POSITION PREVIEW: Linebackers

Closing in on the end of camp, the 2024 position preview series continues. Next up, we have the linebackers.

Who did we lose?

The Aggies lost one of the best defenders in all of college football with Edgerrin Cooper moving on to the NFL. Cooper was a force throughout the 2023 season. Texas A&M also lost Chris Russell – though Russell wasn’t a starter, his contributions were noticeable and he logged a lot of minutes.

Who do we bring back?

• Taurean York: A late addition to the 2023 Texas A&M recruiting class, York exceeded all expectations by claiming a starting role and becoming one of the most crucial players on the Aggie defense last season. Now, he’ll look to take another step forward with a full college football season under his belt as the undisputed leader of this defensive unit.
• Daymion Sanford: Sanford will factor into the position battle for replacing Edgerrin Cooper in 2024. The Katy Paetow product saw the field in all thirteen games last season but has an opportunity to log many more significant minutes this season given the uncertainty at the will position.

What other names should we know?

• Scooby Williams: The first of two transfers who factor significantly into the will position battle alongside Sanford, Williams impressed in the spring game after transferring in from Florida. Regardless of who ends up starting against Notre Dame in week one, I’d expect Williams to log significant minutes in 2024.
• Solomon DeShields: DeShields didn’t transfer until after the conclusion of spring ball, but the former Pittsburgh linebacker also has a chance to contribute immediately at the position. Much like Williams, even if he isn’t the starter I’d expect him to be a factor for the Aggies throughout the season.
• Tristan Jernigan: The incoming freshman was one of my favorite recruits in the 2024 recruiting class. While he may not see the field as much as the two transfer names listed above, I’d still expect Jernigan to be a special teams contributor at minimum with a chance to see the field on defense quite a bit as well.

Overall Grade: C+

While the return of Taurean York gives me loads of confidence for this group heading into the 2024 season, the uncertainty at will and elsewhere gives me a bit of pause. Until I see who steps up, I can’t give this unit too much credit. I believe the potential is there for this group to be exceedingly special – but potential just means you haven’t achieved yet.

Check out our other position previews to get you prepped for the 2024 season: