TAMU QB commit Hill nearing decision? 
January, 27, 2013
Jan 27
4:45
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
The last few weeks have been intense for Southlake (Texas) Carroll quarterback Kenny Hill.
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ESPN The Magazine: Making headway
January, 25, 2013
Jan 25
6:01
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. and
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Adam Levey for ESPNLast February, the teams on the table were missing from Recruiting Nation's top five.Last February, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Texas A&M were missing from Recruiting Nation's top five. But following surprise seasons, they'll be front and center on signing day.
Read the ESPN Mag story here
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Texas A&M picked up its sixth ESPN 150 prospect Friday with the commitment of Under Armour All-American receiver Sebastian LaRue (Santa Monica, Calif./Santa Monica), a one-time USC verbal.
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LaRue will fit nicely in Aggies' offense
January, 25, 2013
Jan 25
3:05
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
When it comes to fits, there might not be a better fit for ESPN 150 receiver Sebastian LaRue (Santa Monica, Calif./Santa Monica) than Texas A&M.
Take a fast, dynamic receiver whose strength is making plays in space with the football in his hands in an offense that is geared to do just that and you have the potential for something great.
Once he arrives in Aggieland, LaRue, a former USC commitment, will be a slot receiver, most likely lining up at the 'Y' position, where senior Ryan Swope caught 72 passes for 913 yards and 8 touchdowns this season.
Take a fast, dynamic receiver whose strength is making plays in space with the football in his hands in an offense that is geared to do just that and you have the potential for something great.
Once he arrives in Aggieland, LaRue, a former USC commitment, will be a slot receiver, most likely lining up at the 'Y' position, where senior Ryan Swope caught 72 passes for 913 yards and 8 touchdowns this season.
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Texas A&M's receiver class just got even better.
The Aggies have landed a commitment from ESPN 150 receiver Sebastian LaRue (Santa Monica, Calif./Santa Monica), according to his head coach, Travis Clark.
The No. 74 player in the ESPN 150 is a four-star prospect who is ranked as the No. 9 receiver in the country. LaRue recently took an official visit to Texas A&M Jan. 18-20.
The Aggies have landed a commitment from ESPN 150 receiver Sebastian LaRue (Santa Monica, Calif./Santa Monica), according to his head coach, Travis Clark.
The No. 74 player in the ESPN 150 is a four-star prospect who is ranked as the No. 9 receiver in the country. LaRue recently took an official visit to Texas A&M Jan. 18-20.
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Recruiting notebook: Busy weekend ahead
January, 25, 2013
Jan 25
8:30
AM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
There will be no shortage of recruits on the Texas A&M campus this weekend.
From longtime commits who are finally taking their official visits, to one visitor from the class of 2013 who is committed elsewhere and several notable members of the 2014 class.
One of the notable names that will visit is expected in town today: 2014 offensive tackle Braden Smith.
The ESPN Watch List prospect from Olathe (Kan.) South High School will be touring the campus today in advance of Mondo Challenge college track and field meet taking place on campus. Smith's sister, Megan, is a thrower for TCU which is competing in the event.
From longtime commits who are finally taking their official visits, to one visitor from the class of 2013 who is committed elsewhere and several notable members of the 2014 class.
One of the notable names that will visit is expected in town today: 2014 offensive tackle Braden Smith.
The ESPN Watch List prospect from Olathe (Kan.) South High School will be touring the campus today in advance of Mondo Challenge college track and field meet taking place on campus. Smith's sister, Megan, is a thrower for TCU which is competing in the event.
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Did you miss On The Trail TV Live this week? You can check out the entire show with RecruitingNation's Jeremy Crabtree and Erik McKinney, BuckeyeNation's Brad Bournival, HornsNation's Will Wilkerson and GigEmNation's Sam Khan right here. And don't miss next week's edition Feb. 1, just five days before signing day.
