Who will start at linebacker for Texas A&M football?
Linebacker took a hit this offseason, with many entering the transfer portal, leaving only a few linebackers still listed on the roster. Despite this, Texas A&M has done a good job of pulling transfers from the portal, and adding some recruits to maintain their depth.
Those who are staying however, have had success. Senior Chris Russell had the 3rd most tackles on the team last year with 66. Sophomore Edgerrin Cooper, was right behind him with the 4th most tackles with 61 tackles. Both have had steady growth throughout their college career, and are set to continue this progression next year.
This position could still take a large leap forward. After losing the commitment of top linebacker Anthony Hill in the 2023 class, Jimbo went to the transfer portal and obtained junior Jurriente Davis, a transfer from Jackson State, who totaled 68 tackles last year. Davis could have a great impact on the room next year and adds much more depth over all. The Aggies also found sophomore Aidan Siano from Rice, who had 7 tackles last year.
Another impact piece could be one that was never recruited as a linebacker. Enai White, who was once the number 38th ranked player overall as a defensive linemen, was moved to linebacker last year and amounted 8 tackles over 7 games throughout the season.
DJ Durkin also grabbed two linebackers in the 2023 recruiting class in Taurean York and Daymion Sanford. Sanford is the 50th ranked edge but was recruited as a linebacker, and York was the 83rd ranked linebacker. Both are three stars but seen as very underrated, after enrolling early and spending a semester with the team, could make a splash come fall.
My predictions: Chris Russell, Edgerrin Cooper, and Jurriente Davis, with lots of rotation from some of the younger players.