Texas A&M Aggies: Jordan Mastrogiovanni
The Texas A&M linebacker corps served as a backbone for the Aggies defense in 2012.
With a trio of upperclassmen as starters, including two senior leaders in Sean Porter and Jonathan Stewart, it was one area the Aggies defensive coaches didn't have to worry too much about.
With Porter and Stewart having graduated and looking toward NFL futures, the Aggies will have two new bodies to line up next to the lone remaining starter of the group, Steven Jenkins.
With a trio of upperclassmen as starters, including two senior leaders in Sean Porter and Jonathan Stewart, it was one area the Aggies defensive coaches didn't have to worry too much about.
With Porter and Stewart having graduated and looking toward NFL futures, the Aggies will have two new bodies to line up next to the lone remaining starter of the group, Steven Jenkins.
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Texas K Wicker talks TAMU opportunity 
February, 11, 2013
Feb 11
8:00
AM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
Cody Wicker missed his initial chance to impress Texas A&M.
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A&M haul impressive, but just a start in SEC
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
6:59
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Coming into national signing day it was already clear that Texas A&M had hauled in one of its best classes in years, perhaps in school history.
When the dust settled and it added one more player to the fold -- four-star defensive end Daeshon Hall, who flipped from Washington to the Aggies -- that much was still true. Every A&M commit that received a letter of intent signed on the dotted line.
Once the fax machine at the Bright Football Complex stopped, the result was a top-10 class.
But A&M coach Kevin Sumlin made it clear, as a member of the Southeastern Conference, that this class can only be a beginning for Texas A&M if it wants long-term success.
"We're still playing catch up in the SEC," Sumlin said. "I just came from upstairs and on ESPN we're ranked eighth in the country in recruiting. Then I look up at the next page and we're like fifth in our league. We're getting there, but we still have a ways to go."
Sumlin is right -- Alabama (No. 1), Florida (No. 2), Mississippi (No. 5) and LSU (No. 7) all finished ahead of the Aggies in this year's ESPN class rankings. But the Aggies recruited on the level of the other SEC big dogs, thanks in large part to the success it had in year one in its new conference.
The Aggies finished with 32 total players -- 31 signees and one transfer. Nine players are already on campus taking classes and working out in preparation for spring football. The other 23 signed on Wednesday, with Hall's signature putting a cherry on top of the class.
There are many reasons that Texas A&M was able to pull in a class of this caliber.
When the dust settled and it added one more player to the fold -- four-star defensive end Daeshon Hall, who flipped from Washington to the Aggies -- that much was still true. Every A&M commit that received a letter of intent signed on the dotted line.
Once the fax machine at the Bright Football Complex stopped, the result was a top-10 class.
But A&M coach Kevin Sumlin made it clear, as a member of the Southeastern Conference, that this class can only be a beginning for Texas A&M if it wants long-term success.
"We're still playing catch up in the SEC," Sumlin said. "I just came from upstairs and on ESPN we're ranked eighth in the country in recruiting. Then I look up at the next page and we're like fifth in our league. We're getting there, but we still have a ways to go."
Sumlin is right -- Alabama (No. 1), Florida (No. 2), Mississippi (No. 5) and LSU (No. 7) all finished ahead of the Aggies in this year's ESPN class rankings. But the Aggies recruited on the level of the other SEC big dogs, thanks in large part to the success it had in year one in its new conference.
The Aggies finished with 32 total players -- 31 signees and one transfer. Nine players are already on campus taking classes and working out in preparation for spring football. The other 23 signed on Wednesday, with Hall's signature putting a cherry on top of the class.
There are many reasons that Texas A&M was able to pull in a class of this caliber.
Welcome to GigEmNation's live coverage of national signing day for the Texas A&M Aggies. We'll be with you throughout the day providing up-to-the minute updates on A&M's class of 2013.
Watch live coverage on ESPNU | 2013 Texas A&M recruiting class
Watch live coverage on ESPNU | 2013 Texas A&M recruiting class
In a year's time, things have changed quite a bit for Texas A&M. Look no further than national signing day as evidence.
