Texas A&M Football: Ranking each position group entering 2021

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Buddy Johnson, Texas A&M Football Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Texas A&M Football will be looking to fill a large hole left at the linebacker position

It would be a stretch to say that the linebacker position group is a worrisome spot as we approach 2021. That said, this linebacking group lost their leader in Buddy Johnson in the off-season. They’ll look to rebuild and hopefully, guys will step up to make this a seamless transition.

To get an idea of the production that this team will be missing out on, Buddy Johnson was all over the field in his senior year. Here are the numbers that he put up.

Team-leading 86 tackles
3 Pass breakups
2 Forced fumbles
1 Pick-six

The most important number to remember out of that list is his team-leading 86 tackles. Without him as an inside linebacker, the Aggies could have some trouble taking down opposing ball carriers.

Along with a loss that we’ll speak about in a future slide, this team will likely feel a significant setback in their rush defense. Thankfully, the team finished 2nd in the country in rush defense last season, so a setback shouldn’t be cause for alarm.

That said, Buddy Johnson is the only key loss in this linebacker unit. Expect them to struggle early, but bounce back as they get into a groove in the meat of the season.