(In parenthesis is last year's preseason grade)

Quarterbacks A- (B+)

Stephen McGee is primed for a big finish. He'll show he can operate a pass-oriented attack. His running ability won't vanish, but instead of zone reads, it will be bootlegs and designed scrambles. The new offense will save McGee's body from the beating of 327 carries the last two years. Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill are good enough that A&M wouldn't lose much if either has to play. Even freshman Tommy Dorman looked good in A&M's last fall scrimmage.

Running backs A (B)

Mike Goodson needs to stay healthy and make the most of each run, because Bradley Stephens and Cyrus Gray had great fall camps. Goodson looks better than ever, but he did miss a week with a leg injury. Keondra Smith and walk-on Colton Haverda run hard, making tailback the team's deepest position in terms of talent. Fullback could be just as deep if Jorvorskie Lane embraces the move from tailback. A neck stinger kept him out of the last half of fall camp and he still looks closer to 285 pounds than the 260-something that head coach Mike Sherman wants him to play at. Senior Nick LaMantia has proven he's more than just the leader of the 12th Man Kickoff Team with his work at fullback. Walk-ons Anthony Vela and Ryan O'Bryant will be good enough to back up Lane and LaMantia, allowing freshman Kyle Mangan to redshirt, unless he's needed in special teams.

Offensive line D (A)

Young, inexperienced and lacking in numbers aren't a winning pick three combination.

Senior tackle Travis Schneider is the only lineman with more than six career starts. Juniors Lee Grimes and Michael Shumard need to have solid seasons or the talented backfield will have a tough time getting past the line of scrimmage. McGee will be a more effective quarterback if the line gives him time to go through his progressions.

Sherman said it's not important what one or two linemen do, but rather what the group accomplishes. Ideally, A&M needs to find eight quality players, which might be a problem.

At least one of seven freshmen will see significant playing time. If additional freshmen have to play because of injuries or upperclassmen failing to produce that could be hazardous to A&M's won-loss record.

Wide receivers C- (C-)

Junior Howard Morrow and freshman Jeff Fuller emerged as the starters from a unit short on experience and deep in journeymen. Morrow missed last season with an injury, but he had only 13 catches in his first two seasons. Senior Pierre Brown had 19 catches for 217 yards last season but no touchdowns. The other experienced receivers -- Cody Beyer, Chris Caflisch, Roger Holland, Terrence McCoy and E.J. Shankle --combined for 10 catches for 116 yards, and Holland had almost half of that (5-47) and he'll miss the season recovering from a concussion. A&M has even less experience at tight end. Junior Jamie McCoy is the starter. He was recruited as a quarterback, moved to wide receiver, then emerged in spring as the top tight end. Redshirt freshmen Harold Turnage and Frank Avery are behind McCoy. Freshman K.J. Williams has the physical tools (6-3, 233), while Johnson started seeing action at tight end when he couldn't displace McGee. It might be far-fetched to think Johnson could be the starting tight end, but Tannehill (6-4, 204) and Fuller (6-4, 209) might develop into the team's best wide receivers sooner than later. Their size and speed could stretch the defense. Senior squadman Drew Williamson has the hands to be valuable.

Defensive line C+ (C+)

The Aggies are two-deep, but what they need are front-row playmakers. Senior Michael Bennett had a strong fall camp and is the leader. Amos Gbunblee, Cyril Obizor, Lucas Patterson, junior college transfer Matt Moss and a slimmed down Kellen Heard have potential, but each needs to be more consistent if the Aggies want to keep attacking.

Linebackers D (B-)

A switch to the 4-3 puts a premium on linebackers, where A&M graduated both starters from a 5-2.

Sophomore Von Miller and redshirt freshman Garrick Williams have the speed to flank head-hunting Matt Featherston. Senior Johnathan Haynes and junior Derek Dumas are in the mix, even though neither have played in a game. Junior middle linebacker Anthony Lewis has some experience, but like the group, he will have to hone his skills on the job, a tough task against spread offenses which thrive on confusing inexperienced players.

Secondary C+ (C)

This is the only position with four seniors, but that doesn't lead to a warm, fuzzy feeling after A&M's pass defense faltered in losses to Miami, Texas Tech, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Those teams were 120-of-161 passing for 1,516 yards with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Moving Jordan Peterson to free safety and Jordan Pugh to cornerback should help. It sure can't hurt.

Alton Dixon, Devin Gregg and Johnathan Batson give A&M depth and experience at safety, but the key will be cornerback where Danny Gorrer returns from a season-ending knee injury suffered at Texas Tech. He joins Pugh and Arkeith Brown to give A&M three experienced corners. A&M is high on freshmen Terrence Frederick and Trent Hunter, but the key will be does A&M have to play them out of necessity or because they're so good?

Special teams D (C+)

Justin Brantly has been a punting machine for three years. The concern is at place-kicker where Richie Bean is battling walk-on freshman Randy Bullock. Neither was able to win the job in fall camp, which is not a good sign. A&M would be happy if either could hit 90 percent from inside the 40-yard-line, which is what Layne Neumann did two years ago.

A&M will try to be stronger in the return game, using Peterson and Pugh at punt returner. A&M averaged 5.4 yards on 24 punt returns last year, which is unacceptable. Gray and Brown should be able to keep A&M in the Top 20 in kickoff returns.

Coaching A- (B+)

It's kinda fitting that A&M athletic director Bill Byrne met Sherman in a Holiday Inn hours after parting ways with Dennis Franchione.

"The best surprise is no surprise" is one of the hotel's slogans, and that's what Byrne was looking for after the public relations nightmare created from Franchione's newsletter.

Sherman is a straight forward guy, raised in the collegiate game. His resume, though, was honed in the NFL, especially on the offensive side.

He's put together an experienced staff of teachers. He got lucky in losing defensive coordinator Reggie Herring to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing him to bring in Joe Kines, who seems a perfect fit.

Nolan Cromwell as offensive coordinator and Tom Rossley at quarterbacks coach create a perfect mesh in play-calling.

Last year, fans wondered if Franchione or offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. was calling the plays. This year, Sherman's fingerprints will be on every call, but Cromwell and Rossley will have plenty of input.

It works, which best describes Sherman's style.

. [if "[zPreviewLayout]" equals "AggieSportsColumnistzcontent"]

(In parenthesis is last year's preseason grade)

Quarterbacks A- (B+)

Stephen McGee is primed for a big finish. He'll show he can operate a pass-oriented attack. His running ability won't vanish, but instead of zone reads, it will be bootlegs and designed scrambles. The new offense will save McGee's body from the beating of 327 carries the last two years. Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill are good enough that A&M wouldn't lose much if either has to play. Even freshman Tommy Dorman looked good in A&M's last fall scrimmage.