It's time to grade Texas A&M's first season in the SEC:
OFFENSE: Remember how the Aggies' offense was supposed to struggle without Ryan Tannehill running things and a redshirt freshman replacing him at quarterback? Yeah, that really worked out. Thanks to the minds of Kevin Sumlin, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and a Heisman Trophy winner in Johnny Manziel, the Aggies ran over most of their new opponents in 2012 with the SEC's top offense. Texas A&M averaged a league-high 558.5 yards per game (third nationally). The Aggies also led the SEC in rushing (242.1), passing (316.5) and scoring offense (44.5). A&M registered more than 400 yards in 12 games and more than 600 yards in seven games. Johnny Football became the first freshman to ever win the Heisman and broke the SEC record for total offense with 5,116 yards (3,706 passing and 1,410 rushing). He also totaled 47 touchdowns and led the SEC in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns (21). Manziel had a special year, but he also got help from a dynamic receiving duo in freshman Mike Evans and senior Ryan Swope, who combined to catch 154 passes for 2,018 yards and 13 touchdowns. Uzoma Nwachukwu only caught 26 passes, but he added seven more receiving touchdowns. When Manziel wasn't darting past or slipping by defenders, A&M's running game mostly went through running back Ben Malena, who finished the year with 808 yards and eight touchdowns. Christine Michael added 12 more rushing touchdowns. A&M was also equipped with one of the top offensive lines in the country led by Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews. Grade: A+
DEFENSE: The Aggies ranked seventh or lower in the SEC in the four major defensive categories, including ranking 12th in pass defense (250.7 yards per game). Teams scored 36 touchdowns on the Aggies and averaged 21.8 points per game. The Aggies surrendered 20-plus points in seven games, including allowing 57 points in a back-and-forth win over Louisiana Tech. A&M might have had some issues when it came to slowing down the yardage and points, but in its two losses, the Aggies allowed just 20 and 24 points. The Aggies gave up 390.2 yards per game and grabbed just 16 takeaways. Defensive end Damontre Moore became a real star. He was one of the top defenders in the country, tying for eighth nationally with 12.5 sacks and seventh with 21 tackles for loss. He also led the Aggies with 85 total tackles and nine quarterback hurries. The defense, which was relatively young in the back end, might have had a little more bend than the coaches would like, but it rarely broke down and held an Oklahoma offense to just 13 points in the AT&T Cotton Bowl. Grade: B-
OVERALL: The Aggies were supposed to struggle in their first year in the SEC, but flourished instead. Johnny Football was a major reason why, but Sumlin instilled an extremely tough personality during spring ball that carried over to the season. Alabama might have been crowned college football's national champion, but after a 41-13 beat down of Oklahoma, the Aggies made a solid case for being the nation's top team -- and A&M was the only team to top the Crimson Tide with a 29-24 win in Tuscaloosa. The defense needed to be bailed out by the offense at times, but even with no bye week during the regular season, the Aggies never seemed to slow down. If not for the opener against Louisiana Tech being postponed, the season might have been even better with a game under the Aggies' belt before taking on Florida. A&M wasn't as sharp against LSU, but was in serious contention for a BCS bowl game late in the year. Grade: A
Past grades:
OFFENSE: Remember how the Aggies' offense was supposed to struggle without Ryan Tannehill running things and a redshirt freshman replacing him at quarterback? Yeah, that really worked out. Thanks to the minds of Kevin Sumlin, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and a Heisman Trophy winner in Johnny Manziel, the Aggies ran over most of their new opponents in 2012 with the SEC's top offense. Texas A&M averaged a league-high 558.5 yards per game (third nationally). The Aggies also led the SEC in rushing (242.1), passing (316.5) and scoring offense (44.5). A&M registered more than 400 yards in 12 games and more than 600 yards in seven games. Johnny Football became the first freshman to ever win the Heisman and broke the SEC record for total offense with 5,116 yards (3,706 passing and 1,410 rushing). He also totaled 47 touchdowns and led the SEC in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns (21). Manziel had a special year, but he also got help from a dynamic receiving duo in freshman Mike Evans and senior Ryan Swope, who combined to catch 154 passes for 2,018 yards and 13 touchdowns. Uzoma Nwachukwu only caught 26 passes, but he added seven more receiving touchdowns. When Manziel wasn't darting past or slipping by defenders, A&M's running game mostly went through running back Ben Malena, who finished the year with 808 yards and eight touchdowns. Christine Michael added 12 more rushing touchdowns. A&M was also equipped with one of the top offensive lines in the country led by Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews. Grade: A+