In 2012, much of the attention and concern regarding the Aggies' recruiting class heading into signing day was on whether the Aggies could hold on to one of their most notable commitments, ESPN 150 receiver Bralon Addison.
It didn't happen, as Addison flipped to Oregon and signed with the Ducks.
In 2012, much of the attention and concern regarding the Aggies' recruiting class heading into signing day was on whether the Aggies could hold on to one of their most notable commitments, ESPN 150 receiver Bralon Addison.
It didn't happen, as Addison flipped to Oregon and signed with the Ducks.
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A longtime Texas A&M commitment will not be signing a national letter of intent on Wednesday.
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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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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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COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Some people might not believe it, but Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin says he knows the rules.
As the Aggies' recruiting class swells on the heels of its first year as a Southeastern Conference member -- an 11-2 campaign capped by a 41-13 whipping of Oklahoma in the AT&T Cotton Bowl on Saturday -- observers continue to ask how the Aggies can have so many players in their 2013 recruiting class.
Currently, Texas A&M has 35 commitments in the class, picking up two over the weekend in the form of ESPN 300 receiver Tony Stevens, who announced on Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl that he was A&M-bound, and ESPN 300 inside linebacker Jordan Mastrogiovanni, who was committed to Oklahoma since June before flipping to the Aggies on Sunday night.
As the Aggies' recruiting class swells on the heels of its first year as a Southeastern Conference member -- an 11-2 campaign capped by a 41-13 whipping of Oklahoma in the AT&T Cotton Bowl on Saturday -- observers continue to ask how the Aggies can have so many players in their 2013 recruiting class.
Currently, Texas A&M has 35 commitments in the class, picking up two over the weekend in the form of ESPN 300 receiver Tony Stevens, who announced on Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl that he was A&M-bound, and ESPN 300 inside linebacker Jordan Mastrogiovanni, who was committed to Oklahoma since June before flipping to the Aggies on Sunday night.
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The Sooners lose a much-needed inside run stopper in their 2013 class and the Aggies continue to stock up on big, downhill backers to help a future rush defense match its prolific rushing offense.
Jordan Mastrogiovanni (Dallas/Jesuit Prep) is now the top-rated talent out of this deep linebacker class and is one of the better stack-and-fill 'backers for 2013. He has very good size, physicality and is technically sound at the point of attack using his hands to take on and defeat blockers. The instate pledge can also move well laterally given his size, make plays sideline-to-sideline and hold up in coverage. His sound pursuit angles to the ball and overall instincts may be his best asset as a linebacker prospect and is the facet that will allow him to challenge for early playing time at the next level.
Jordan Mastrogiovanni (Dallas/Jesuit Prep) is now the top-rated talent out of this deep linebacker class and is one of the better stack-and-fill 'backers for 2013. He has very good size, physicality and is technically sound at the point of attack using his hands to take on and defeat blockers. The instate pledge can also move well laterally given his size, make plays sideline-to-sideline and hold up in coverage. His sound pursuit angles to the ball and overall instincts may be his best asset as a linebacker prospect and is the facet that will allow him to challenge for early playing time at the next level.
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Recruiting activity reflects A&M's stature
January, 6, 2013
Jan 6
10:07
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
Sunday was a busy day for Texas A&M recruiting.
The Aggies welcomed one commitment, ESPN 300 inside linebacker Jordan Mastrogiovanni, while seeing another leave the class, three-star receiver Quincy Adeboyejo.
Both are reflective of Texas A&M's significant success in its inaugural Southeastern Conference season.
The Aggies welcomed one commitment, ESPN 300 inside linebacker Jordan Mastrogiovanni, while seeing another leave the class, three-star receiver Quincy Adeboyejo.
Both are reflective of Texas A&M's significant success in its inaugural Southeastern Conference season.
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The wave of momentum Texas A&M has in recruiting right now has seemingly become a tsunami, especially considering the Aggies' latest pull.