Running backs A (B)

Mike Goodson needs to stay healthy and make the most of each run, because Bradley Stephens and Cyrus Gray had great fall camps. Goodson looks better than ever, but he did miss a week with a leg injury. Keondra Smith and walk-on Colton Haverda run hard, making tailback the team's deepest position in terms of talent. Fullback could be just as deep if Jorvorskie Lane embraces the move from tailback. A neck stinger kept him out of the last half of fall camp and he still looks closer to 285 pounds than the 260-something that head coach Mike Sherman wants him to play at. Senior Nick LaMantia has proven he's more than just the leader of the 12th Man Kickoff Team with his work at fullback. Walk-ons Anthony Vela and Ryan O'Bryant will be good enough to back up Lane and LaMantia, allowing freshman Kyle Mangan to redshirt, unless he's needed in special teams.

Offensive line D (A)

Young, inexperienced and lacking in numbers aren't a winning pick three combination.

Senior tackle Travis Schneider is the only lineman with more than six career starts. Juniors Lee Grimes and Michael Shumard need to have solid seasons or the talented backfield will have a tough time getting past the line of scrimmage. McGee will be a more effective quarterback if the line gives him time to go through his progressions.

Sherman said it's not important what one or two linemen do, but rather what the group accomplishes. Ideally, A&M needs to find eight quality players, which might be a problem.

At least one of seven freshmen will see significant playing time. If additional freshmen have to play because of injuries or upperclassmen failing to produce that could be hazardous to A&M's won-loss record.

Wide receivers C- (C-)

Junior Howard Morrow and freshman Jeff Fuller emerged as the starters from a unit short on experience and deep in journeymen. Morrow missed last season with an injury, but he had only 13 catches in his first two seasons. Senior Pierre Brown had 19 catches for 217 yards last season but no touchdowns. The other experienced receivers -- Cody Beyer, Chris Caflisch, Roger Holland, Terrence McCoy and E.J. Shankle --combined for 10 catches for 116 yards, and Holland had almost half of that (5-47) and he'll miss the season recovering from a concussion. A&M has even less experience at tight end. Junior Jamie McCoy is the starter. He was recruited as a quarterback, moved to wide receiver, then emerged in spring as the top tight end. Redshirt freshmen Harold Turnage and Frank Avery are behind McCoy. Freshman K.J. Williams has the physical tools (6-3, 233), while Johnson started seeing action at tight end when he couldn't displace McGee. It might be far-fetched to think Johnson could be the starting tight end, but Tannehill (6-4, 204) and Fuller (6-4, 209) might develop into the team's best wide receivers sooner than later. Their size and speed could stretch the defense. Senior squadman Drew Williamson has the hands to be valuable.

Defensive line C+ (C+)

The Aggies are two-deep, but what they need are front-row playmakers. Senior Michael Bennett had a strong fall camp and is the leader. Amos Gbunblee, Cyril Obizor, Lucas Patterson, junior college transfer Matt Moss and a slimmed down Kellen Heard have potential, but each needs to be more consistent if the Aggies want to keep attacking.

Linebackers D (B-)

A switch to the 4-3 puts a premium on linebackers, where A&M graduated both starters from a 5-2.

Sophomore Von Miller and redshirt freshman Garrick Williams have the speed to flank head-hunting Matt Featherston. Senior Johnathan Haynes and junior Derek Dumas are in the mix, even though neither have played in a game. Junior middle linebacker Anthony Lewis has some experience, but like the group, he will have to hone his skills on the job, a tough task against spread offenses which thrive on confusing inexperienced players.

Secondary C+ (C)

This is the only position with four seniors, but that doesn't lead to a warm, fuzzy feeling after A&M's pass defense faltered in losses to Miami, Texas Tech, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Those teams were 120-of-161 passing for 1,516 yards with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Moving Jordan Peterson to free safety and Jordan Pugh to cornerback should help. It sure can't hurt.

Alton Dixon, Devin Gregg and Johnathan Batson give A&M depth and experience at safety, but the key will be cornerback where Danny Gorrer returns from a season-ending knee injury suffered at Texas Tech. He joins Pugh and Arkeith Brown to give A&M three experienced corners. A&M is high on freshmen Terrence Frederick and Trent Hunter, but the key will be does A&M have to play them out of necessity or because they're so good?

Special teams D (C+)

Justin Brantly has been a punting machine for three years. The concern is at place-kicker where Richie Bean is battling walk-on freshman Randy Bullock. Neither was able to win the job in fall camp, which is not a good sign. A&M would be happy if either could hit 90 percent from inside the 40-yard-line, which is what Layne Neumann did two years ago.

A&M will try to be stronger in the return game, using Peterson and Pugh at punt returner. A&M averaged 5.4 yards on 24 punt returns last year, which is unacceptable. Gray and Brown should be able to keep A&M in the Top 20 in kickoff returns.

Coaching A- (B+)

It's kinda fitting that A&M athletic director Bill Byrne met Sherman in a Holiday Inn hours after parting ways with Dennis Franchione.

"The best surprise is no surprise" is one of the hotel's slogans, and that's what Byrne was looking for after the public relations nightmare created from Franchione's newsletter.

Sherman is a straight forward guy, raised in the collegiate game. His resume, though, was honed in the NFL, especially on the offensive side.

He's put together an experienced staff of teachers. He got lucky in losing defensive coordinator Reggie Herring to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing him to bring in Joe Kines, who seems a perfect fit.

Nolan Cromwell as offensive coordinator and Tom Rossley at quarterbacks coach create a perfect mesh in play-calling.

Last year, fans wondered if Franchione or offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. was calling the plays. This year, Sherman's fingerprints will be on every call, but Cromwell and Rossley will have plenty of input.

It works, which best describes Sherman's style.

. [if "[zPreviewLayout]" equals "AggieSportsNozcontent"]

(In parenthesis is last year's preseason grade)

Quarterbacks A- (B+)

Stephen McGee is primed for a big finish. He'll show he can operate a pass-oriented attack. His running ability won't vanish, but instead of zone reads, it will be bootlegs and designed scrambles. The new offense will save McGee's body from the beating of 327 carries the last two years. Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill are good enough that A&M wouldn't lose much if either has to play. Even freshman Tommy Dorman looked good in A&M's last fall scrimmage.

