BJ Mayes leaning on versatility to take Texas A&M football's defense to next level

BJ Mayes leaning on hard work, adaptability to step into new role as nickel corner for Texas A&M football

Dedicated followers of my opinions on here, of which there are no doubt precious few, know that I have been all aboard the BJ Mayes hype train for Texas A&M football over the entire offseason. So I was really surprised when he didn't see really any playing time against Notre Dame.

It all made sense when it was revealed, as Elko alluded to in his presser earlier today, that Mayes was dealing with an injury at a key time, and was thus passed up for the starting corner job. However, Mayes has seen some more playing time over the past two weeks. Not at corner, however: at nickel.

Mayes spoke about playing the new position in his press availability today, which you can watch at this link or below.

Here's what Mayes had to say.

BJ Mayes talks nickel role for Texas A&M football, aggressiveness

You have to love the attitude that Mayes showed, not only in moving past the adversity of losing out in the battle for starting corner, but taking on this new position.

"My response was that I'm ready to play, really," Mayes said confidently. "Y'all want to move me to nickel? Bet. Let me get the alignment, assignment. It's time to ball. Let's go play."

Mayes is also a guy ready to get in there and lay down some big hits, which you don't often see out of a guy who normally plays corner. But that's why he is a fit for this style of defense in general, and for the nickel role in particular—the synergy between his style and Elko's vision is evident.

"I love it, actually. I'm more of an aggressive DB," Mayes remarked. "Coach Elko is an aggressive coach. He's ready to send blitzes. He understands I'm a physical DB. I like that he works DBs being physical into the scheme."

That synergy can end up being a huge plus moving forward. Especially after Tyreek Chappell was lost for the year, who was himself a very physical DB, Mayes's quality at the position could be a godsend for the Aggies—even if he is relatively inexperienced at this spot in particular.

"This is my first time playing nickel," said Mayes when asked about his experience. Not to be deterred, though, he expressed the supreme confidence you expect out of an elite DB: "I feel like I'm a gamer, I'm a baller. I could play any position you put me at. Just tell me what to do and I'll go execute."

It sounds like he's progressing well when it comes to understanding the nuance of the position. One reporter put the question to Mayes: how is playing nickel different than playing corner?

"With nickel, it's more techs and eye keys that you gotta pay attention to," he responded promptly. "At corner, you know, cover three, flow to zone, or man. At nickel, you gotta pay attention to the back, the tight end, which side of the field you're on. On third down, you gotta make the nickel calls to align the defense, so it's a lot. Really, more into the defense at nickel."

I'm as high on Mayes as anyone. I think this move will prove to be a huge one for the Aggie defense this season.