By ROBERT CESSNAThe skinny: Practice 4 -- A&M worked out for 65 minutes in helmets and shorts in the morning inside, then 90 minutes in full pads in the afternoon outside.
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Mixed day: Head coach Mike Sherman was pleased with the morning, but the afternoon was at times sloppy. Several players had to leave early in the afternoon for a study group, including sophomore running back Cyrus Gray, which didn't help the flow. "It was a little raggedy here in the afternoon," Sherman said. "I had to bite my lip a few times."
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Tough catch: Junior wide receiver Kenny Brown had one of the day's best catches, making a diving grab on about a 45-yard pass in the morning during 7-on-7 action. He slightly separated his left shoulder on the play, but he won't need surgery, just rest and ice. Sherman is hopeful Brown will return before the end of drills on April 24. "You don't want to tell him he's not supposed to dive for balls without pads on," Sherman said. "It's hard to do, because it's just an instinctive thing."
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Next up: A&M will work out at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday. Practice is open to current A&M students, former students (wearing an Aggie ring) and A&M faculty or staff with a current ID.
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The other "jack": Junior Von Miller has made several plays in A&M's new hybrid "jack" position that combines linebacker and defensive end. The other player at that spot is senior Matt Featherston. "It seems like he has the talent to play that position," Sherman said. "I'm anxious to see him more in scrimmage situations to see what he can do." Featherston deflected a pass during the afternoon scrimmage. Junior linebacker Michael Hodges stripped the ball from senior running back Ryan O'Bryant and Miller scooped up the football and scored. ... Sherman reiterated that A&M will run some 3-4 defensive formations, but will also keep the 4-3 package.
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Lewis vs. Mangan: Senior Anthony Lewis and redshirt freshman Kyle Mangan have traded time at linebacker with the first team, which likely will continue unless one of them takes control, Sherman said. Mangan caused and recovered a fumble on the same play during the afternoon scrimmage.
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Offense breaks through: The offense won the daily competition for the first time, forcing the defense to run sprints afterward. The offense grabbed a spirited 87-86 victory. The offense had an 87-84 victory before the last play, which was called offensive pass interference by one of two local officials getting in some work. The defense argued that a penalty was worth three points, which would have resulted in a tie. Sherman deferred to his director of football operations, Gary Reynolds, who penalized the offense only two points.
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Interceptions: Senior safety Jordan Pugh made a dandy interception during the morning 7-on-7 drills. Junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson slightly overthrew senior tight end Jamie McCoy deep down the middle. Pugh, coming at an angle, made the interception on the run with his arms fully extended, not breaking stride. ... Mangan and sophomore linebacker Garrick Williams worked the tip drill during 7-on-7 for an interception with Mangan tipping and Williams catching.
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Offensive plays: Sophomore wide receiver Taylor Randle made a diving catch while closely defended by two players. Randle's offensive teammates let him hear it as he stood up. ... Sophomore running back Bradley Stephens had an 45-yard touchdown run and a couple other solid efforts. ... Sophomore wide receiver Jeff Fuller continues to make plenty of catches. He caught a long pass from Johnson in the afternoon scrimmage after Johnson got the defense to jump offside. The offense had six incompletions during the afternoon scrimmaging, but the sure-handed Fuller made the catch the quieted the defense.
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Et cetera: A&M added another verbal commitment from its Sunday Junior Day -- Dallas Skyline linebacker Domonique Patterson (6-1, 210). ... Fort Worth All Saints tight end Hutson Prioleau, who will be a freshman this fall, watched the afternoon practice. Others in the crowd were former Bryan High head coach Marty Criswell and two members of his staff, Sam Smith and Jim Kazmierski. Bryan High AD Harry Francis Jr., who played baseball at A&M, was also there along with son Trey.
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Posted by: Carpenter On: 4/3/2009
Comment Title: "It takes a carpenter to build a barn, but ant jackass can kick it down"- LBJ
Why do people feel the need to respond to frequent negative posters who rant about the same old tired things. Lets boycott responding to them or for that matter even bothering to read it when we see who is making the post
Posted by: BUD85 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Mindless Drivel
Hey miller, you're shtick is tired and worn out, and your posts are continually full of mindless drivel. If you're so angry, why don't you go jump off a cliff and save yourself the trouble? Gig 'em Sherm! Here's hoping the team shows improvement this year and into the future!
Posted by: miller58 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: SHERMAN HAS MORE DIFFERENCE MAKERS THAN 10 TEAMS WE PLAY, SO THAT'S AT LEAST 10 WINS OFF THE TOP!