Running backs A (B)

Mike Goodson needs to stay healthy and make the most of each run, because Bradley Stephens and Cyrus Gray had great fall camps. Goodson looks better than ever, but he did miss a week with a leg injury. Keondra Smith and walk-on Colton Haverda run hard, making tailback the team's deepest position in terms of talent. Fullback could be just as deep if Jorvorskie Lane embraces the move from tailback. A neck stinger kept him out of the last half of fall camp and he still looks closer to 285 pounds than the 260-something that head coach Mike Sherman wants him to play at. Senior Nick LaMantia has proven he's more than just the leader of the 12th Man Kickoff Team with his work at fullback. Walk-ons Anthony Vela and Ryan O'Bryant will be good enough to back up Lane and LaMantia, allowing freshman Kyle Mangan to redshirt, unless he's needed in special teams.

Offensive line D (A)

Young, inexperienced and lacking in numbers aren't a winning pick three combination.

Senior tackle Travis Schneider is the only lineman with more than six career starts. Juniors Lee Grimes and Michael Shumard need to have solid seasons or the talented backfield will have a tough time getting past the line of scrimmage. McGee will be a more effective quarterback if the line gives him time to go through his progressions.

Sherman said it's not important what one or two linemen do, but rather what the group accomplishes. Ideally, A&M needs to find eight quality players, which might be a problem.

At least one of seven freshmen will see significant playing time. If additional freshmen have to play because of injuries or upperclassmen failing to produce that could be hazardous to A&M's won-loss record.

Wide receivers C- (C-)

Junior Howard Morrow and freshman Jeff Fuller emerged as the starters from a unit short on experience and deep in journeymen. Morrow missed last season with an injury, but he had only 13 catches in his first two seasons. Senior Pierre Brown had 19 catches for 217 yards last season but no touchdowns. The other experienced receivers -- Cody Beyer, Chris Caflisch, Roger Holland, Terrence McCoy and E.J. Shankle --combined for 10 catches for 116 yards, and Holland had almost half of that (5-47) and he'll miss the season recovering from a concussion. A&M has even less experience at tight end. Junior Jamie McCoy is the starter. He was recruited as a quarterback, moved to wide receiver, then emerged in spring as the top tight end. Redshirt freshmen Harold Turnage and Frank Avery are behind McCoy. Freshman K.J. Williams has the physical tools (6-3, 233), while Johnson started seeing action at tight end when he couldn't displace McGee. It might be far-fetched to think Johnson could be the starting tight end, but Tannehill (6-4, 204) and Fuller (6-4, 209) might develop into the team's best wide receivers sooner than later. Their size and speed could stretch the defense. Senior squadman Drew Williamson has the hands to be valuable.

Defensive line C+ (C+)

The Aggies are two-deep, but what they need are front-row playmakers. Senior Michael Bennett had a strong fall camp and is the leader. Amos Gbunblee, Cyril Obizor, Lucas Patterson, junior college transfer Matt Moss and a slimmed down Kellen Heard have potential, but each needs to be more consistent if the Aggies want to keep attacking.

Linebackers D (B-)

A switch to the 4-3 puts a premium on linebackers, where A&M graduated both starters from a 5-2.

Sophomore Von Miller and redshirt freshman Garrick Williams have the speed to flank head-hunting Matt Featherston. Senior Johnathan Haynes and junior Derek Dumas are in the mix, even though neither have played in a game. Junior middle linebacker Anthony Lewis has some experience, but like the group, he will have to hone his skills on the job, a tough task against spread offenses which thrive on confusing inexperienced players.

Secondary C+ (C)

This is the only position with four seniors, but that doesn't lead to a warm, fuzzy feeling after A&M's pass defense faltered in losses to Miami, Texas Tech, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Those teams were 120-of-161 passing for 1,516 yards with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Moving Jordan Peterson to free safety and Jordan Pugh to cornerback should help. It sure can't hurt.

Alton Dixon, Devin Gregg and Johnathan Batson give A&M depth and experience at safety, but the key will be cornerback where Danny Gorrer returns from a season-ending knee injury suffered at Texas Tech. He joins Pugh and Arkeith Brown to give A&M three experienced corners. A&M is high on freshmen Terrence Frederick and Trent Hunter, but the key will be does A&M have to play them out of necessity or because they're so good?

Special teams D (C+)

Justin Brantly has been a punting machine for three years. The concern is at place-kicker where Richie Bean is battling walk-on freshman Randy Bullock. Neither was able to win the job in fall camp, which is not a good sign. A&M would be happy if either could hit 90 percent from inside the 40-yard-line, which is what Layne Neumann did two years ago.

A&M will try to be stronger in the return game, using Peterson and Pugh at punt returner. A&M averaged 5.4 yards on 24 punt returns last year, which is unacceptable. Gray and Brown should be able to keep A&M in the Top 20 in kickoff returns.

Coaching A- (B+)

It's kinda fitting that A&M athletic director Bill Byrne met Sherman in a Holiday Inn hours after parting ways with Dennis Franchione.

"The best surprise is no surprise" is one of the hotel's slogans, and that's what Byrne was looking for after the public relations nightmare created from Franchione's newsletter.

Sherman is a straight forward guy, raised in the collegiate game. His resume, though, was honed in the NFL, especially on the offensive side.

He's put together an experienced staff of teachers. He got lucky in losing defensive coordinator Reggie Herring to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing him to bring in Joe Kines, who seems a perfect fit.

Nolan Cromwell as offensive coordinator and Tom Rossley at quarterbacks coach create a perfect mesh in play-calling.

Last year, fans wondered if Franchione or offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. was calling the plays. This year, Sherman's fingerprints will be on every call, but Cromwell and Rossley will have plenty of input.

It works, which best describes Sherman's style.

. [if "[zPreviewLayout]" equals "AggieSportsSpecialzcontent"]

(In parenthesis is last year's preseason grade)

Quarterbacks A- (B+)

Stephen McGee is primed for a big finish. He'll show he can operate a pass-oriented attack. His running ability won't vanish, but instead of zone reads, it will be bootlegs and designed scrambles. The new offense will save McGee's body from the beating of 327 carries the last two years. Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill are good enough that A&M wouldn't lose much if either has to play. Even freshman Tommy Dorman looked good in A&M's last fall scrimmage.

Running backs A (B)

Mike Goodson needs to stay healthy and make the most of each run, because Bradley Stephens and Cyrus Gray had great fall camps. Goodson looks better than ever, but he did miss a week with a leg injury. Keondra Smith and walk-on Colton Haverda run hard, making tailback the team's deepest position in terms of talent. Fullback could be just as deep if Jorvorskie Lane embraces the move from tailback. A neck stinger kept him out of the last half of fall camp and he still looks closer to 285 pounds than the 260-something that head coach Mike Sherman wants him to play at. Senior Nick LaMantia has proven he's more than just the leader of the 12th Man Kickoff Team with his work at fullback. Walk-ons Anthony Vela and Ryan O'Bryant will be good enough to back up Lane and LaMantia, allowing freshman Kyle Mangan to redshirt, unless he's needed in special teams.

