Maroon and White Game Recap
Ainias Smith making moves in the open field. (Photo: Sam Craft, Houston Chronical)
The 2021 Maroon and White game has come and gone. It was a picture perfect spring day in Aggieland and roughly 17,000 fans were in Kyle Field to take in the action. Along with the fans, many Texas A&M legends were in attendance including Johnny Manziel, Von Miller, Erik McCoy, Jake Matthews, Trayveon Williams, and more.
This all made for a picturesque day in College Station thankfully because the football itself wasn’t exactly great. The spring game is not meant to be great football and execution is typically lacking so I’m not criticizing the team or coaching staff. It is a glorified practice and I still think we will be very good this season but this game was tough to watch at times. Jimbo seemed to be on the same page as he was mic’d up and letting guys have it all afternoon.
Johnny Manziel back in Aggieland. (Photo: Sam Craft, Houston Chronicle)
A big factor in the lackluster football was injuries, another reason not to be disheartened. Jimbo said there were a total of 15 players sitting out for medical or other reasons. Key players including Jalen Wydermyer, Caleb Chapman, Devon Achane, Demarvin Leal, Jaylon Jones, and Myles Jones all sat out. We know what those guys can do on the field so letting some younger guys get reps is valuable, it just doesn’t make for crisp football.
Undoubtedly the biggest question mark this offseason and heading into the Maroon and White game is who will succeed Kellen Mond and win the starting quarterback job. I was really excited to see Haynes King and Zach Calzada showcase their ability this weekend, but neither really rose above the other. King took more snaps with the first team offense and both guys had decent days, but it’s hard to gauge who might have an edge in competition. Calzada finished 19/40 for 253 yards with one touchdown and one interception while King went 16/31 for 211 yards with a touchdown and interception as well.
Both QBs made some great throws but lacked consistency, hence the low completion percentages. Those lackluster numbers were not helped by all the dropped passes either. Jimbo estimated there were nine drops between the two teams and each signal caller had several great throws hit receivers in the hands only to fall to the turf. Everyone was clearly a little rusty.
Photo: Sam Craft, Houston Chronicle
Speaking of receivers, the Aggies are returning a ton of experience at the position but still seem to be lacking a true game breaker on the outside. Ainias Smith had a solid outing hauling in five catches for over 100 yards and a touchdown, despite Jimbo riding him all afternoon. Aside from Smith, Hez Jones and Chase Lane had solid numbers but I was most impressed by Jalen Preston. He looked good and could add solid depth to the position if Jimbo rotates more guys at receiver this year. The Aggies have a ton of guys at wide receiver, we just need someone to really step up and be the go to guy. Chapman seemed to be taking on that role before tearing his ACL against Florida. Hopefully he returns to form this year but there is still room for other guys to step up and earn playing time.
The second biggest question mark of the offseason is the offense line, which only returns one starter in All American Kenyon Green. Green has moved from guard out to left tackle and is still adjusting to the change. I think he’ll be ready come gametime in the fall but he still has a lot of work left to do. All other positions are up for grabs and no one really stood out to me yesterday. Neither line opened up a ton of holes in the run game and allowed 5 sacks in total. The tight ends were not chipping the ends for safety precautions so that likely added to the pressure. Jahmir Johnson, the graduate transfer from Tennessee, has not arrived on campus yet so we didn't get to see him in action unfortunately. I think he has a very good chance to start at right tackle but we’ll have to wait until fall camp to see him suit up.
The defense, meanwhile, looked really solid, even without many key players. I think Elko will have a hell of a defense in 2021 and will be close to finishing at the top of the SEC again. One player who showed out was Edgerrin Cooper. He led both teams in tackles with nine, including 2.5 tackles for loss. Cooper probably won’t start this year but if he keeps playing like he did on Saturday he’ll get some time in heavier defensive packages and probably be the third linebacker behind Aaron Hansford and Andre White Jr. Depth, depth, depth! Something we have not had a linebacker in a long time.
I was also impressed by the running back depth we’ll have. Ernest Crownover is a load and despite being the 3rd or 4th option behind Spiller, Achane and Smith, I think he is talented and could produce if called upon. Spiller got limited touches but we know what he can do. Achane was competing for the A&M track team because he is an absolute burner and of course not available for the game.
Photo: Sam Craft, Houston Chronicle
Overall, it’s hard to have a ton of concrete takeaways from the spring game. My first impressions tell me the defense will be really good and we’ll need to rely on that early in the year. The offensive line will need time to mesh and whoever wins the quarterback battle may not be lights out from the jump. Both King and Calzada looked capable to me so whoever wins the job will play well in my opinion. King’s mobility behind an inexperienced offensive line still makes me think he has an edge, but it is a very tight competition.
Honestly it was just great to see the team back on the field, even in a scrimmage setting like the Maroon and White game. I’m still riding high after the 9-1 season last year and with so many players returning, it’s hard not to be excited for 2021, even with the lingering questions at quarterback and offensive line. I’m telling you - buy your tickets for the Aggie bandwagon because Jimbo and the Aggies are here to stay.
#BTHOOffseason
