By ROBERT CESSNATexas A&M's D.G. seniors -- Devin Gregg and Danny Gorrer -- are the most experienced players in secondary. Yet it's the J.P. juniors -- Jordan Pugh and Jordan Peterson -- who might have the biggest say in how much better the unit will be.
Cornerback Pugh and safety Peterson have switched positions. Pugh started all 13 games last season at the whip position, which was a hybrid position combining linebacker and safety in A&M's 4-2-5 alignment. Peterson started the first two games at cornerback last year, seeing action in nine more.
The two have been all smiles at fall camp because of the prospects their new positions offer.
"It's been fun, it's been a great switch for me and Peterson," Pugh said. "He loves it at safety, I love it at corner."
The 5-foot-10, 184-pound Peterson said he certainly feels at home at safety, and he's not the only one.
"I think [Pugh] feels comfortable, and he looks good out there, so I think it's been pretty smooth transitions."
The two are settling into their roles under veteran defensive coordinator Joe Kines, who was brought in by first-year coach Mike Sherman to revamp a unit that allowed 415.8 yards per game last season, which was 83rd in the country. Only Oklahoma State (101st), Baylor (110th) and Nebraska (112th) were worse in the Big 12 Conference.
"[Kines is] fiery, full of energy," Pugh said. "That's what you love to be part of. He creates energy for you on the field. It's just fun to play for him."
Kines' defenses have been known for being aggressive, which Pugh and Peterson endorse.
"You love to be the person attacking," Pugh said. "You can see that the speed is the overall change in the defense, because we are flyin' around. We look faster as a defense."
The 5-11, 191-pound Pugh and Peterson have the speed to make Kines' attack work, and it's not like the players are making dramatic switches. Pugh played cornerback at Plano West High School and Peterson played safety and quarterback at Lexington High School.
They were moved by the previous coaching staff because they were talented enough to fill needs. Peterson was recruited as an inside receiver and cornerback, where he made nine starts as a redshirt freshman. He also returned punts last season. When Pugh arrived the Aggies were thin at safety. Jaxson Appel had graduated and Melvin Bullitt was a senior.
"I just wanted to get on the field, that was my biggest concern," Pugh said. "Whatever coaches need, that's what I'll play, anything to help the team."
What A&M's secondary needs is consistency.
The Aggies allowed 254.9 yards pass per game last year, which was 92nd in the nation. It was huge drop from 2006 when the Aggies improved from 117th to 44th (190.5 ypg).
A&M allowed 22 touchdown passes, which was one more than in 2005 when A&M had the nation's worst pass defense. The Aggies managed only eight interceptions last year from a unit that was built on preventing the big play by former defensive coordinator Gary Darnell. Kines' units historically look to make big plays.
"We have a lot of confidence in our front seven blitzing," Peterson said. "I think it makes it better for everybody. It puts pressure on the quarterback and makes him make quick decisions. That's good for the corners and safeties."
A&M has the experience to make indecisive quarterbacks pay. Pugh and Peterson each have started 13 games. They are among five defensive backs with at least 11 starts as the group has a combined 91 starts.
"I see unity between all of us," Pugh said. "When you say [who are our] leaders, I think it's the whole group, because we all take it upon ourselves to improve. We all challenge each other. So when you say individual leaders, I don't think we have that. I think it's a unit taking all the responsibility on itself."
So far, Sherman likes what he sees of the players at their new positions.
"I think Jordan Pugh and Jordan Peterson have assumed their roles pretty well," said Sherman, who made the move before spring drills. "They are doing a good job. "They [just] need a lot more reps to get caught up in their position and see everything. There is so much they have to see. [But] they are both instinctive football players so I don't anticipate any problems."
NOTES -- Pugh led the defensive tackles last year with 90 tackles. ... Pugh will be the nickel back when A&M uses a five defensive backs. ... The thing Pugh loves most about cornerback is the one-on-one battles with receivers. "You know the receiver takes it the same way, too," Pugh said. "But the competition is what you love the most, and that's what I love about corner. Because if he wins, you're not going to let him win again." Pugh said in high school he allowed only one touchdown pass as a junior and none as a senior. ... Peterson saw some practice time late last season at safety.
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