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Texas A&M Football: Aggies’ CFP dreams depend on avoiding injury bug

By Kyle Lovinggood

Devon Achane, Texas A&M Football Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Devon Achane, Texas A&M Football Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 11: Alex Fontenot #8 of the Colorado Buffaloes makes a run while being defended by Antonio Johnson #27 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the second quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on September 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 11: Alex Fontenot #8 of the Colorado Buffaloes makes a run while being defended by Antonio Johnson #27 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the second quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on September 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images) /

Texas A&M football’s playoff dreams depend on the health of the back seven

Linebackers

Due to A&M being thin at this position, Antonio Johnson is going to be the leader of this group at the hybrid nickel back. The Aggies really need him to stay healthy because an injury would be a big blow to the experience of the LB unit.

Redshirt sophomore and 2021 SEC All-Freshman Edgerrin Cooper is due for a breakout season at linebacker. He had 58 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and an interception as a redshirt freshman in 2021. Senior Andre White Jr. should be primed to take the other linebacker position as he started 9 games last season, with 57 tackles.

Once you get past these 3 pillars of the linebacking core the Aggies experience drops off. Texas A&M needs these guys to stay healthy and hit hard all season long to make the College Football Playoff a reality.

Cornerbacks and Safeties

The defensive back room seems to be an area where A&M has seen plenty of injuries. Just to list some key contributors that the Aggies would like to see stay healthy: Myles Jones, Brian George, and Brian Williams.

Jones, who missed most of 2021 season due to a leg injury, seemed to have an ankle injury or leg injury during open practice on August 7th and was carted off the field. Texas A&M fans know the impact Jones can have on the field and are cheering hard for him to play a big role in the 2022 football season to help the Aggies make a magical run.

George was injured in the Arkansas game and never returned last season. Williams, who played a big role during 10 games in the 2020 season, was out all of the 2021 season. The good news is that the Aggies have some younger depth at the defensive back position, but to reach new heights, this group needs continuity.

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