Next week marks the annual trip for Texas A&M to SEC Media Days. Some of the Aggies squad will take the podium on Thursday, July 21st. Jimbo Fisher and three players will travel to Atlanta. The Aggies are one of the few squads in the SEC with rather high expectations next season. Here’s what to expect from Texas A&M’s SEC Media Days and what it means to the Aggies.
The Head Coach
Obviously, Fisher will be the focal point of attention from A&M’s side, especially considering the recent tension between him and Nick Saban. However, the conflict seems to have diffused after the SEC coaches meeting, but that will still be a hot topic.
Fisher is arguably a top three coach in the SEC, and the expectations are that he will lead the Aggies to the playoffs. The quarterback controversy between Max Johnson, Haynes King, and Connor Weigman, is a central issue that will likely be addressed. However, Fisher will likely hold his tongue until Fall camp starts.
Fisher will probably also be questioned about the current state of the wide receiver room. Texas A&M’s pass-catchers haven’t performed up to par recently. Don’t expect him to speak much about the past Demond Demas situation, but expect him to speak highly on Evan Stewart and Moose Muhammad III. Fisher does a great job of controlling the media.
The Players to Look For
Offensive Leaders
Ainias Smith enters 2022 as the clear leader and star of Texas A&M’s offense. The hybrid running back, and receiver has proven himself to be capable of playing any position on the field. The media will likely question Smith about his aspirations for the NFL, but he should make it clear that his focus is on the team. Smith will be pressed a lot about the Aggies’ quarterback battle, but he has the type of personality to compliment each of the players’ strengths.
Layden Robinson is the next man up and the vocal leader on the offensive line after Kenyon Green left for the NFL. Robinson definitely earned the respect of Fisher to get an invite to SEC Media Days. Robinson is probably more of a guy who says the right thing at the right times. He will defend his teammates, and he could make the All-SEC First Team in 2022.
Leader On The Defense
Demani Richardson is a name that was discussed a lot near the end of the year among college football fans. Richardson is now a junior, and he is the leader of the Aggies’ defense following the departure of Leon O’Neal Jr. to the NFL. Nonetheless, Richardson probably feels that the secondary is even better this year. An argument can definitely be made that Texas A&M’s defensive backfield is the best in the SEC.
Richardson will probably be asked how he will captain a rather young defensive squad. He should make it clear that he trusts new defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin to increase chemistry and trust between coaches and players. The media and fans know that this defense has to be the heart and soul of the team for Texas A&M to win the SEC West and Richardson is definitely aware of that. Don’t be shocked if he makes it apparent come Thursday.
Concluding Thoughts
Overall, the SEC Media Days event should be an exciting experience for the players. Texas A&M will join other teams such as Auburn and Tennessee, so the Aggies will not always be under the bright lights. The season is almost in sight, and SEC Media Days makes everyone sure of it.
