By ROBERT CESSNATexas A&M is all about the 12th Man. Together, Aggies believe they can accomplish anything or beat anyone. Divided, they will be gobbled up by Longhorns and Sooners and other Big 12 rivals.
A&M first-year head football coach Mike Sherman re-emphasized the idea of togetherness to his players Friday afternoon.
Right at 5 p.m., a few players got into a scuffle. It appeared that senior defensive end Michael Bennett was taking on the offensive line as players went flying. Sophomore offensive tackle Michael Shumard lost his helmet. Players from the sidelines moved to join in the fray, but Sherman defused it.
It was the day's second scrap. Sophomore defensive end Von Miller and Shumard had locked up earlier.
"We don't need that bull crap," Sherman scowled at Miller and Shumard.
Apparently, not enough players heard him.
But the Aggies got the message loud and clear after the second run-in. The guests watching practice got it, too.
As the Aggie players ran 50-yard sprints up and down the field, Sherman told them that intrasquad fights wouldn't be tolerated.
"We've got soft players," he said. "If you want to be average, then transfer."
He kept talking as the players ran. They were panting but understanding.
"The man plays no games," sophomore linebacker Billy Chavis said.
Added junior running back Mike Goodson: "This has got to stop."
They were making Sherman's point.
"To me, it's a lack of discipline to fight with your teammates," Sherman said. "It's not offense vs. defense. Everybody is your teammate, so you don't hit on your teammates."
Sherman has been around the game long enough to know tempers flare and scuffles happen, but Friday's second confrontation had an ugly look.
"It's unacceptable," Sherman said. "It won't happen again."
Sherman won't waste time with players trying to prove how macho they are after the whistle. There's plenty of opportunities in games to show your mettle, which is where A&M has been failing on a regular basis for some time.
When the players were finished running, Sherman talked to them at the far end of the practice field, away from the invited guests and media.
"I like what I'm seeing," said one fan. "I know who is running this program."
So did about 105 winded players as they walked off the practice field.
THE SKINNY: A&M's 10th practice in full pads lasted about 2 1/2 hours.
Head coach Mike Sherman said much was accomplished even though they had to cancel the last few periods for disciplinary reasons.
"I thought our defense played well," he said. "They moved around and did some good things."
A&M will practice Saturday.
REMEMBERING WELL: Sherman has been pleased with the players' retention, because so much has been thrown at them.
Next week's practices leading up to the Maroon & White Game on April 19 will be different, because the coaches won't add material.
"Today was really the last day of addition," Sherman said. "Next week will be a review of everything we've put in."
GOOD COMPETITION: Sherman said competition is the best thing for everybody, and that's the case at quarterback with senior Stephen McGee and sophomore Jerrod Johnson looking good.
Sherman said someone asked him if he had a quarterback controversy. He said it was far from that, just good competition.
"They are competing their butts off," Sherman said. "Both quarterbacks are going to benefit from competing against the other one."
Sherman said whoever wins out, the other one will be "awful dang close."
McGee has the experience edge, but Johnson has done some nice things, Sherman said. "We'll just let it play out."
FACES IN THE CROWD: Former players in attendance included Melvin Bullitt, Boone Stutz and Ty Warren.
Former A&M defensive coordinator Melvin Robertson took in practice along with son Greg. Robertson enjoyed watching animated defensive coordinator Joe Kines. Robertson was pretty emotional when he coached the Aggies from 1972-78. His 1975 team was first in the nation in total defense. Robertson wore a white polo shirt that had monogrammed on it "Mad Dog Coach," which was his nickname.
High school football coaches at practice included Spring Westfield's Corby Meekins and Wylie's Hugh Sandifer.
Dayton High quarterback Cody Green (6-foot-5, 205 pounds) attended practice on an unofficial visit.
ET CETERA: A&M's defense blitzed for 12 straight plays during one period. The defense won the first six plays, then the offense adjusted. "We've been bringing pressure the entire camp," Sherman said. ... Junior defensive end Paul Freeney has the ability to play linebacker and could see action there, Sherman said. ... Junior tight end Jamie McCoy has had a solid camp. Sherman said the converted quarterback has benefited from playing under center. "He has a good wiggle," Sherman said. "He's not fast fast, but he's fluid and athletic." Sherman also has been impressed with McCoy's ability to catch the football, which he showed several times Friday. ... Senior fullback Jorvorskie Lane (neck, head) and sophomore receiver Roger Holland (head) were held out of drills.
• Robert Cessna's e-mail address is robert.cessna@theeagle.com.
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