Why Texas A&M football should have the best SEC defense in 2022

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

The Texas A&M football team’s interior defensive line positions may actually be better in 2022

Out: Jayden Peevy In: Walter Nolen

If you’re looking for a potential upgrade immediately, here it is. That’s no disrespect to Jayden Peevy, who was extremely consistent in Aggieland; it’s a testament to the sheer talent that Walter Nolen will add to this Aggie roster.

According to 247Sports, Nolen is the highest-rated player in the 2022 class that isn’t committed to Jackson State, making him the best incoming player in FBS college football this season. Nolen will jump into an interior defensive line position and should find early success. Again, this could potentially be an upgrade.

Returning: McKinnley Jackson

One of the more underrated pieces of this defense in 2022 will be the return of McKinnley Jackson, one of the Aggies’ starting nose tackles in 2022. Jackson had a relatively quiet year on a unit that put up some pretty impressive numbers.

That said, the Aggie defensive lineman has recorded 27 total tackles with three for loss and 2.5 sacks in his two seasons thus far. After failing to break out in 2021, McKinnley may get his shot to step into the spotlight in 2022.