunbiyi now at left guard might cause some issues early in the year. Nonetheless, Fisher is confident that the five big guys can play as one unit. The talent level in the offensive line group is bound to raise the playing level for A&M as a whole.
The offensive line is crucial for A&M’s rushing game and providing time in the pocket for the passing game. The Aggies are known to consistently have one of the best lines in the country; that must continue this year for the Aggies to continue their winning streak.
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver group is expected to have the biggest improvement from last season. Fisher had high praise for the returning pass-catchers including Ainias Smith, Chase Lane, and Caleb Chapman. With a new quarterback at the helm, these pieces are pivotal for the Aggies to have a balanced offense. Fisher sounded impressed that the Aggies won nine games last season with their collection of wide receivers. Although that might sound like an insult, it provides more hope and reason for A&M to have a prolific offense this year.
Young stars such as Demond Demas and Devin Price will need to have outstanding seasons for A&M to compete in the SEC. Jalen Wydermyer, a star tight end, can boost his draft stock by performing at a high level this season.
Concluding Thoughts
Fisher did not have many comments on the running backs or the Aggies’ defense during SEC Media Days. For A&M to reach the playoff, the Aggies’ offense must take the next step like LSU in 2019 and Alabama in 2020.
