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We’re busting out our newest edition of the “Chumbley’s Corner” mailbag this week. Just like our other installments, the goal of this segment is to connect with our readers and answer any questions that may pop up as you’re reading some of the terrific content we have here on the site.
You can send in your questions for our mailbag via email to coltonchumbley@yahoo.com, keep ’em classy or you’re going straight to the SPAM folder (you know who you are).
With Bob Stoops retiring, will that give A&M some recruitment help when recruiting in Texas, or is it just the same ol’ song and dance? – Tanner
I’m not sure there are many more advantages you could give a coach than what Kevin Sumlin‘s currently working with. That team in Austin has lost 21 games in the last three seasons, the Red Raiders are about to be in the market for a new head coach, and we all know about the horrifying stuff going down on Baylor’s campus right now. Stoops’ retirement is just the cherry on top. If there ever was a time for the maroon and white to step up and get a stranglehold on the state’s recruiting ground, it’s now.
Recently TexAgs was doing weekly articles on the top 100 plays of Aggie football. In your perspective what was the top tamu football play of the SEC era. Speaking in terms of what it did most for the team, program, atmosphere, and university. – Nick
Pretty unbelievable to think that we are entering year number six of the Kevin Sumlin and the SEC era. There’s definitely been some bumps along the road, but as a whole the Aggie faithful have witnessed some pretty amazing plays on the gridiron in the last five seasons. In terms of program changing plays or historic moments though, I think its a bit easier to divide them up a bit. Here’s a few that stick out in no particular order:
Manziel delivered one of the most iconic moments in the history of Aggie athletics with this play while simultaneously putting himself in the drivers seat for the Heisman trophy.
Deshazor Everett sealed one of the biggest victories in school history here.
With his interception, Armani Watts secured a double overtime victory against a top 10 Tennessee squad and led the Aggies to a 6-0 record for the first time in 14 years. One week later Texas A&M would have its name called in the initial college football playoff ranking, the first time ever in school history.
Honorable mention: Manziel to Evans 95 yard TD against the tide in ’14.
Is there any weight to these “Texas to the SEC” rumors that are floating around? – Evan
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Man I just have a hard time believing that their pride and ego would ever let them follow us into a conference. I also heavily doubt there is any way that a school who has its own (tanking) TV network and is a recruiting rival to a majority of teams in the conference, would ever be voted in by its current members. Personally, I think there’s a strong chance that once the television contracts are up for renewal, you will see the horns make their way out west and join the PAC 12, where in terms of culture and competitiveness, they are a much better fit.
How likely is it that the baseball team brings home a championship? – Jim
So you want to hear a sad, but true story? I’ve only watched maybe five or six innings all season (I know don’t hate me too much, I just couldn’t get into this season without my man Mark Ecker on the mound), and the second I turned on the game the other day, Davidson cranks one to center field and ties the game up at the top of the 9th. So to answer your question, I think as long as I stay far away the Ag’s will have a decent shot to bring that coveted piece of hardware back to Aggieland.
Out of the teams we lost to last year which do you think we are likely to avenge this season? – Chase
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The state of Mississippi obviously did a number on us last season so I would expect the Ag’s to bounce back there. Other than that, however it’ll be tough getting that sweet taste of revenge this season. We lost to some strong ball clubs last year. With LSU toting yet another elite level talent in their backfield and Nick Saban still roaming the sidelines down in Tuscaloosa, the Aggies are going to have their hands full as they trek across the SEC west gauntlet this fall.
Who do we have to replace Myles Garrett? – Steve
I touched on this a bit last time, but let’s be very clear about something. You don’t replace a Myles Garrett. Number 15 was one of the rarest talents to ever don a Texas A&M uniform, so comparing him to whoever it is that steps into the starting lineup after his departure, is incredibly unfair. With that being said though, Michael Clemons looks like he will be a starter from day one. At 6-foot-6, 240 pounds, Clemons has the ideal build and track record that you look for in SEC pass rushers. His size and speed should remind Aggie fans of a stronger, and perhaps more polished version of Daeshon Hall. I would look for him to be a consistent playmaker off the edge this fall.
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Besides Von obviously, who is the best pro Aggie athlete across professional football, basketball, and baseball? – Sam
Definitely a toss up between Mike Evans and Deandre Jordan. I think you’ve also got to give guys like Jake Matthews and Michael Wacha a mention in the conversation as well. Some great ambassadors to the university on the professional level.