By ROBERT CESSNAThe Texas A&M football team had a sluggish practice Wednesday. Heck, even Jeff Fuller dropped a pass. It was only his second in three practices, but he wasn't bragging, just complaining.
"I'm not quite where I want to be," Fuller said. "I'm shooting to be one of the best receivers in the Big 12, if not the nation. I just feel there's room for improvement."
Head coach Mike Sherman feels the same way, which was why he immediately told Fuller he's got to make that catch.
Sherman expects Fuller to build on last year's record-setting season of 50 catches for 630 yards. He had 24 first-down catches and an Aggie freshman-record nine touchdowns. Fuller teamed up with Ryan Tannehill for a solid 1-2 receiving combination, a bright spot in a 4-8 season.
Both players have higher expectations this fall. Tannehill is competing at quarterback, where he was recruited, but Fuller is sticking to wide receiver. That's good news for the Aggies and bad news for Big 12 defensive backs.
"Jeff Fuller has just scratched the surface as a receiver in this conference," Sherman said. "There's a lot of great receivers in this conference and in this division. There's so many things he can do so much better, and he will be so much better. He's taken this off-season as a mission to be the very best. Whether he's there this year or next year or the year after, I don't know, but he's on a mission to be as good as he can be. And I envision him to make a lot of progress."
Fuller was Sherman's first big-name recruit after he replaced Dennis Franchione at the end of the 2007 season. Sherman's first recruiting call was to the son of former Aggie great defensive back Jeff Fuller Sr. (1980-83). The younger Fuller, who had pledged to Oklahoma, made a recruiting visit and was sold on Sherman's family approach and pro-style offense.
He graduated from McKinney Boyd High School in December of 2007. Fuller struggled through spring drills, but after a strong summer blossomed into a freshman All-American by College Football News.
Fuller spent the summer working on improving his first three steps, looking for better explosion off the line, which will put his 6-foot-4, 215-pound body in the best position against the defensive back.
He also spent extra time fine tuning his moves with starting quarterback Jerrod Johnson.
"During our breaks [from spending the summer in College Station], he'd come over and stay at the house," Fuller said. "We'd chill and go to my high school, run a few routes and go over a few plays. [Even] two days before two-a-days we were out in the indoor [facility] working on routes. Every break we got, we still found time to work a little bit."
Fuller said he's never had this good of a relationship with any quarterback at any level, which should pay dividends this fall. Right now though, Fuller is working to eliminate weaknesses.
"There will be days I will be great in 7 on 7, great on team, [but] my blocking needs improvement," said Fuller. "Then there will be days when my blocking will be great, and then there will be days when I'll drop only one pass, but that's unacceptable to me."
Fuller is blessed with an extra coach in his father, who played six years for the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, two of which were on Super Bowl teams. The elder Fuller stresses that his son should stay low and use his body, including a stiff arm, against smaller defenders.
His father's words are being passed along as the younger Fuller is one of the leaders on A&M's offense. Highly touted Uzoma Nwachukwu, Brandal Jackson, Ryan Swope and Kenric McNeal are among six incoming freshmen receivers watching Fuller's every move.
"You just gotta set a good example to guys like Kenric and Easy [Nwachukwu], and Swope," Fuller said. "I take them under my wing and I expect a lot out of them and they expect a lot out of me.
"And really, it just makes everyone a lot better."
AGGIE NOTEBOOK
The skinny on Practice No. 4: A&M practiced for about two and half hours in shorts, shoulder pads and helmets Thursday morning at the Coolidge practice fields. It was by far the hottest day to practice, but the Aggies rebounded well from a poor Wednesday workout.
"I thought we had a good day today," A&M head coach Mike Sherman said. "I thought on both sides of the ball and special teams, we took a step forward today, so I was pleased."
*
Aggie Drill: A&M started and ended practice with the popular Aggie Drill. The final two one-on-one battles were in the middle of the players and weren't visible to onlookers. "It was good competition," said Sherman. "It was good enthusiasm."
*
Rewarded: Several freshman wide receivers who had good days catching the ball Tuesday and Wednesday with the second- and third-stringers took snaps with the first unit on Thursday.