DEFENSE: The Aggies ranked seventh or lower in the SEC in the four major defensive categories, including ranking 12th in pass defense (250.7 yards per game). Teams scored 36 touchdowns on the Aggies and averaged 21.8 points per game. The Aggies surrendered 20-plus points in seven games, including allowing 57 points in a back-and-forth win over Louisiana Tech. A&M might have had some issues when it came to slowing down the yardage and points, but in its two losses, the Aggies allowed just 20 and 24 points. The Aggies gave up 390.2 yards per game and grabbed just 16 takeaways. Defensive end Damontre Moore became a real star. He was one of the top defenders in the country, tying for eighth nationally with 12.5 sacks and seventh with 21 tackles for loss. He also led the Aggies with 85 total tackles and nine quarterback hurries. The defense, which was relatively young in the back end, might have had a little more bend than the coaches would like, but it rarely broke down and held an Oklahoma offense to just 13 points in the AT&T Cotton Bowl. Grade: B-
OVERALL: The Aggies were supposed to struggle in their first year in the SEC, but flourished instead. Johnny Football was a major reason why, but Sumlin instilled an extremely tough personality during spring ball that carried over to the season. Alabama might have been crowned college football's national champion, but after a 41-13 beat down of Oklahoma, the Aggies made a solid case for being the nation's top team -- and A&M was the only team to top the Crimson Tide with a 29-24 win in Tuscaloosa. The defense needed to be bailed out by the offense at times, but even with no bye week during the regular season, the Aggies never seemed to slow down. If not for the opener against Louisiana Tech being postponed, the season might have been even better with a game under the Aggies' belt before taking on Florida. A&M wasn't as sharp against LSU, but was in serious contention for a BCS bowl game late in the year. Grade: A
Past grades:
Texas A&M Aggies Class of 2009 review
January, 24, 2013
Jan 24
8:00
AM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
The 2012 season was one to remember for Texas A&M.
The Aggies' first season in the Southeastern Conference was better than almost anyone could expect. And while much of the focus centered around a redshirt freshman -- Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Johnny Manziel -- first-year A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin repeatedly praised his seniors for their leadership and buying in when they didn't have to.
As Sumlin often said this year, "They didn't sign up to play for us."
The Aggies' first season in the Southeastern Conference was better than almost anyone could expect. And while much of the focus centered around a redshirt freshman -- Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Johnny Manziel -- first-year A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin repeatedly praised his seniors for their leadership and buying in when they didn't have to.
As Sumlin often said this year, "They didn't sign up to play for us."
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Team needs: There are three key need areas for Texas A&M in this recruiting class: defensive tackles, linebackers and receivers. The defensive tackle need stems from the Aggies' scheme switch. The 2010 and 2011 seasons were spent in a 3-4 alignment, and recruiting was tailored to that. Once Kevin Sumlin arrived and hired Mark Snyder as his defensive coordinator, the Aggies switched to a 4-3, meaning another defensive tackle on the field, meaning more were needed. At linebacker, the Aggies say goodbye to a pair of senior leaders, Sean Porter and Jonathan Stewart, both of whom were starters. The other starting linebacker, Steven Jenkins, will be a senior this season. At receiver there are several contributors leaving as well. Ryan Swope, Uzoma Nwachukwu and Kenric McNeal were all seniors. Thomas Johnson, a true freshman who appeared in 10 games and was one of the gems of the 2012 recruiting class, withdrew from school and might not return. There's another scholarship spot at the position in the form of Brandal Jackson, who was on scholarship but not part of the 105-man roster at the start of fall camp.
Help is on the way: At defensive tackle, A&M scored commitments from ESPN 150 defensive tackle Justin Manning and ESPN 300 defensive tackle Isaiah Golden. Three-star prospect Hardreck Walker and three-star Jordan Points (who is already on campus) round out that group. There are six linebackers in the class, led by ESPN 300 ILB Jordan Mastrogiovanni. Three are already on campus and enrolled: Brett Wade, Reggie Chevis and Tommy Sanders. At receiver, the Aggies have plenty. Ricky Seals-Jones tops the list, prep school standout Ja'Quay Williams is already in school, and there's a pair of three-star receivers as well. Not to mention, No. 1 tight end prospect Derrick Griffin would be a receiver at A&M if he makes it in, and athlete LaQuvionte Gonzalez likely would be an inside receiver.
