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Chumbley’s Corner Vol. 2: Will Texas A&M ever play Texas again?

By Colton Chumbley

Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Caleb Bluiett (42) runs with the Texas flag after the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Texas won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Caleb Bluiett (42) runs with the Texas flag after the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Texas won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colton tackles all your Texas A&M athletics questions. There’s no offseason for us. Submit your questions here, via twitter, or by email.

We’re breaking out the second edition of the “Chumbley’s Corner” mailbag this week. Just like our opening installment, the goal of this segment is to connect with you, yes you reading this sentence right now.

Send in your questions for the next mailbag via email to coltonchumbley@yahoo.com. As always, keep ’em classy. Let’s get rolling on round two.

When (if ever) do you think we’ll play the ‘sips again? – Chase

I got asked this question quite a bit actually.  Believe it or not, there were some reported rumblings last fall about the two rivals being in talks for the 2020 season. If I’m Texas A&M though, why on earth would you ever worry about that school in Austin again? What is there to gain exactly? Sure, maybe it’d be nice to get a little bit of revenge from the last time these two took the field; but other than that there is nothing else brought to the table for A&M.

As far as I’m concerned [Texas is] just another mediocre school in a bottom tier power 5 conference.

Think about it, when was the last time the Horns played a meaningful game in the national spotlight? You’re probably having a hard time answering that because it’s been about eight years. Where as on the other hand, we play in front of the entire country three to four times a year. All playing Texas does again is allow them to step back into the spotlight. It’s time to stop looking in our rear view mirror and start driving forward. As far as I’m concerned they’re just another mediocre school in a bottom tier power 5 conference.

What did you think of Starkel’s play throughout the spring? – Mason

I thought Nick showed some real progress this spring. I don’t think there’s any question that he has an NFL caliber arm. He also proved to be a sound decision maker with the ball for the majority of spring camp. Where he seemed to struggle however, was with his presence in the pocket. When faced with pressure he seemed to get a bit of happy feet and abandon some of his mechanics. As I said last time, the race is still very wide open, but I think that unless he proves to the coaching staff he can hang in the pocket and deliver the ball down field, it will be hard to go with him as the starter week 1.

Do you think there’s any chance Manziel is on an NFL roster at some point this season? – Jerry

I think I’ve made it pretty clear that he has the talent to do just that. Unfortunately that’s not the deciding factor for Johnny anymore. A backup quarterback that will generate the kind of media circus that will follow him is going to deter quite a few teams from giving him a look. However, the need for capable quarterbacks in the league is as high as its ever been. Don’t be too shocked if JFF at least gets an invite to camp with a team this fall.

Which freshmen end up contributing this season? – Allen

As I said last time, I expect Jhmaon Ausbon to make some big plays this fall. Some other guys I’d throw into the mix as well though are Anthony Hines, and possibly Jayden Peevey. I’d expect Hines to be a starter from day one as long as he’s healthy. With the news of Reggie Chevis transferring though, I think Peevey now has a shot to crack the rotation and see some meaningful downs.

Any chance that Trevor Knight sticks with the Cardinals this season? – Colby

With his character and athleticism I think Trevor will find a spot somewhere. I just doubt that it will be on the 53 man roster wherever that is. I’d say his best chance is landing on the practice squad and sneaking onto the 53 as a special teams guy. Wishing him the best regardless.

What do you think A&M’s record needs to be for Sumlin to not get fired? – Bryce

This is a tough one. To answer your question I think an 8-4 regular season would be enough. However, I think we have to be competitive in every loss for him to be able to squeeze out one more season.  A lot of this is also going to depend on who all the athletic department thinks are realistic candidates to replace him.

Is it safe to say this is the best we will get out of John Chavis? – Austin

I think Chief still has some room to reach his ceiling. Many of us were upset with the defensive struggles down the stretch last season, but we’re quick to forget the devastating injuries that depleted that unit the last few months of the season. Also, with another year of experience in his system, I think you’ll start to finally see the light turn on for guys like Otaro Alaka and Daylon Mack.

Next: All-Sumlin Era Offensive Team

Will the Aggies field an “elite” level RB with Sumlin’s offense? – Austin

In today’s game I think it is very difficult to field an every down back anymore. Between the uptempo pace and everything else that these backs are asked to do in a system like ours (pass block, catch the ball out of the backfield, motion to the slot, etc.), I think it is very unlikely we’ll see anything other than a committee backfield in the next few seasons.