Spring Break
Progress report
Spring game shows advances made for fall season
By: Michael Teague
Issue date: 4/20/09 Section: Sports
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In the annual Maroon and White Game Saturday, the Aggies displayed their progress and gave fans a preview of what to expect in September.
Emerging from Saturday's scrimmage were two up-and-coming players on the A&M roster.
One of the top performers was junior linebacker Von Miller. At the new "Jack" position, Miller utilized his speed to get into the backfield and recorded two sacks. Miller's versatility and athleticism have given him the nickname "Matrix."
"He was in a league of his own out there today," said A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman. "I think changing our defense and allowing him to have the ability to rush the quarterback has afforded us the chance to have a legitimate pass rusher that we really didn't have last year."
As a sophomore in a new defensive scheme, Miller played in every game and recorded 44 tackles and 3.5 sacks in the 2008 season.
"I blitz the quarterback every play, and that's what I do best," Miller said. "Any good defense, you always have pressure on the team. That frees up the safeties and linebackers and makes everything a lot easier."
After pulling in 50 catches and a school-record nine touchdowns as a freshman, sophomore receiver Jeff Fuller has taken the next step in becoming a star for the Aggies. Fuller had nine receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown Saturday.
"I came out here and felt like I had something to prove," Fuller said. "You cannot take practices off. You need every single practice to make you a better player. I feel that I've grown as a player in many ways and I need to continue to grow and have a good time with it."
Junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson struggled early in the scrimmage, completing two of his first six passes and falling victim to four sacks in the first quarter.
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