Offensive line D (A)

Young, inexperienced and lacking in numbers aren't a winning pick three combination.

Senior tackle Travis Schneider is the only lineman with more than six career starts. Juniors Lee Grimes and Michael Shumard need to have solid seasons or the talented backfield will have a tough time getting past the line of scrimmage. McGee will be a more effective quarterback if the line gives him time to go through his progressions.

Sherman said it's not important what one or two linemen do, but rather what the group accomplishes. Ideally, A&M needs to find eight quality players, which might be a problem.

At least one of seven freshmen will see significant playing time. If additional freshmen have to play because of injuries or upperclassmen failing to produce that could be hazardous to A&M's won-loss record.

Wide receivers C- (C-)

Junior Howard Morrow and freshman Jeff Fuller emerged as the starters from a unit short on experience and deep in journeymen. Morrow missed last season with an injury, but he had only 13 catches in his first two seasons. Senior Pierre Brown had 19 catches for 217 yards last season but no touchdowns. The other experienced receivers -- Cody Beyer, Chris Caflisch, Roger Holland, Terrence McCoy and E.J. Shankle --combined for 10 catches for 116 yards, and Holland had almost half of that (5-47) and he'll miss the season recovering from a concussion. A&M has even less experience at tight end. Junior Jamie McCoy is the starter. He was recruited as a quarterback, moved to wide receiver, then emerged in spring as the top tight end. Redshirt freshmen Harold Turnage and Frank Avery are behind McCoy. Freshman K.J. Williams has the physical tools (6-3, 233), while Johnson started seeing action at tight end when he couldn't displace McGee. It might be far-fetched to think Johnson could be the starting tight end, but Tannehill (6-4, 204) and Fuller (6-4, 209) might develop into the team's best wide receivers sooner than later. Their size and speed could stretch the defense. Senior squadman Drew Williamson has the hands to be valuable.

Defensive line C+ (C+)

The Aggies are two-deep, but what they need are front-row playmakers. Senior Michael Bennett had a strong fall camp and is the leader. Amos Gbunblee, Cyril Obizor, Lucas Patterson, junior college transfer Matt Moss and a slimmed down Kellen Heard have potential, but each needs to be more consistent if the Aggies want to keep attacking.

Linebackers D (B-)

A switch to the 4-3 puts a premium on linebackers, where A&M graduated both starters from a 5-2.

Sophomore Von Miller and redshirt freshman Garrick Williams have the speed to flank head-hunting Matt Featherston. Senior Johnathan Haynes and junior Derek Dumas are in the mix, even though neither have played in a game. Junior middle linebacker Anthony Lewis has some experience, but like the group, he will have to hone his skills on the job, a tough task against spread offenses which thrive on confusing inexperienced players.

Secondary C+ (C)

This is the only position with four seniors, but that doesn't lead to a warm, fuzzy feeling after A&M's pass defense faltered in losses to Miami, Texas Tech, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Those teams were 120-of-161 passing for 1,516 yards with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Moving Jordan Peterson to free safety and Jordan Pugh to cornerback should help. It sure can't hurt.

Alton Dixon, Devin Gregg and Johnathan Batson give A&M depth and experience at safety, but the key will be cornerback where Danny Gorrer returns from a season-ending knee injury suffered at Texas Tech. He joins Pugh and Arkeith Brown to give A&M three experienced corners. A&M is high on freshmen Terrence Frederick and Trent Hunter, but the key will be does A&M have to play them out of necessity or because they're so good?

Special teams D (C+)

Justin Brantly has been a punting machine for three years. The concern is at place-kicker where Richie Bean is battling walk-on freshman Randy Bullock. Neither was able to win the job in fall camp, which is not a good sign. A&M would be happy if either could hit 90 percent from inside the 40-yard-line, which is what Layne Neumann did two years ago.

A&M will try to be stronger in the return game, using Peterson and Pugh at punt returner. A&M averaged 5.4 yards on 24 punt returns last year, which is unacceptable. Gray and Brown should be able to keep A&M in the Top 20 in kickoff returns.

Coaching A- (B+)

It's kinda fitting that A&M athletic director Bill Byrne met Sherman in a Holiday Inn hours after parting ways with Dennis Franchione.

"The best surprise is no surprise" is one of the hotel's slogans, and that's what Byrne was looking for after the public relations nightmare created from Franchione's newsletter.

Sherman is a straight forward guy, raised in the collegiate game. His resume, though, was honed in the NFL, especially on the offensive side.

He's put together an experienced staff of teachers. He got lucky in losing defensive coordinator Reggie Herring to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing him to bring in Joe Kines, who seems a perfect fit.

Nolan Cromwell as offensive coordinator and Tom Rossley at quarterbacks coach create a perfect mesh in play-calling.

Last year, fans wondered if Franchione or offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. was calling the plays. This year, Sherman's fingerprints will be on every call, but Cromwell and Rossley will have plenty of input.

It works, which best describes Sherman's style.

. [if "[zPreviewLayout]" equals "AggieSportsStaffReportzcontent"]

(In parenthesis is last year's preseason grade)

Quarterbacks A- (B+)

Stephen McGee is primed for a big finish. He'll show he can operate a pass-oriented attack. His running ability won't vanish, but instead of zone reads, it will be bootlegs and designed scrambles. The new offense will save McGee's body from the beating of 327 carries the last two years. Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill are good enough that A&M wouldn't lose much if either has to play. Even freshman Tommy Dorman looked good in A&M's last fall scrimmage.

Running backs A (B)

Mike Goodson needs to stay healthy and make the most of each run, because Bradley Stephens and Cyrus Gray had great fall camps. Goodson looks better than ever, but he did miss a week with a leg injury. Keondra Smith and walk-on Colton Haverda run hard, making tailback the team's deepest position in terms of talent. Fullback could be just as deep if Jorvorskie Lane embraces the move from tailback. A neck stinger kept him out of the last half of fall camp and he still looks closer to 285 pounds than the 260-something that head coach Mike Sherman wants him to play at. Senior Nick LaMantia has proven he's more than just the leader of the 12th Man Kickoff Team with his work at fullback. Walk-ons Anthony Vela and Ryan O'Bryant will be good enough to back up Lane and LaMantia, allowing freshman Kyle Mangan to redshirt, unless he's needed in special teams.

Offensive line D (A)

Young, inexperienced and lacking in numbers aren't a winning pick three combination.

