Texas A&M football 2019 spring preview: Aggies ready to contend?

In 2018 Jimbo Fisher led Texas A&M to their first nine-win season since 2013 but can the Aggies become real contenders in the SEC next year?

After winning nine games and finishing with a No. 16 ranking in 2018, the move to bring in Jimbo Fisher appears to be the right one for Texas A&M. Kellen Mond is coming off a 3,000-yard passing season and the team returns some key players on offense and defense. Fisher and the Aggies will look to build off their success in 2019.

• 2018 Record: 9-4, 5-3
• Spring game date: April 13

Biggest spring storyline?

Texas A&M ranked 32nd nationally in total defense last year and several key pieces are now gone. The biggest question is: who will step up on the front seven? On the defensive line Landis Durham, Daylon Mack and Kingsley Keke leave along with Otaro Alaka and Tyrel Dodson at linebacker. One of the bigger names fans should get to know is Justin Madubuike, a former four-star recruit who racked up 5.5 sacks last season.

Others expected to step up are Tyree Johnson, T.D. Moton, Bobby Brown as well as incoming freshman DeMarvin Leal. At linebacker, the focus turns to Buddy Johnson and Anthony Hines, both of whom have never been full-time starters. Spring camp will be the time for this new-look front seven to gel. A&M will need this group to bring the same production as last year’s and even more if they want to take the next step in the conference.

The biggest reason for optimism?

While the number of losses on defense will be tough to overcome, fans in college station should be excited about what Mond and the Aggie offense can bring in 2019. After being inconsistent his freshman year, Mond matured before the SEC’s very eyes. He threw for 24 touchdowns and ran for seven more as A&M finished 15th in the country in total offense.

NFL-bound Jace Sternberger was a big part of it, but Mond has returning weapons at his disposal. The team’s two leading wide receivers Camron Buckley and Quartney Davis return along with a stable of pass catchers behind them including Kendrick Rogers who became a standout last year. With Mond having another spring to develop chemistry with this group, the Aggies’ offense should pick up right where they left off.

Biggest question mark/concern?

While Mond and the Aggies’ passing game is loaded for 2019, their running game is a different story. How does this team go about replacing Trayveon Williams? One of the best backs in the country last year, Williams ran for 1,760 yards and 18 touchdowns. Who was their second-leading rusher? Mond. The man slated to replace him as the main back is Jashaun Corbin.

Corbin stood out as a true freshman last year, rushing for 346 yards and a touchdown. However, he was used primarily in the return game and even returned the opening kickoff against Arkansas 100 yards for a touchdown. Corbin has the potential, but can he give as much as Williams did for A&M on the ground?

Biggest offseason addition/newcomer?

Replacing Sternberger is a concern but the Aggies already seem to have their man. Baylor Cupp is rated as the top tight end in the country for 2019 by 247Sports. Cupp enrolled early so he gets a chance to learn the offense right away. Fisher and his staff have praised his ability as a blocker but his route-running could still use work. With Trevor Wood also gone, expect Ryan Renick to compete with Cupp for the starting job.

Biggest game to look forward to?

Every team in the SEC is gearing up to try to take down one team: Alabama. When Fisher signed his 10-year contract, one of those underlying goals is to get A&M over the hump against Alabama, who they have not beaten since Johnny Manziel’s famous game in 2012.

Last season’s 45-22 blowout was expected in Fisher’s first season, but coming off last year, expectations are higher. The Crimson Tide might just be one of the most vulnerable teams this year coming off a demoralizing loss to Clemson in the national championship game. When you want to win a conference title, you have to measure yourself against the best. Week six’s matchup against Alabama will show just how far A&M has come and how much more work needs to be done to win the SEC.