The Texas A&M Football team has had an up-and-down offseason. A couple of weeks ago, Aggie fans learned that one of their starting defensive tackles would be suspended in McKinnley Jackson. A few days later, he was back to playing football.
When the more recent news surfaced that Micheal Clemons was arrested and suspended — many fans assume that this would be a similar situation. Unfortunately, things look a bit more serious this time around.
This came as a big disappointment, as Clemons returned to the Aggies as a 6th-year, 24-year old senior. Clemons’ veteran present was expected to be a big part of Texas A&M’s defense, which was returning most of a dominant defensive line from a season ago.
The Texas A&M Football team will be scrambling with last-second personnel shifts
Unfortunately, his arrest and eventual suspension resulting from a handful of charges came at a terrible time. The Aggies’ season is under a week away, and without their most experienced leaders on defense, the team will be scrambling at the last second to replace him.
Last season, the unfortunate news in the middle of the season was similar to that which we are hearing right now — Clemons would be out. That time, it was due to an injury. Last season, Clemons finished with 4.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
This means that Jimbo Fisher does have an existing backup plan for Clemons’ absence. Between Tyree Johnson, who played well in Clemons’ absence last season, and DeMarvin Leal, who is an extremely versatile defensive lineman, the Aggies’ will have a handful of options when it comes to replacing their experienced senior.