Senior tackle Travis Schneider is the only lineman with more than six career starts. Juniors Lee Grimes and Michael Shumard need to have solid seasons or the talented backfield will have a tough time getting past the line of scrimmage. McGee will be a more effective quarterback if the line gives him time to go through his progressions.

Sherman said it's not important what one or two linemen do, but rather what the group accomplishes. Ideally, A&M needs to find eight quality players, which might be a problem.

At least one of seven freshmen will see significant playing time. If additional freshmen have to play because of injuries or upperclassmen failing to produce that could be hazardous to A&M's won-loss record.

Wide receivers C- (C-)

Junior Howard Morrow and freshman Jeff Fuller emerged as the starters from a unit short on experience and deep in journeymen. Morrow missed last season with an injury, but he had only 13 catches in his first two seasons. Senior Pierre Brown had 19 catches for 217 yards last season but no touchdowns. The other experienced receivers -- Cody Beyer, Chris Caflisch, Roger Holland, Terrence McCoy and E.J. Shankle --combined for 10 catches for 116 yards, and Holland had almost half of that (5-47) and he'll miss the season recovering from a concussion. A&M has even less experience at tight end. Junior Jamie McCoy is the starter. He was recruited as a quarterback, moved to wide receiver, then emerged in spring as the top tight end. Redshirt freshmen Harold Turnage and Frank Avery are behind McCoy. Freshman K.J. Williams has the physical tools (6-3, 233), while Johnson started seeing action at tight end when he couldn't displace McGee. It might be far-fetched to think Johnson could be the starting tight end, but Tannehill (6-4, 204) and Fuller (6-4, 209) might develop into the team's best wide receivers sooner than later. Their size and speed could stretch the defense. Senior squadman Drew Williamson has the hands to be valuable.

Defensive line C+ (C+)

The Aggies are two-deep, but what they need are front-row playmakers. Senior Michael Bennett had a strong fall camp and is the leader. Amos Gbunblee, Cyril Obizor, Lucas Patterson, junior college transfer Matt Moss and a slimmed down Kellen Heard have potential, but each needs to be more consistent if the Aggies want to keep attacking.

Linebackers D (B-)

A switch to the 4-3 puts a premium on linebackers, where A&M graduated both starters from a 5-2.

Sophomore Von Miller and redshirt freshman Garrick Williams have the speed to flank head-hunting Matt Featherston. Senior Johnathan Haynes and junior Derek Dumas are in the mix, even though neither have played in a game. Junior middle linebacker Anthony Lewis has some experience, but like the group, he will have to hone his skills on the job, a tough task against spread offenses which thrive on confusing inexperienced players.

Secondary C+ (C)

This is the only position with four seniors, but that doesn't lead to a warm, fuzzy feeling after A&M's pass defense faltered in losses to Miami, Texas Tech, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Those teams were 120-of-161 passing for 1,516 yards with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Moving Jordan Peterson to free safety and Jordan Pugh to cornerback should help. It sure can't hurt.

Alton Dixon, Devin Gregg and Johnathan Batson give A&M depth and experience at safety, but the key will be cornerback where Danny Gorrer returns from a season-ending knee injury suffered at Texas Tech. He joins Pugh and Arkeith Brown to give A&M three experienced corners. A&M is high on freshmen Terrence Frederick and Trent Hunter, but the key will be does A&M have to play them out of necessity or because they're so good?

Special teams D (C+)

Justin Brantly has been a punting machine for three years. The concern is at place-kicker where Richie Bean is battling walk-on freshman Randy Bullock. Neither was able to win the job in fall camp, which is not a good sign. A&M would be happy if either could hit 90 percent from inside the 40-yard-line, which is what Layne Neumann did two years ago.

A&M will try to be stronger in the return game, using Peterson and Pugh at punt returner. A&M averaged 5.4 yards on 24 punt returns last year, which is unacceptable. Gray and Brown should be able to keep A&M in the Top 20 in kickoff returns.

Coaching A- (B+)

It's kinda fitting that A&M athletic director Bill Byrne met Sherman in a Holiday Inn hours after parting ways with Dennis Franchione.

"The best surprise is no surprise" is one of the hotel's slogans, and that's what Byrne was looking for after the public relations nightmare created from Franchione's newsletter.

Sherman is a straight forward guy, raised in the collegiate game. His resume, though, was honed in the NFL, especially on the offensive side.

He's put together an experienced staff of teachers. He got lucky in losing defensive coordinator Reggie Herring to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing him to bring in Joe Kines, who seems a perfect fit.

Nolan Cromwell as offensive coordinator and Tom Rossley at quarterbacks coach create a perfect mesh in play-calling.

Last year, fans wondered if Franchione or offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. was calling the plays. This year, Sherman's fingerprints will be on every call, but Cromwell and Rossley will have plenty of input.

It works, which best describes Sherman's style.

. [if "[zPreviewLayout]" equals "AggieSportsWireReportzcontent"]

(In parenthesis is last year's preseason grade)

Quarterbacks A- (B+)

Stephen McGee is primed for a big finish. He'll show he can operate a pass-oriented attack. His running ability won't vanish, but instead of zone reads, it will be bootlegs and designed scrambles. The new offense will save McGee's body from the beating of 327 carries the last two years. Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill are good enough that A&M wouldn't lose much if either has to play. Even freshman Tommy Dorman looked good in A&M's last fall scrimmage.

Running backs A (B)

Mike Goodson needs to stay healthy and make the most of each run, because Bradley Stephens and Cyrus Gray had great fall camps. Goodson looks better than ever, but he did miss a week with a leg injury. Keondra Smith and walk-on Colton Haverda run hard, making tailback the team's deepest position in terms of talent. Fullback could be just as deep if Jorvorskie Lane embraces the move from tailback. A neck stinger kept him out of the last half of fall camp and he still looks closer to 285 pounds than the 260-something that head coach Mike Sherman wants him to play at. Senior Nick LaMantia has proven he's more than just the leader of the 12th Man Kickoff Team with his work at fullback. Walk-ons Anthony Vela and Ryan O'Bryant will be good enough to back up Lane and LaMantia, allowing freshman Kyle Mangan to redshirt, unless he's needed in special teams.

Offensive line D (A)

Young, inexperienced and lacking in numbers aren't a winning pick three combination.

Senior tackle Travis Schneider is the only lineman with more than six career starts. Juniors Lee Grimes and Michael Shumard need to have solid seasons or the talented backfield will have a tough time getting past the line of scrimmage. McGee will be a more effective quarterback if the line gives him time to go through his progressions.

Sherman said it's not important what one or two linemen do, but rather what the group accomplishes. Ideally, A&M needs to find eight quality players, which might be a problem.