ESPN 300 linebacker Jordan Mastrogiovanni, who has been committed to Oklahoma since June 14, has flipped his commitment to Texas A&M. The four-star inside linebacker confirmed the news to GigEmNation via text message on Sunday.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound prospect from Dallas Jesuit is the No. 7 inside linebacker in the nation. He will join his high school teammate, J.J. Gustafson, a four-star offensive tackle at Dallas Jesuit who is also committed to Texas A&M.
ESPN 300 linebacker Jordan Mastrogiovanni, who has been committed to Oklahoma since June 14, has flipped his commitment to Texas A&M. The four-star inside linebacker confirmed the news to GigEmNation via text message on Sunday.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound prospect from Dallas Jesuit is the No. 7 inside linebacker in the nation. He will join his high school teammate, J.J. Gustafson, a four-star offensive tackle at Dallas Jesuit who is also committed to Texas A&M.
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Chat wrap: DaMontre Moore deserves raves
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
4:53
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
GigEmNation writer Sam Khan Jr. chatted with readers on Friday about Texas A&M football and recruiting. Here's the full transcript of the chat. The Aggies begin a three-game SEC road stretch on Saturday night when they take on Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
GJ (West Houston): It seems to me like DaMontre Moore is getting a bit overlooked by some of the media. I've seen some lists for SEC DPOY that didn't even have him in the top three. Seems absurd considering he has been the most productive DL in the country so far.
Sam Khan Jr.: GJ, there's a lot of talent in the SEC, but if Moore is not in the top three of someone's vote for SEC Defensive Player of the Year, it's my opinion that they aren't paying close attention. You could argue competition level for some of his production, but two of his best games this year came against the Aggies' two toughest opponents: Florida and LSU. I don't see how he can't be considered a frontrunner for that award. He has played at an extremely high level and honestly, right now, he's playing like an early round NFL draft pick. I know that our draft experts at ESPN have certainly kept their eyes on him because of the way he has played.
Evan (CS): It seems like A&M has about four remaining HS guys (Manning, Mitchell, RSJ, and Savaiinaea) that they are still going after to wrap up this 2013 class. Is there anyone else that has been kept under wraps that they're still pursuing and do you think they land any of these four?
Sam Khan Jr.: Of the high school 2013 guys there are some others besides those four that they're still pursuing. Mackensie Alexander, a five-star cornerback from Florida, is one of them. He was at the LSU game last week and still has other visits to take but he's one they're chasing. Also, Oklahoma LB commit Jordan Mastrogiovanni is one they're still recruiting. He also attended the LSU game. Another name of someone who will visit later in the year is Upland (California) DE Joe Mathis. As for the four you mentioned, I do think they land one or two of those. I'd guess Ricky Seals-Jones is one of the ones they land and if I had to guess another, I'd flip a coin between Manning and Savaiinaea (I'll say Manning).
Rene (College Station): Chances A&M puts three guys in top 15 in this year's draft? (Moore, Joeckel, Matthews)
Sam Khan Jr.: I'd say it's unlikely all three happen to go that high. First, I'm not sure that all three will declare for the draft. But if we are to assume that all three declare, I think it's possible all three are first-round picks, but not necessarily top 15. I think the two tackles are in good shape to go high. I would like to see more draft experts evaluate Moore, because it's kind of difficult to gauge where scouts sit with him right now. Clearly, he's winning a lot of supporters because of his play. How that's balanced out with last year's performance, size, then whatever he would do at things like the combine are all things that would factor into whether he could vault that high. But I don't see why, if the season ended today, he couldn't be someone picked in the top couple of rounds.
GJ (West Houston): It seems to me like DaMontre Moore is getting a bit overlooked by some of the media. I've seen some lists for SEC DPOY that didn't even have him in the top three. Seems absurd considering he has been the most productive DL in the country so far.
