Texas A&M football: 5 players who could take on leadership role in 2019

Michael Clemons

This selection stems mostly from Jimbo Fisher’s after-practice interview the other day when he mentioned Clemons’ name among the guys who were stepping up as leaders on the defense. After losing seniors Kingsley Keke, Daylon Mack and Landis Durham — all three starters from the 2018 season, and all of whom could be playing in the NFL — someone will have to step up as the leader from this group.

Clemons was one of the top defensive end JUCO recruits when he joined the Aggies in 2017. He appeared in all 13 games his first year, registered 19 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack, and appeared on his way to becoming a starter in 2018. However, an injury would force him to miss the entire season.

Reports from spring practices last year claim Clemons was virtually unblockable. Maybe some of that has to do with the offensive line, but I have to believe that’s mostly due to Clemons’ talent. He’s back lining up with the first team defense this spring as one of the starting defensive ends. If healthy, he’ll be a key to maintaining the elite play the defensive line showed under Mike Elko.