Predicting Texas A&M football's starting lineup - EDGE: Cashius Howell
Technically, adding an EDGE player makes this 12 men on the defense, and although that’s great for branding, I’m hoping we don’t get flagged for it this year. In any case, I thought it was relevant to include a dedicated pass-rusher, even if he isn’t a part of the base defense, given the importance of the position.
Howell is an under-discussed pickup from the original transfer window. He led his conference in sacks, and has the perfect frame for a twitched-up, athletic edge presence like Tyree Johnson was for Elko in 2021.
I see him being used similarly, and I think this will help make Elko’s defense that much more formidable and multiple. Where Scourton is the every-down threat coming off the edge, Howell will probably be used in passing situations nearly exclusively.
Some other players to watch here are Malick Sylla, who is entering his third year, or possibly freshman Solomon Williams. Enai White could make some plays as well, but the last word I had on him was that he’s still recovering from an in-season ACL injury.