At least one of seven freshmen will see significant playing time. If additional freshmen have to play because of injuries or upperclassmen failing to produce that could be hazardous to A&M's won-loss record.

Wide receivers C- (C-)

Junior Howard Morrow and freshman Jeff Fuller emerged as the starters from a unit short on experience and deep in journeymen. Morrow missed last season with an injury, but he had only 13 catches in his first two seasons. Senior Pierre Brown had 19 catches for 217 yards last season but no touchdowns. The other experienced receivers -- Cody Beyer, Chris Caflisch, Roger Holland, Terrence McCoy and E.J. Shankle --combined for 10 catches for 116 yards, and Holland had almost half of that (5-47) and he'll miss the season recovering from a concussion. A&M has even less experience at tight end. Junior Jamie McCoy is the starter. He was recruited as a quarterback, moved to wide receiver, then emerged in spring as the top tight end. Redshirt freshmen Harold Turnage and Frank Avery are behind McCoy. Freshman K.J. Williams has the physical tools (6-3, 233), while Johnson started seeing action at tight end when he couldn't displace McGee. It might be far-fetched to think Johnson could be the starting tight end, but Tannehill (6-4, 204) and Fuller (6-4, 209) might develop into the team's best wide receivers sooner than later. Their size and speed could stretch the defense. Senior squadman Drew Williamson has the hands to be valuable.

Defensive line C+ (C+)

The Aggies are two-deep, but what they need are front-row playmakers. Senior Michael Bennett had a strong fall camp and is the leader. Amos Gbunblee, Cyril Obizor, Lucas Patterson, junior college transfer Matt Moss and a slimmed down Kellen Heard have potential, but each needs to be more consistent if the Aggies want to keep attacking.

Linebackers D (B-)

A switch to the 4-3 puts a premium on linebackers, where A&M graduated both starters from a 5-2.

Sophomore Von Miller and redshirt freshman Garrick Williams have the speed to flank head-hunting Matt Featherston. Senior Johnathan Haynes and junior Derek Dumas are in the mix, even though neither have played in a game. Junior middle linebacker Anthony Lewis has some experience, but like the group, he will have to hone his skills on the job, a tough task against spread offenses which thrive on confusing inexperienced players.

Secondary C+ (C)

This is the only position with four seniors, but that doesn't lead to a warm, fuzzy feeling after A&M's pass defense faltered in losses to Miami, Texas Tech, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Those teams were 120-of-161 passing for 1,516 yards with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Moving Jordan Peterson to free safety and Jordan Pugh to cornerback should help. It sure can't hurt.

Alton Dixon, Devin Gregg and Johnathan Batson give A&M depth and experience at safety, but the key will be cornerback where Danny Gorrer returns from a season-ending knee injury suffered at Texas Tech. He joins Pugh and Arkeith Brown to give A&M three experienced corners. A&M is high on freshmen Terrence Frederick and Trent Hunter, but the key will be does A&M have to play them out of necessity or because they're so good?

Special teams D (C+)

Justin Brantly has been a punting machine for three years. The concern is at place-kicker where Richie Bean is battling walk-on freshman Randy Bullock. Neither was able to win the job in fall camp, which is not a good sign. A&M would be happy if either could hit 90 percent from inside the 40-yard-line, which is what Layne Neumann did two years ago.

A&M will try to be stronger in the return game, using Peterson and Pugh at punt returner. A&M averaged 5.4 yards on 24 punt returns last year, which is unacceptable. Gray and Brown should be able to keep A&M in the Top 20 in kickoff returns.

Coaching A- (B+)

It's kinda fitting that A&M athletic director Bill Byrne met Sherman in a Holiday Inn hours after parting ways with Dennis Franchione.

"The best surprise is no surprise" is one of the hotel's slogans, and that's what Byrne was looking for after the public relations nightmare created from Franchione's newsletter.

Sherman is a straight forward guy, raised in the collegiate game. His resume, though, was honed in the NFL, especially on the offensive side.

He's put together an experienced staff of teachers. He got lucky in losing defensive coordinator Reggie Herring to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing him to bring in Joe Kines, who seems a perfect fit.

Nolan Cromwell as offensive coordinator and Tom Rossley at quarterbacks coach create a perfect mesh in play-calling.

Last year, fans wondered if Franchione or offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. was calling the plays. This year, Sherman's fingerprints will be on every call, but Cromwell and Rossley will have plenty of input.

It works, which best describes Sherman's style.

. [if "[zPreviewLayout]" equals "AggieSportsWriterzcontent"]

(In parenthesis is last year's preseason grade)

Quarterbacks A- (B+)

Stephen McGee is primed for a big finish. He'll show he can operate a pass-oriented attack. His running ability won't vanish, but instead of zone reads, it will be bootlegs and designed scrambles. The new offense will save McGee's body from the beating of 327 carries the last two years. Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill are good enough that A&M wouldn't lose much if either has to play. Even freshman Tommy Dorman looked good in A&M's last fall scrimmage.

Running backs A (B)

Mike Goodson needs to stay healthy and make the most of each run, because Bradley Stephens and Cyrus Gray had great fall camps. Goodson looks better than ever, but he did miss a week with a leg injury. Keondra Smith and walk-on Colton Haverda run hard, making tailback the team's deepest position in terms of talent. Fullback could be just as deep if Jorvorskie Lane embraces the move from tailback. A neck stinger kept him out of the last half of fall camp and he still looks closer to 285 pounds than the 260-something that head coach Mike Sherman wants him to play at. Senior Nick LaMantia has proven he's more than just the leader of the 12th Man Kickoff Team with his work at fullback. Walk-ons Anthony Vela and Ryan O'Bryant will be good enough to back up Lane and LaMantia, allowing freshman Kyle Mangan to redshirt, unless he's needed in special teams.

Offensive line D (A)

Young, inexperienced and lacking in numbers aren't a winning pick three combination.

Senior tackle Travis Schneider is the only lineman with more than six career starts. Juniors Lee Grimes and Michael Shumard need to have solid seasons or the talented backfield will have a tough time getting past the line of scrimmage. McGee will be a more effective quarterback if the line gives him time to go through his progressions.

Sherman said it's not important what one or two linemen do, but rather what the group accomplishes. Ideally, A&M needs to find eight quality players, which might be a problem.

At least one of seven freshmen will see significant playing time. If additional freshmen have to play because of injuries or upperclassmen failing to produce that could be hazardous to A&M's won-loss record.

