Former Texas A&M football LB Anthony Hines gets another NFL shot with New York Jets
During Kevin Sumlin’s tenure as the head coach of Texas A&M football, the inability to land a big time linebacker recruit was a constant issue. The Hoza Scott saga aside, it seemed that the Ags were always the bridesmaid, never the bride when it came down to the blue-chippers at the position—Malik Jefferson is one that comes to mind.
However, in the class of 2017, it looked like Sumlin was finally able to deliver at the position. In what would turn out to be his final recruiting cycle, the Aggie head man scored a big win when he got the signature of Anthony Hines III, the highest-rated recruit in the class and a guy just outside of five-star territory in the rankings.
Hines was an immediate contributor for the Ags. Though he never rose to an all-SEC level, his presence on the A&M defense was an important one. He missed the 2018 season with an injury, but was a big factor in 2019. However, he opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns about COVID-19. Though he could have returned for the 2021 season, he instead elected to head to the draft after playing two out of four seasons in College Station.
Perhaps due to the lack of tape, Hines ended up going undrafted. He bounced around a little bit in the league before eventually washing out. In previous years, that could have been the end of the story for him, but Hines kept at it.
Since leaving the NFL, Hines has been a steady and productive contributor in the spring football leagues that have popped up recently. As a member of the DC Defenders, he was a player that turned heads with his level of production.
That production has paid off, as Hines is now reportedly signing a deal with the New York Jets.
BREAKING: The New York Jets are signing LB Anthony Hines III, per sources.
— Christian Paolantonio (@PaolantonioPFN) August 11, 2024
Hines is coming off an impressive #UFL season for @XFLDefenders, racking up 63 total tackles this past spring. pic.twitter.com/tQ1g0xMdf8
Hines joins Micheal Clemons as another Aggie on the NYJ defense, which figures to be one of the top units in the NFL. If Aaron Rodgers stays healthy, this is a squad that can challenge for a playoff spot. I know Hines has the talent to be a contributor on this defense, and with three years of professional experience under his belt, I think he can find a sticking place on this roster.
Congrats, Anthony! Here’s hoping that the former Aggie LB carves out a niche for himself in the league from here on out.