Texas A&M Football: 3 big questions as 2021 season approaches

Who will step up as a leader for Texas A&M Football’s defense in 2021?

Even though the Aggies’ defense retains a lot of its talent, the departure of a couple of players left a sizable gap in this defense. Bobby Brown III is living it up on the Los Angeles Rams and will leave a hole on a strong defensive front, but there’s one loss that is more irreplaceable.

That loss goes by the name of Buddy Johnson.

Johnson was the Aggies’ leading tackler and at inside linebacker, a huge leader for the defense. His production on the field will be missed, but more notably, his leadership traits will be missed even more.

That said, there is plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball that will be capable of stepping into this type of leadership role.

Take Leon O’Neal, for example. O’Neal is a guy who could have departed for the 2021 NFL Draft but opted to stay in College Station to help the Aggies in an attempt to reach the College Football Playoff. He’s one of the most experienced players on this unit and could step up as a leader.

Beyond that, you can look at Michael Clemons, a defensive end who will be entering his 6th season of college football in 2021. He could have departed for the draft but returned to improve his stock. Stepping up as a leader could go a long way for him on draft boards.

Even beyond these players, there is a handful of veteran talent on the defensive side of the ball that could help a unit that will look to be among the best in the country. The question as to who will step up as a defensive leader won’t be answered until the season beings.