Wide receivers C- (C-)

Junior Howard Morrow and freshman Jeff Fuller emerged as the starters from a unit short on experience and deep in journeymen. Morrow missed last season with an injury, but he had only 13 catches in his first two seasons. Senior Pierre Brown had 19 catches for 217 yards last season but no touchdowns. The other experienced receivers -- Cody Beyer, Chris Caflisch, Roger Holland, Terrence McCoy and E.J. Shankle --combined for 10 catches for 116 yards, and Holland had almost half of that (5-47) and he'll miss the season recovering from a concussion. A&M has even less experience at tight end. Junior Jamie McCoy is the starter. He was recruited as a quarterback, moved to wide receiver, then emerged in spring as the top tight end. Redshirt freshmen Harold Turnage and Frank Avery are behind McCoy. Freshman K.J. Williams has the physical tools (6-3, 233), while Johnson started seeing action at tight end when he couldn't displace McGee. It might be far-fetched to think Johnson could be the starting tight end, but Tannehill (6-4, 204) and Fuller (6-4, 209) might develop into the team's best wide receivers sooner than later. Their size and speed could stretch the defense. Senior squadman Drew Williamson has the hands to be valuable.

Defensive line C+ (C+)

The Aggies are two-deep, but what they need are front-row playmakers. Senior Michael Bennett had a strong fall camp and is the leader. Amos Gbunblee, Cyril Obizor, Lucas Patterson, junior college transfer Matt Moss and a slimmed down Kellen Heard have potential, but each needs to be more consistent if the Aggies want to keep attacking.

Linebackers D (B-)

A switch to the 4-3 puts a premium on linebackers, where A&M graduated both starters from a 5-2.

Sophomore Von Miller and redshirt freshman Garrick Williams have the speed to flank head-hunting Matt Featherston. Senior Johnathan Haynes and junior Derek Dumas are in the mix, even though neither have played in a game. Junior middle linebacker Anthony Lewis has some experience, but like the group, he will have to hone his skills on the job, a tough task against spread offenses which thrive on confusing inexperienced players.

Secondary C+ (C)

This is the only position with four seniors, but that doesn't lead to a warm, fuzzy feeling after A&M's pass defense faltered in losses to Miami, Texas Tech, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Those teams were 120-of-161 passing for 1,516 yards with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Moving Jordan Peterson to free safety and Jordan Pugh to cornerback should help. It sure can't hurt.

Alton Dixon, Devin Gregg and Johnathan Batson give A&M depth and experience at safety, but the key will be cornerback where Danny Gorrer returns from a season-ending knee injury suffered at Texas Tech. He joins Pugh and Arkeith Brown to give A&M three experienced corners. A&M is high on freshmen Terrence Frederick and Trent Hunter, but the key will be does A&M have to play them out of necessity or because they're so good?

Special teams D (C+)

Justin Brantly has been a punting machine for three years. The concern is at place-kicker where Richie Bean is battling walk-on freshman Randy Bullock. Neither was able to win the job in fall camp, which is not a good sign. A&M would be happy if either could hit 90 percent from inside the 40-yard-line, which is what Layne Neumann did two years ago.

A&M will try to be stronger in the return game, using Peterson and Pugh at punt returner. A&M averaged 5.4 yards on 24 punt returns last year, which is unacceptable. Gray and Brown should be able to keep A&M in the Top 20 in kickoff returns.

Coaching A- (B+)

It's kinda fitting that A&M athletic director Bill Byrne met Sherman in a Holiday Inn hours after parting ways with Dennis Franchione.

"The best surprise is no surprise" is one of the hotel's slogans, and that's what Byrne was looking for after the public relations nightmare created from Franchione's newsletter.

Sherman is a straight forward guy, raised in the collegiate game. His resume, though, was honed in the NFL, especially on the offensive side.

He's put together an experienced staff of teachers. He got lucky in losing defensive coordinator Reggie Herring to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing him to bring in Joe Kines, who seems a perfect fit.

Nolan Cromwell as offensive coordinator and Tom Rossley at quarterbacks coach create a perfect mesh in play-calling.

Last year, fans wondered if Franchione or offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. was calling the plays. This year, Sherman's fingerprints will be on every call, but Cromwell and Rossley will have plenty of input.

It works, which best describes Sherman's style.

. [if "[zPreviewLayout]" equals "ASEmail"]

(In parenthesis is last year's preseason grade)

Quarterbacks A- (B+)

Stephen McGee is primed for a big finish. He'll show he can operate a pass-oriented attack. His running ability won't vanish, but instead of zone reads, it will be bootlegs and designed scrambles. The new offense will save McGee's body from the beating of 327 carries the last two years. Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill are good enough that A&M wouldn't lose much if either has to play. Even freshman Tommy Dorman looked good in A&M's last fall scrimmage.

Running backs A (B)

Mike Goodson needs to stay healthy and make the most of each run, because Bradley Stephens and Cyrus Gray had great fall camps. Goodson looks better than ever, but he did miss a week with a leg injury. Keondra Smith and walk-on Colton Haverda run hard, making tailback the team's deepest position in terms of talent. Fullback could be just as deep if Jorvorskie Lane embraces the move from tailback. A neck stinger kept him out of the last half of fall camp and he still looks closer to 285 pounds than the 260-something that head coach Mike Sherman wants him to play at. Senior Nick LaMantia has proven he's more than just the leader of the 12th Man Kickoff Team with his work at fullback. Walk-ons Anthony Vela and Ryan O'Bryant will be good enough to back up Lane and LaMantia, allowing freshman Kyle Mangan to redshirt, unless he's needed in special teams.

Offensive line D (A)

Young, inexperienced and lacking in numbers aren't a winning pick three combination.

Senior tackle Travis Schneider is the only lineman with more than six career starts. Juniors Lee Grimes and Michael Shumard need to have solid seasons or the talented backfield will have a tough time getting past the line of scrimmage. McGee will be a more effective quarterback if the line gives him time to go through his progressions.

Sherman said it's not important what one or two linemen do, but rather what the group accomplishes. Ideally, A&M needs to find eight quality players, which might be a problem.

At least one of seven freshmen will see significant playing time. If additional freshmen have to play because of injuries or upperclassmen failing to produce that could be hazardous to A&M's won-loss record.

Wide receivers C- (C-)

Junior Howard Morrow and freshman Jeff Fuller emerged as the starters from a unit short on experience and deep in journeymen. Morrow missed last season with an injury, but he had only 13 catches in his first two seasons. Senior Pierre Brown had 19 catches for 217 yards last season but no touchdowns. The other experienced receivers -- Cody Beyer, Chris Caflisch, Roger Holland, Terrence McCoy and E.J. Shankle --combined for 10 catches for 116 yards, and Holland had almost half of that (5-47) and he'll miss the season recovering from a concussion. A&M has even less experience at tight end. Junior Jamie McCoy is the starter. He was recruited as a quarterback, moved to wide receiver, then emerged in spring as the top tight end. Redshirt freshmen Harold Turnage and Frank Avery are behind McCoy. Freshman K.J. Williams has the physical tools (6-3, 233), while Johnson started seeing action at tight end when he couldn't displace McGee. It might be far-fetched to think Johnson could be the starting tight end, but Tannehill (6-4, 204) and Fuller (6-4, 209) might develop into the team's best wide receivers sooner than later. Their size and speed could stretch the defense. Senior squadman Drew Williamson has the hands to be valuable.