"I thought they did a nice job," said Sherman, referring to Brandal Jackson, Kenric McNeal and Uzoma Nwachukwu. "Each one of them has made plays that would warrant us wanting to take a look at them. They all catch the ball, which is nice."
*
Rating the quarterbacks: Starter Jerrod Johnson didn't play well enough Wednesday for Sherman, while sophomore Ryan Tannehill earned snaps Thursday with the first-teamers after spending much of the last two practices with the freshman-laden third-stringers.
"I thought they both did well today," Sherman said. "I thought Jerrod played better and made some good decisions and had one mistake on an interception, but overall he did better. I thought Tannehill competed very well."
*
Competition at cornerback: sophomore Terrence Frederick and senior Justin McQueen, who have been typically working with the first unit at cornerback, are responding to competition. "I couldn't say anybody is ahead of anybody else when I look at that group," Sherman said. "I do think Terrence has made some nice plays on the ball going against Fuller. He's knocked some balls down a couple of times, and was able to go up and win. As well as McQueen, who has been very consistent."
*
No gassers: A&M didn't run practice-ending sprints. [It] was a combination of things," Sherman said. "I just kinda have a feel during practice right or wrong, if we are moving around at the speed that I think we should, then we really don't need extra conditioning. I think we're in very good shape from the running we did this summer, particularly in the offseason and spring. We ran every day in the spring. Running in this heat, I think these guys are in pretty good shape overall. I don't think we need to [run sprints] if in fact we have a good practice."
*
Observers: UT-San Antonio, which has added football, had assistant coaches David Ross and Eric Roark watching practice along with Roadrunners senior woman administrator Liz Dalton. ... A Houston Texans scout spent a lot of time watching the offensive linemen, which includes seniors Kevin Matthews, Michael Shumard and Lee Grimes. ... Onlookers also included A&M soccer coach G. Guerrieri and radio play-by-play man Dave South.
*
Looking sharp: A&M's players dressed in coats and ties for the media guide. "I think they look sharp and they represent our great university," Sherman said. "I think it's imperative for them that they look a certain way, [and] they act a certain way. They play football a certain way, they graduate, and all that stuff."
Sherman said it goes back to what the program expects from each: a first-class citizen. "If you want them to be that, they gotta look like it as well," he said.
Sherman said it's all about developing the right attitude for everything you want to accomplish. Sherman waits daily to see who is the last player out for practice. "The last guy out of the locker room usually doesn't have the best practice," he said.
*
Swiping a few passes: Jordan Peterson intercepted a swing pass and Frederick picked off another Johnson pass thrown about 30 yards. Sophomore linebacker Garrick Williams had the day's most athletic interception over the middle.
*
Injury update: Sophomore defensive tackle Eddie Brown (fever, chest congestion) returned after missing two days. ... Sophomore running back Cyrus Gray, who tweaked his hamstring Wednesday, didn't practice. "He wanted to go today, but I held him back," Sherman said. Gray, who has had a good start in fall camp, had a slight hamstring problem during the summer and Sherman doesn't want to risk aggravating it, so Gray probably will miss Friday's practice as well. ... Fuller also tweaked his hamstring during practice and missed the last team scrimmage.
*
Et cetera: Wide receiver Terrence McCoy had a steady day with several catches. "He needs to have days like he had today, every day," said Sherman, who added that consistency has been the knock on the junior. .... Sherman rated the daily battle between defensive end/linebacker Von Miller and offensive tackle Lucas Patterson a draw. Miller is a load when he turns it on, but Sherman said Patterson, the converted defensive linemen, has gotten better each day. ... The team checked into an on-campus dorm Thursday through next week. ... Sophomore place-kicker Randy Bullock hit two of three field goals from 42 yards and both from 25 yards.
A&M FOOTBALL
* Thursday: Practice No. 4 in shorts, helmets and shoulder pads for about two and a half hours on the Coolidge practice fields.
* Tentative upcoming practice sessions: 8:25 a.m. Friday (full pads for the first time); 8:25 a.m. and 4 p.m. (inside) Saturday; 10:30 a.m. Sunday (Kyle Field); 8:25 a.m. and 4 p.m. (inside) Monday.
