Spring Break
New faces, same questions
Franchione is out, Sherman is in. With new coaches and new expectations, columnist John Kennedy reports what they're looking for in 2008
By: John Kennedy
Issue date: 7/2/08 Section: Sports
Offensively, Texas A&M has had an impressive ground game that accounted for 31 touchdowns a year ago with the same rushing corps expected to start next season. The recent transition of Jorvorskie Lane to fullback should open up an even more diverse running game.
Passing is an area that the program could use improvement in. The Aggies threw for 14 touchdowns last season, and the absence of the 2007 leader in receiving yards and touchdowns, tight end Martellus Bennet, leaves A&M spectators wondering about this season's passing game. Quarterback Stephen McGee has proven himself as a competent passer, but he needs the support of reliable receivers for a successful senior season.
The new offensive coordinator Nolan Cromwell coached under current Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Holmgren since 1992 when they were with the Packers in Green Bay. Cromwell was named receivers coach in 1998 and remained so after the staff's move to Seattle.
Under Cromwell's direction, the passing game at Seattle flourished, setting franchise records for most passing yards in a season and most games with 300 or more receiving yards in a season.
Cromwell has the ability to take a passing game at A&M that hasn't been hopeless and mold it to become one of the best in college football.
The most important aspect of the program that coach Sherman needs to take care of is recruiting. The recruiting has not been bad, but A&M loses Texas' best high school athletes to Big 12 rivals every year.
It shames me to say it, but when the team's recruiting produces the same results of Oklahoma, Tech and, dare I say, "t.u.," the resulting talent will make all of the other problems much easier to fix. It is obvious that the best athletes combined with the best coaching result in a successful program.
Texas A&M is on the right track with coach Sherman and his staff. The next few years should be an exciting time for Aggie football. Now we as Aggie fans need to give this new program time to grow to its potential. So sit back and enjoy the 2008-2009 season with a breath of fresh air.
Passing is an area that the program could use improvement in. The Aggies threw for 14 touchdowns last season, and the absence of the 2007 leader in receiving yards and touchdowns, tight end Martellus Bennet, leaves A&M spectators wondering about this season's passing game. Quarterback Stephen McGee has proven himself as a competent passer, but he needs the support of reliable receivers for a successful senior season.
The new offensive coordinator Nolan Cromwell coached under current Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Holmgren since 1992 when they were with the Packers in Green Bay. Cromwell was named receivers coach in 1998 and remained so after the staff's move to Seattle.
Under Cromwell's direction, the passing game at Seattle flourished, setting franchise records for most passing yards in a season and most games with 300 or more receiving yards in a season.
Cromwell has the ability to take a passing game at A&M that hasn't been hopeless and mold it to become one of the best in college football.
The most important aspect of the program that coach Sherman needs to take care of is recruiting. The recruiting has not been bad, but A&M loses Texas' best high school athletes to Big 12 rivals every year.
It shames me to say it, but when the team's recruiting produces the same results of Oklahoma, Tech and, dare I say, "t.u.," the resulting talent will make all of the other problems much easier to fix. It is obvious that the best athletes combined with the best coaching result in a successful program.
Texas A&M is on the right track with coach Sherman and his staff. The next few years should be an exciting time for Aggie football. Now we as Aggie fans need to give this new program time to grow to its potential. So sit back and enjoy the 2008-2009 season with a breath of fresh air.
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