Other key commits: A pair of Under Armour All-Americans, guard Joas Aguilar and cornerback Noel Ellis, plus a U.S. Army All-American, safety Kameron Miles, round out a group 10 prospects that are among ESPN's top 300. Two quarterbacks are in the class (Kohl Stewart and Kenny Hill), but it's worth keeping an eye on them as Stewart is a potential high MLB draft pick and Hill took official visits to Baylor and Kansas State. Eight early enrollees in the class are already on campus (Chevis, Points, Sanders, Wade, Williams, Cameron Clear, Alex Sezer and Jeremiah Stuckey), and there are plenty of promising three-star commits, including guys like cornerback Tavares Garner and outside linebacker Darian Claiborne.
Other key targets: There aren't a ton of targets left for the Aggies at this point. Their focus is on a small handful of guys. Adding a defensive end would be ideal for the Aggies, and they're pursuing Washington commit Daeshon Hall and USC commit Torrodney Prevot in that regard. Hall visited recently, and Prevot could soon. They are also still looking at another receiver. Former USC commit Sebastian LaRue is one of those targets, and he was in on an official visit recently. They are also looking at Florida State commit Levonte Whitfield, who said he plans to officially visit Feb. 1.
Help is on the way: At defensive tackle, A&M scored commitments from ESPN 150 defensive tackle Justin Manning and ESPN 300 defensive tackle Isaiah Golden. Three-star prospect Hardreck Walker and three-star Jordan Points (who is already on campus) round out that group. There are six linebackers in the class, led by ESPN 300 ILB Jordan Mastrogiovanni. Three are already on campus and enrolled: Brett Wade, Reggie Chevis and Tommy Sanders. At receiver, the Aggies have plenty. Ricky Seals-Jones tops the list, prep school standout Ja'Quay Williams is already in school, and there's a pair of three-star receivers as well. Not to mention, No. 1 tight end prospect Derrick Griffin would be a receiver at A&M if he makes it in, and athlete LaQuvionte Gonzalez likely would be an inside receiver.
Other key commits: A pair of Under Armour All-Americans, guard Joas Aguilar and cornerback Noel Ellis, plus a U.S. Army All-American, safety Kameron Miles, round out a group 10 prospects that are among ESPN's top 300. Two quarterbacks are in the class (Kohl Stewart and Kenny Hill), but it's worth keeping an eye on them as Stewart is a potential high MLB draft pick and Hill took official visits to Baylor and Kansas State. Eight early enrollees in the class are already on campus (Chevis, Points, Sanders, Wade, Williams, Cameron Clear, Alex Sezer and Jeremiah Stuckey), and there are plenty of promising three-star commits, including guys like cornerback Tavares Garner and outside linebacker Darian Claiborne.
Other key targets: There aren't a ton of targets left for the Aggies at this point. Their focus is on a small handful of guys. Adding a defensive end would be ideal for the Aggies, and they're pursuing Washington commit Daeshon Hall and USC commit Torrodney Prevot in that regard. Hall visited recently, and Prevot could soon. They are also still looking at another receiver. Former USC commit Sebastian LaRue is one of those targets, and he was in on an official visit recently. They are also looking at Florida State commit Levonte Whitfield, who said he plans to officially visit Feb. 1.
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Most difficult key players to replace
January, 22, 2013
Jan 22
12:24
PM CT
By GigEmNation staff | ESPN.com
Every year means attrition for college football teams as they graduate seniors and eligible underclassmen declare for the NFL draft.
ESPN Insider KC Joyner takes a look at some of the toughest voids to fill left by departing players, including one Texas A&M player who was one of the most productive at his position nationally this season.
ESPN Insider KC Joyner takes a look at some of the toughest voids to fill left by departing players, including one Texas A&M player who was one of the most productive at his position nationally this season.
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Here's a look at some recruits who were surprises at Texas A&M.