* Practice info: A&M students, faculty and staff will be admitted by showing their ID. Students and former students can also enter by showing their Aggie ring. Cell phones, cameras and recording devices are not permitted. No fans will be allowed at practices in the McFerrin Center.
* Blogs: Robert Cessna on Aggie football at aggiesports.com (on open practices, team competition).
* Season opener: Sept. 5 vs. New Mexico
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Posted by: Pablo On: 8/18/2009
Comment Title: I guess an NFL Draft will tell us won't it troll Sooner?
Did you catch the All-American thing or did you read it like they teach you up there at Norman?? Dufus..
Posted by: Sooner On: 8/16/2009
Comment Title:
Fuller would be a back up in Austin, Lubbock or Norman...but a stud in SI's 1-7 Big 12 aggies.
Posted by: Pablo On: 8/15/2009
Comment Title: Henderson going to Baylor expected
Boy you get around Miller, what's up with the golf game? Anyhow, I had read that Henderson had been leaning to Bayor for quite some time. I wonder how Houston's Jim Jeffcoat feels about that one? You think he told Jeffcoat to "shove" it also? You're reaching baby..
Posted by: miller58 On: 8/15/2009
Comment Title: SINCE 2007 SHERMAN'S RECRUITING HAS BEEN TERRIBLE AND CONTINUS AS MIKE LOST OFFER #23 IN THE LAST 19 WEEKS TO BIG 12 SOUTH BAYLOR!
My personal opinions:_____Our 3-4 defense(?) took another of many recent hits, when future DT/DE Dominique Henderson 6-3 260 4.75 told Sherman to shove his offer, and instead chose to play for Art Briles._____That leaves A&M with only 6 defensive ifference makers in the 76 players Sherman has committed in his four classes?______miller58
Posted by: Pablo On: 8/15/2009
Comment Title: I really like WR Fuller's attitude
That's what I'm talking about.. that is a leader! I hope his attitude rubs off on the rest of the team, it would be hard not to follow a leader like that!
Posted by: Pablo On: 8/15/2009
Comment Title: "worse" is relative
Assuming there is some logic to Miller's Madden-like numbers, it would be interesting to see how a program like TCU or Houston compares? Even Baylor?? That we are running a distant third to OU and UT should not be a surprise given the recent lack of winning on the football field. Let's be honest, once A&M "wakes up" all bets are off. We have the 12th Man and unless you have been there in the good ol'days, you have no idea how powerful the fan base at Texas A&M can become. That is what excites me about the current state of Texas A&M Football. - Gig 'em!
Posted by: miller58 On: 8/15/2009
Comment Title: SHERMAN'S POOR COACHING AND EVEN WORSE RECRUITING?
My personal opinions:_____Mike Sherman has recruited only 43% of the speed, athleticism and size as Mac Brown?_____Mike Sherman has recruited only 63% of the speed, athleticism and size as Bob Stoops?_____Big 12 South Difference maker recruiting updated is:_____ (1) tu 16_____(2) ou 11_____(3) A&M 7_____miller58
Posted by: Texas A&M No. 7 in the Nation! On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: Texas A&M No. 7 in the Nation!
Aggies have the No.7 recruiting class in the nation! Well done Sherman!
Posted by: Halley's Comet On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: Miller has always been a longhorn fan - who's surprised?
Miller, you have said it before, you are a longhorn fan. Good for you as they have done well. However, all good things come to an end.....remember Notre Dame? Texas A&M owning your horns for over a decade? Hope you stay around for another 12 months but good luck this year to your horns, hope they beat Tech too.
Posted by: miller58 On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HOME TO THE ONLY STATE UNIVERSITY AND ATHLETICS?
