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Texas A&M Football: Aggies’ CFP dreams depend on dominating the LOS

By Kyle Lovinggood

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - OCTOBER 09: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is forced out of the Micheal Clemons #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on October 09, 2021 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - OCTOBER 09: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is forced out of the Micheal Clemons #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on October 09, 2021 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 06: Micheal Clemons #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies returns a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field on November 06, 2021 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 06: Micheal Clemons #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies returns a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field on November 06, 2021 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Texas A&M football’s playoff dreams depend on a dominant defensive line

If you ask opposing fan bases, they will tell you that A&M’s 2022 football season is going be built on the backs of freshmen, especially on the defensive line. That is simply not true.

Yes, A&M did get four 5-star defensive linemen in the number one recruiting class in 2022; Walter Nolen, Shemar Stewart, Lebbeus Overton, and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy. It will be interesting to see how quick the 5-star freshmen earn playing time and make big plays. Anthony Lucas, a high 4-star, could also find himself vying for playing time.

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With the Aggies losing four very productive starters on the defensive line from last season, this defensive line group will need the experienced guys to step up. If the Aggies want to make a run at the College Football Playoffs the defensive line is key.

Junior McKinnley Jackson started in four games last season and played in 10 games total. Junior Adarious Jones had 12 tackles in 10 games. Junior Isaiah Raikes had 8 tackles in 12 games.  Sophomore Shemar Turner, the 5-star recruit from the 2021 class, got playing time last season and should be ready to have a monster season. Fadil Diggs also has upside and potential to move into a starting role this fall with 8 tackles, a sack, pass break up, and blocked punt last season.

It is going to take the experienced guys leading the way while the young, but very talented freshmen mix in to keep everyone healthy and fresh throughout the season. The 2022 defensive line needs to carry the torch and be a nightmare for every quarterback they face, to keep those College Football Playoffs hopes alive.

Other keys that are crucial for Texas A&M football to make the playoffs:

Next. 5 Aggies that could be 2023 NFL Draft picks. dark