No. 1 Johnny Manziel, quarterback, 2011: Coming out of Kerrville (Texas) Tivy, some wondered how Manziel would fare as a quarterback at the Division I level. He originally committed to Oregon but flipped to Texas A&M once then-Aggies' quarterbacks coach Tom Rossley convinced then-head coach Mike Sherman to offer. According to Manziel's high school coach, Mark Smith, A&M and Rice were the only two in-state schools to offer.
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Looking back at Texas A&M’s recent recruiting misses.
No. 1 Jorrie Adams, offensive tackle, 2003: At 6-foot-7, 275 pounds, Adams had an impressive offer list. In addition to A&M, Oklahoma, LSU, Florida and Miami (a team that was routinely putting out first-round NFL draft picks at the time) were among those that pursued the five-star tackle out of Jasper (Texas) High School. The U.S. Army All-American with NFL size wound up playing defensive line as a freshman and was dismissed from the team in the summer of 2005 for violating team rules. He eventually wound up at Angelo State.
No. 2 Rod Davis, defensive tackle, 2008: The 6-2, 300-pound Davis was a ballyhooed recruit out of Houston Eisenhower, ranking No. 143 in the ESPN 150 and No. 6 nationally among defensive tackles. He was a signing day decision, choosing the Aggies over Texas. The Under Armour All-American originally chose the Aggies early in the process but reopened his recruitment after a coaching change. Florida was also among the schools that offered Davis in the recruiting process.
No. 1 Jorrie Adams, offensive tackle, 2003: At 6-foot-7, 275 pounds, Adams had an impressive offer list. In addition to A&M, Oklahoma, LSU, Florida and Miami (a team that was routinely putting out first-round NFL draft picks at the time) were among those that pursued the five-star tackle out of Jasper (Texas) High School. The U.S. Army All-American with NFL size wound up playing defensive line as a freshman and was dismissed from the team in the summer of 2005 for violating team rules. He eventually wound up at Angelo State.
No. 2 Rod Davis, defensive tackle, 2008: The 6-2, 300-pound Davis was a ballyhooed recruit out of Houston Eisenhower, ranking No. 143 in the ESPN 150 and No. 6 nationally among defensive tackles. He was a signing day decision, choosing the Aggies over Texas. The Under Armour All-American originally chose the Aggies early in the process but reopened his recruitment after a coaching change. Florida was also among the schools that offered Davis in the recruiting process.
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TAMU commit Hill talks K-State visit
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
11:09
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Three-star quarterback Kenny Hill (Southlake, Texas/Carroll) committed to Texas A&M in April and has been staunch with his pledge. But he’s also open to hearing what other schools have to say.
The big question: Should any outside visits be taken seriously?
Over the weekend, Hill traveled to Manhattan, Kan., and visited Kansas State. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound, dual-threat quarterback, while still committed to the Aggies, left Kansas State with a positive outlook on the program and the campus in general.
The big question: Should any outside visits be taken seriously?
Over the weekend, Hill traveled to Manhattan, Kan., and visited Kansas State. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound, dual-threat quarterback, while still committed to the Aggies, left Kansas State with a positive outlook on the program and the campus in general.
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TAMU commit Griffin focused on future
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
3:15
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
ROSENBERG, Texas -- The first time Rosenberg (Texas) Terry basketball coach Michael Jackson saw Derrick Griffin, there were several things that went through his mind.
At the time, Griffin was an eighth grader, but his skills and athleticism were apparent. Though he was a football star, Griffin was also a basketball star and remains a dual-sport standout to this day -- a receiver for Terry's football team and forward for the basketball team, showing at times the ability to be dominant at both.
At the time, Griffin was an eighth grader, but his skills and athleticism were apparent. Though he was a football star, Griffin was also a basketball star and remains a dual-sport standout to this day -- a receiver for Terry's football team and forward for the basketball team, showing at times the ability to be dominant at both.
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ABOUT GIGEMNATION
Sam Khan Jr.
Sam Khan Jr. joined ESPN.com in 2012 after nearly seven years with the Houston Chronicle, covering the University of Houston, college sports and high school sports. Khan lives in Houston with his wife. He can be reached at skespn@gmail.com.