Five things to watch in Texas A&M football's spring game: Schemes, players, & more

What to watch in Texas A&M football's spring game: Transfer DBs

One place where Mike Elko addressed the Aggie roster's needs—and then some—through the portal is at defensive back. All told, the Aggie staff brought in seven DBs in the winter window. This was a needed move, of course, as the Aggies have (as of today) lost five defensive backs to transfer or graduation—Sam McCall, Jacoby Mathews, Deuce Harmon, Demani Richardson, and Jardin Gilbert.

Despite the talent in that group, the Aggies could be bringing in even more. I'm a huge fan of BJ Mayes from UAB, and he has a great shot at starting at one of the corner spots. Will Lee brings a lot at corner as well. Marcus Ratcliffe and Donovan Saunders, high school teammates from California, could make some noise. Florida's Jaydon Hill could see some time at nickel. Alabama's Dezz Ricks could be the most purely physically talented player on the whole team.

That's to say nothing of the rising talent the Aggies already had on their roster. Dalton Brooks was a huge pickup when the Ags signed him back in 2023, and if I'm reading the tea leaves correctly, his time to emerge may be coming this season. Jared Kerr has shown great flashes. Tyreek Chappell is a known quantity at corner.

As excited as I am to see that group, though, I'm really intrigued by the transfers on the back end. How will they look in this Mike Elko defense? How will each be used situationally? Who is emerging as the cream of the crop? We may not get all our answers on Saturday, but we'll certainly know more than we do right now.