Texas A&M Football Transfer Portal Profiles: BJ Mayes Could Be Shutdown Corner

Texas A&M Football Portal Profiles: Former UAB CB BJ Mayes Has Shutdown Potential

One of the more heralded pickups for Texas A&M football through the portal among those in the know was that of former UAB cornerback BJ Mayes. Mayes was a bright spot on a defense for the Blazers that had the ignominious distinction of tying for 112th in the nation when it came to yards per play allowed. There wasn't a lot of talent there in Birmingham, but Mayes shined.

Already a one-time transfer after beginning his career at the University of the Incarnate Word, the Houston native Mayes decided to use his graduate transfer to seek a home in the SEC, as he ended up with Texas A&M football. The ranking services have him as one of the lower-rated pickups for the Aggies, but I think this is a severe oversight on their part. In fact, I expect that when the Aggies take the field against the Notre Dame offense for the first time on August 31, Mayes will be manning one side of the field as a starting cornerback.

Mayes brings an ideal build for the cornerback position at 6'1" and 185 LBs. He's a physical player, unafraid to step up in run coverage, notching 41 tackles last year. That's rarer than you might think in guys who bring the cover skills that he boasts. Those skills are what made him such a priority for the Aggies out of the portal, as he projects the kind of traits that shutdown corners possess.

Mayes can hold his own in coverage with the best of them. He notched two interceptions for the Blazers last year, and broke up 10 passes. I cannot remember the last time an Aggie cornerback broke up double-digit passes in a season. He was named the best thing about the UAB team halfway through the Blazers' season, and for good reason.

I'm expecting big things out of Mayes. He only will have one year with the Aggies, as this is his final season of eligibility. In a crowded defensive back room, I see him rising to the occasion and separating himself by the end of fall camp.