My personal opinion:____Mack Brown and the Horns (alma mater) are headed in the right direction while Mike Sherman and the ags are moving backwards?____When will A&M catch up with Texas and start recruiting difference makers on par with UT and OU?____Only 43% the coach and only 0.06% the wins of a real coach (Mack Brown)?____miller58
Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: Miller58 is Schitzophrenic
John, perhaps you should stick to the Oregon Ducks and stay out of the Big XII... My opinions: ____Sherman is going to get it done at Texas AM, he is bringing in elite talent____2009 had one 5-star, four 4-star players, and 6 high-3-stars (5.7 rating on rivals)____2010 already has seven 4-star players and 6 high-3-stars (5.7 rating on rivals)____This year the Ags will make a bowl game going 7-6 (with a bowl win) or better____In 2010 and 2011, the Aggies will be pushing for the ocnference championship as all these elite younger players turn into juniors and seniors____Texas AM did poorly in year one of Mike Sherman, true, but with a new team-focus, better athletes, faster players, and more depth at each position, look for the Aggies to improve drastically in 2009____miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: SINCE 2007, MIKE SHERMAN HAS CONTINUED TO LOSE OFFERS TO RECRUITS AT AN ALARMING RATE< LOSING 22 OFFERS IN JUST THE LAST 19 WEEKS?
My personal opinions:____The loss of Rivals 250 OLB 4* Shaun Lewis 6-1 205 4.5 was especially devastating, because another defensive difference maker went to play for a big south competitor, Mike Gundy and okie lite!_____With 76 commits in four classes now, Sherman only has 9 more players to go to be full up to the 85 man ncaa limit up to 2013?_____As these classes stand now, Mike has only 6 defensive 4*/5* difference makers total in all four classes after the loss of Lewis, and to play defense with only these 6 in 2012 would be blow out loss city?_____Mikes complete four classes may be viewed for free at rivals.com A&M commit pages for '08,'09,'10 and '11. _____Page 2 identifies the coach committing the recruit if you have questions on that?!_____miller58
Posted by: condoaggie On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: A&M class attracts attention
From Jamie Newberg - Recruiting Analyst - Rivals Are you surprised at the success that Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman and his staff have had in recruiting this cycle? Does this recruiting success change your opinion about Sherman's chances to be successful in College Station? -- Jack in Dallas ----- Corey Nelson is just one of the in-state stars the Aggies have been able to snag. While many may be surprised at this A&M recruiting class, I am not. Quite honestly, this is how the Aggies always should recruit. Why? Because there is just way too much talent in Texas. Sure, most of the bigger-name players - at least of late - typically sign with Texas. Then you have teams such as Oklahoma and LSU that always sign some big-name talent from Texas. And it seems as if every team in the nation - from Florida to USC to Georgia to Michigan to Ohio State - likes to cherry-pick in the state. Texas produces around 400 FBS recruits each season, so there is plenty to go around. So even though the competition is fierce, A&M should be able to hold its own in-state. The Aggies have done that this recruiting season. They have beaten some top-notch programs for offensive linemen Jake Matthews of Missouri City Elkins and Luke Joeckel of Arlington High and linebacker Corey Nelson of Dallas Skyline. A&M also has commitments from running back Ben Malena of Cedar Hill (Texas) High, athlete Jarrett Fobbs of Shreveport (La.) Huntington, offensive lineman Cedric Ogbuehi of Allen (Texas) High, defensive tackle Ivan Robinson of Longville (La.) South Beauregard and wide receiver Nate Askew of San Antonio James Madison, among others. All told, Sherman and his staff have 20 commitments and find themselves with the No. 3 recruiting class in the Big 12 and No. 7 overall.
Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: Re: Miller58 is a fraud
This is Miller58's comments to an article published in the Denver Post regarding TAMU Football's prospects for this year. Enlightening. John, perhaps you should stick to the Oregon Ducks and stay out of the Big XII... My opinions: ____Sherman is going to get it done at Texas AM, he is bringing in elite talent____2009 had one 5-star, four 4-star players, and 6 high-3-stars (5.7 rating on rivals)____2010 already has seven 4-star players and 6 high-3-stars (5.7 rating on rivals)____This year the Ags will make a bowl game going 7-6 (with a bowl win) or better____In 2010 and 2011, the Aggies will be pushing for the ocnference championship as all these elite younger players turn into juniors and seniors____Texas AM did poorly in year one of Mike Sherman, true, but with a new team-focus, better athletes, faster players, and more depth at each position, look for the Aggies to improve drastically in 2009____miller58 miller m Joined: Aug 14 Points: 0 Permanent link to this commentmiller m (aka ) | 7:37 AM on Friday Aug 14 (must be logged in to vote) Report Abuse
Posted by: On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: dee68
miller is a nutcas & should be ignored - I figure he tried the Corp & we ran him off (thus the hate). He believes Fran had us on track to challenge for a MNC. He states Coach Sherman has recruited poorly & his 4TH CLASS is a failure. He twists statictics to suit his bias - then he cuts & paste time & time & time again. Most of us only want to help A&M succeed - miller wants to tear EVERYTHING about A&M down. If you don't agree, he labels you, & I quote, "STUPID". Miller has been banned everywhere else & should be ignore. He's a nutcase, that's why others refer to nurses & meds miller is a nut & should be ignored - I figure he tried the Corp & we ran him off (thus the hate). He believes Fran had us on track to challenge for a MNC. He states Coach Sherman has recruited poorly & his 4TH CLASS is a failure. He twists statictics to suit his bias - then he cuts & paste time & time & time again. Most of us only want to help A&M succeed - miller wants to tear EVERYTHING about A&M down. If you don't agree, he labels you, & I quote, "stupid". Miller has been banned everywhere else & should be ignore. He's a nutcase, that's why others refer to nurses & meds
Posted by: On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: miller58 is talking out of both sides of his mouth
In one post you say 'If A&M doesn't win 10 or more games, it will be Sherman's poor coaching and even worse recruiting!_____If Sherman can coach up to Jeff Fuller's and the rest of the team's talent level, A&M will easily win 10 or more games?_____The 2-deep O-Line is the best we have had in the last five years, and will have in the next five years, so we better ge it done this year' In the next post - you say 'Sherman had recruited terribly, is not competitive and there is no hope for the future?_____Sherman losing offers to 22 recruits in the last 19 weeks, and after three recruiting class complete failures, we must not be stupid any longer!_____miller58 What's it going to be ??????
Posted by: Stone of Refuge On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: Ags Improvement
I am a die hard aggie, I can tell you this, I love my fav color which is maroon. I can say this, win or loose, I am with the Aggies all the way. I believe and hope for the best. I dislike the UT players because of their sportmanship and getting into trouble with the law and asking mackie brown to bail them out. I would embrace A&M no matter what. Have a small bonfire without the tragedy will fire the aggies up imho. I am hoping aggs will bust everyone including the canes this year. I am hoping the E1 wins all their games
Posted by: On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: re: Two no-shows
One is a clearinghouse issue; doubtful that he'll make it in. The JUCO player is having issues with his on-line class credit and SHOULD make it in.
Posted by: Halley's Comet On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: A&M No. 7 in nation at www.rivals.com
A&M is No. 7 in the nation at www.rivals.com. Someone must be doing something right. Gig'em Aggies!
Posted by: miller58 On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: RE: two no shows
My personal opinions:_____I don't know!_____If this turns into an A&M coaching major screw up, expect the AGGIE SPIN MACHINE to slow play information on it!_____What were the last A&M rankings for the offense and the defense?_____I wantto keep up with the improvement or regression?_____Thanks____miller58
Posted by: On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: Two no-shows
What is the latest on the two waiting for the NCAA clearinghouse
Posted by: muller58 On: 8/14/2009
Comment Title: FULLER SHOULD HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR THE TEAM!
My personal opinions:_____A&M SHOULD EASILY WIN 10 OR MORE GAMES!_____A&M has signed more player talent than 10 of the teams we play._____Remember Kansas surprising everyone going undefeated most of the season, and then someone pointed out that the highest ranked team they had played was ranked #39?_____Well, 9 of the teams A&M plays aren't ranked higher than #31 down to #116?_____If A&M doesn't win 10 or more games, it will be Sherman's poor coaching and even worse recruiting!_____If Sherman can coach up to Jeff Fuller's and the rest of the team's talent level, A&M will easily win 10 or more games?_____The 2-deep O-Line is the best we have had in the last five years, and will have in the next five years, so we better ge it done this year!_____I expect us to go 4-8?_____miller58