The Texas A&M Aggies will lose quite a bit of talent on defense to the NFL Draft. Notably, new defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin will have to replace the Aggies’ defensive front and leading tackler Aaron Hansford. Regardless, Texas A&M is bound to have one of the premier defenses in the SEC with its young players. Here are the key stars on defense that can have a breakout season for the Aggies in 2022.
Rising Stars on the Aggies’ Defense
In the Secondary
Antonio Johnson will likely be a starting safety for Texas A&M in 2022. During the 2021 season, he recorded 79 tackles with 53 solo tackles, which were the most on the team besides that of Hansford.
Johnson has the potential to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was a member of the 2021 AP All-SEC Second Team, and he is bound to make the first team next year. While he does not have a lot of good film in coverage, his incredible size gives him a favorable matchup against any pass-catcher.
Unfortunately, Johnson does not have much room for error in 2022. He will be one of the leaders on the Aggies’ defense, and his backup will likely be a true freshman in Bryce Anderson. Expect Johnson to make a big statement next season; he could lead the team in tackles and interceptions.
At Linebacker
Edgerrin Cooper was one of the few freshmen who got significant playing time on the Aggies’ 2021 squad. He finished the year with 58 tackles and one interception. Following the departure of Hansford, Cooper will likely lead the linebacker unit for Texas A&M.
Cooper will play alongside linebackers with a formidable amount of experience as part of the Aggies’ 2022 defense. For this reason, Cooper will have to step up early in the season and use his voice to keep the unit on the same page.
After making the 2021 All-SEC Freshman Team, Cooper’s aim should be to make one of the All-SEC teams next season. If he has a good year, he could enter the NFL Draft as a redshirt sophomore. Nonetheless, he will be one of the prominent pieces related to the Aggies’ success in 2022.
On the Defensive Line
Shemar Turner is another freshman who played the majority of last season for Texas A&M. In 2021, he recorded 14 tackles and one-and-a-half sacks, and he is a huge force on the defensive line.
The Aggies lost three key players on the defensive front after the 2021 season to the NFL. Turner, along with other young talents, will be pivotal for creating havoc in the pocket against opposing quarterbacks.
Recently, Texas A&M has done an impeccable job of limiting the run, but the lack of a pass rush in some games was concerning. The new presence of top recruits such as Turner and Walter Nolen should take the defensive line’s potential to the next level.
Lastly, Turner being a member of the Coaches’ All-SEC Freshman Team in 2021 shows his potential as a defensive lineman. In the next two years, expect him to make one of the All-SEC teams.
Concluding Thoughts
Texas A&M’s defense is the heart and soul of the team, and that unit often dictates the team’s success. The incoming recruiting class features a lot of great talent, but there are other young stars who are bound to rise to the challenge. It will be a different type of defense with Durkin’s pass coverage scheme, and these rising stars will make the Aggies’ defense a fierce competitor.
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