Sam Khan Jr.: GJ, there's a lot of talent in the SEC, but if Moore is not in the top three of someone's vote for SEC Defensive Player of the Year, it's my opinion that they aren't paying close attention. You could argue competition level for some of his production, but two of his best games this year came against the Aggies' two toughest opponents: Florida and LSU. I don't see how he can't be considered a frontrunner for that award. He has played at an extremely high level and honestly, right now, he's playing like an early round NFL draft pick. I know that our draft experts at ESPN have certainly kept their eyes on him because of the way he has played.
Evan (CS): It seems like A&M has about four remaining HS guys (Manning, Mitchell, RSJ, and Savaiinaea) that they are still going after to wrap up this 2013 class. Is there anyone else that has been kept under wraps that they're still pursuing and do you think they land any of these four?
Sam Khan Jr.: Of the high school 2013 guys there are some others besides those four that they're still pursuing. Mackensie Alexander, a five-star cornerback from Florida, is one of them. He was at the LSU game last week and still has other visits to take but he's one they're chasing. Also, Oklahoma LB commit Jordan Mastrogiovanni is one they're still recruiting. He also attended the LSU game. Another name of someone who will visit later in the year is Upland (California) DE Joe Mathis. As for the four you mentioned, I do think they land one or two of those. I'd guess Ricky Seals-Jones is one of the ones they land and if I had to guess another, I'd flip a coin between Manning and Savaiinaea (I'll say Manning).
Rene (College Station): Chances A&M puts three guys in top 15 in this year's draft? (Moore, Joeckel, Matthews)
Sam Khan Jr.: I'd say it's unlikely all three happen to go that high. First, I'm not sure that all three will declare for the draft. But if we are to assume that all three declare, I think it's possible all three are first-round picks, but not necessarily top 15. I think the two tackles are in good shape to go high. I would like to see more draft experts evaluate Moore, because it's kind of difficult to gauge where scouts sit with him right now. Clearly, he's winning a lot of supporters because of his play. How that's balanced out with last year's performance, size, then whatever he would do at things like the combine are all things that would factor into whether he could vault that high. But I don't see why, if the season ended today, he couldn't be someone picked in the top couple of rounds.
OU commit Mastrogiovanni visits A&M
October, 21, 2012
10/21/12
2:06
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
Dallas Jesuit inside linebacker Jordan Mastrogiovanni has heard plenty about the game-day experience at Texas A&M's Kyle Field. So along with a teammate, Dallas Jesuit offensive tackle and Texas A&M commitment J.J. Gustafson, Mastrogiovanni decided to experience it for himself to see if it lived up to the hype.
"I think it did," said Mastrogiovanni, an Oklahoma commitment. "I've heard so much about how loyal the fans are to their team and that proved to be true. When it became obvious that LSU was going to get the win there in the last couple of minutes, I didn't notice any of the fans leaving, which was pretty cool. They proved themselves to be really loyal team so I found that to be a pretty special quality, what the fans did to the players."
The ESPN 300 linebacker, who is ranked seventh at his position nationally, has been committed to Oklahoma since June. That hasn't kept the Aggies coaches from reaching out to him and inviting him to games. Texas A&M receivers coach David Beaty, linebackers coach Matt Wallerstedt and special teams coordinator Brian Polian have all been in contact with the four-star prospect, but he said he still has his heart set on Oklahoma right now.
"I think it did," said Mastrogiovanni, an Oklahoma commitment. "I've heard so much about how loyal the fans are to their team and that proved to be true. When it became obvious that LSU was going to get the win there in the last couple of minutes, I didn't notice any of the fans leaving, which was pretty cool. They proved themselves to be really loyal team so I found that to be a pretty special quality, what the fans did to the players."
The ESPN 300 linebacker, who is ranked seventh at his position nationally, has been committed to Oklahoma since June. That hasn't kept the Aggies coaches from reaching out to him and inviting him to games. Texas A&M receivers coach David Beaty, linebackers coach Matt Wallerstedt and special teams coordinator Brian Polian have all been in contact with the four-star prospect, but he said he still has his heart set on Oklahoma right now.
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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.