Defensive line C+ (C+)

The Aggies are two-deep, but what they need are front-row playmakers. Senior Michael Bennett had a strong fall camp and is the leader. Amos Gbunblee, Cyril Obizor, Lucas Patterson, junior college transfer Matt Moss and a slimmed down Kellen Heard have potential, but each needs to be more consistent if the Aggies want to keep attacking.

Linebackers D (B-)

A switch to the 4-3 puts a premium on linebackers, where A&M graduated both starters from a 5-2.

Sophomore Von Miller and redshirt freshman Garrick Williams have the speed to flank head-hunting Matt Featherston. Senior Johnathan Haynes and junior Derek Dumas are in the mix, even though neither have played in a game. Junior middle linebacker Anthony Lewis has some experience, but like the group, he will have to hone his skills on the job, a tough task against spread offenses which thrive on confusing inexperienced players.

Secondary C+ (C)

This is the only position with four seniors, but that doesn't lead to a warm, fuzzy feeling after A&M's pass defense faltered in losses to Miami, Texas Tech, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Those teams were 120-of-161 passing for 1,516 yards with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Moving Jordan Peterson to free safety and Jordan Pugh to cornerback should help. It sure can't hurt.

Alton Dixon, Devin Gregg and Johnathan Batson give A&M depth and experience at safety, but the key will be cornerback where Danny Gorrer returns from a season-ending knee injury suffered at Texas Tech. He joins Pugh and Arkeith Brown to give A&M three experienced corners. A&M is high on freshmen Terrence Frederick and Trent Hunter, but the key will be does A&M have to play them out of necessity or because they're so good?

Special teams D (C+)

Justin Brantly has been a punting machine for three years. The concern is at place-kicker where Richie Bean is battling walk-on freshman Randy Bullock. Neither was able to win the job in fall camp, which is not a good sign. A&M would be happy if either could hit 90 percent from inside the 40-yard-line, which is what Layne Neumann did two years ago.

A&M will try to be stronger in the return game, using Peterson and Pugh at punt returner. A&M averaged 5.4 yards on 24 punt returns last year, which is unacceptable. Gray and Brown should be able to keep A&M in the Top 20 in kickoff returns.

Coaching A- (B+)

It's kinda fitting that A&M athletic director Bill Byrne met Sherman in a Holiday Inn hours after parting ways with Dennis Franchione.

"The best surprise is no surprise" is one of the hotel's slogans, and that's what Byrne was looking for after the public relations nightmare created from Franchione's newsletter.

Sherman is a straight forward guy, raised in the collegiate game. His resume, though, was honed in the NFL, especially on the offensive side.

He's put together an experienced staff of teachers. He got lucky in losing defensive coordinator Reggie Herring to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing him to bring in Joe Kines, who seems a perfect fit.

Nolan Cromwell as offensive coordinator and Tom Rossley at quarterbacks coach create a perfect mesh in play-calling.

Last year, fans wondered if Franchione or offensive coordinator Les Koenning Jr. was calling the plays. This year, Sherman's fingerprints will be on every call, but Cromwell and Rossley will have plenty of input.

It works, which best describes Sherman's style.

.

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12 comment(s) found!

Posted by: Realist On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: 4th in the South
Solid and fair grading. Special teams include punt coverage, kickoffs, etc. If you graded a ranked team like Tech, OU, Texas and compared to A&M you would have to "curve" the Aggies and the best they would do is a "C+" in QB. 6-6 only if we beat all the creampuffs.

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Posted by: Geoff Ketchum On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: Special Teams a D.... seriously??
1) Brantley is ranked as the #2 punter on NFL draftboards at the moment. 2) We just signed the #4 place kicker in the nation, Bullock, who is competing against a FIFTH-year senior for the starting job. I'd say that's impressive that he's able to compete, and a GOOD sign for the Aggie kicking game. 3) Gray and Brown should have us in the Top 20 in kick returns and will be exciting to watch. I'm thinking Special Teams should be re-assessed and probably ranked in the "B" range.

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Posted by: John On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: Special Teams
You give special teams a D and state we should be top 20 in KO returns. We have one of the nations best punters and competition at kicker. I'm leaning towards at least a B. What are you thinking?

---

Posted by: Dude On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: Give him a break
Fran was coming off a 9 win season and a win over Texas.

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Posted by: On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: Literacy....
"Someone who has actually watched the Texas Aggies" below should have spent more time learning to read, instead of just watching.... Same for the other buffoon who can't figure out the ratings....

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Posted by: Head scratcher On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: When would Fran have been a b+
@CrazyHorse - At what point prior to the beginning of last year would you have considered Fran and co to have scored a b+? I understand that these are preseason rankings. And Fran didn't suddenly become a horrible coach in his 5th year at A&M. Most think that happened somewhere between Alabama and Texas 5+ years ago. If Cessna really thought going into last year Fran and Co were a b+ then he must have been grading against the youth football league down the road.

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Posted by: bo farr On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: spiderjohn
i think offensive line, secondary, and defensive line will suprise. i think you will see what motivation, team spirit, and great coaching can overcome

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Posted by: TxAg74 On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: People need to read correctly before commenting
The grades in () are grades given a year ago before the season, not after the season. Sheeesh.

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Posted by: CrazyHorse On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: Read the article folks..
Cessna says that the grade in the parenthesis is PRE-SEASON not final season grades. He was rating Fran at a B+ before all the crap hit the fan. He seems dead on with this year's grades, hopefully the O-Line can play better than a "D".

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Posted by: Someone that has actually WATCHED the Texas Aggies On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: LMAO
Uh, last year's LB play was one of the worst of any in the country. B-??? Coaching last year??? F- would be too high a grade.

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Posted by: notimpressedwithyoursocalled journalism On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: Hmmm..
I guess you just pulled this straight out of your astroturf.

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Posted by: Head scratcher On: 8/28/2008

Comment Title: You lost me on the coaches grades
So the delta between last year's coaches and this years coaches is a third of a grade? So you are saying that the two groups of coaches are almost comparable. Would love to see a side by side comparison of each member of each staff and see how you grade the two groups.

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