My personal opinions:____Sherman inherited 32 signed 4*/5* difference makers in November'07!_____Mike signed 28 more players in Feb'08 to total 60!_____Mike signed 28 more hand picked players in Feb'09, that makes 88!____Mike added a hand picked 4* transfer from lsu,and transfers from smu and north Texas, thats 91_____Another 28 signed in the current class brings the total up to 119._____NO more excuses this fall with more difference makers than ten other teams on the schedule; and film to see how Fran beat tu with grat coachig for 2 years in a row, time to be a good college head coach for the first time in your life, or hit highway 6._____Which is it, Mike?_____miller58
Posted by: On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Re: Recruits
Give it a rest miller58. Several of those commits are highly sought-after players, including that OL that you just ran down in your post. I'm glad Sherman & Co already have this many given that so many of these young men are committing earlier than they were four or five years ago.
Posted by: millr58 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Sherman wastes 8th scholarship of the this class to falsely inflate rankings early?
My personal opinions:_____Mike Sherman in an attempt to falsely inflate his points early when team rankings come out, probably wasted another scholarship on another unranked player!____Knowing about the loophole that you can commit anybody, and if alive, they will falsely inflate and automatically be given points of a two star recruit , and add as many as you want, we did it._____ Of course they usually get blown out on Kyle Field by 40 points when Mike tries to coach them?_____What a farce to falsely inflate your points early with 2* players?_____miller58
Posted by: Tampa Ag On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Re: Talent
The type of 4*/5* recruit also plays a role. Fran signed quite a few 4* JUCO guys. Only problem with that is they're on campus for two years and then gone. It's tough to build a team around that kind of 4* recruit. And there's also the academic factor. Fran lost his share of 4* recruits to grades - they never even made it to campus. It's like he never signed 'em to begin with. Miller58. Forget Nick Saban and Mack Brown. Every situation is difference. Brown inherited a program one year removed from winning the Big 12 and with future All-Pros Hampton, Rogers, and Brackens on the DL. And a TB named Rick Williams. All three of those factors eased his transition. That's a far cry from the talent level and overall situation Sherman inherited. The program was at it's lowest for a new head coach since Emory Bellard took over a moribund program in 1972 - it wasn't as low at it was in 1972, but it was at it's lowest point since that time. It didn't matter who was coaching. Last year was going to be a struggle. Only five non-freshman scholarship OL were on campus. The senior starting QB with two years of starting experience under his belt got knocked early. He was replaced by a sophomore still learning the ropes. Sherman has to rebuild the program. He didn't inheriting a solid program which only needed a good coach to take to the next level. Sherman's even admitted the mentality of the program he came back to was far different than the one he left the NFL for back in the mid-90s. Losing was now acceptable. Mediacrity was now accepted. Whereas neither one were acceptable when he coach here under Slocum
Posted by: miller58 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Re:Talent
My personal opinions:__talent, I can agree with much of what you say!__I can correct you on two things! Sherman does not need any more time to win; he's done!__A very recent example is Nick Saban compared to Sherman.__Saban inherited 36 difference makers, Sherman inherited 32!__Saban out of the nfl signed 28 players in Feb '08, started and played up to 15 true fish, had only 9 seniors on the team and and won 12 regular season games__Sherman also out of the nfl signed 28 players in Feb'09, has more than 9 seniors, can start and play true as many true fish, and will win 12 regular season games this fall if he coaches like Saban.__It's absolute crap that he needs more time, Sherman just needs to recruit and coach like a good college head coach does, for the firdt time in his life!_____Second, reportedly the two biggest reasons Mike sherman was fired at Greenbay were "his inability to evaluate player personel" and "his inabilit to instill discipline "in Farve and the whole team.__They went on to report that they played in a weak nfl division, lost multiple games over he years due to crappy player evaluation and lack of discipline!__They could not win once they got out of the weak division.__Two years after Mike was fired, they went to the championship game with a new coach and almostthe same players.__You must have been listening to the Aggie Spin Machine to even repeat that false stuff?_____miller58
Posted by: JimBob78 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: The Truth
Obviously miller56 and the other 2%ers are all hurt that the "Decision Makers" did consult them. ----- So to get even, they trash the recruits, coaches, and university. How lame! ---- I hope Sherman gives us a competitive team this year and 7+ wins. Gig 'em!!! Aggies!!
Posted by: On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: re- talent
Nothing magic about any rating system. Just as many 3's turn to 2's as 3's to 4's. Just as many 4's are really 5's as 3's. Also we hope sherman doesn't use the same tools as sherrill to get the good players.
Posted by: miller58 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Re: bandit 1701'86- I'm Glad you want to win Big 12 and mnc?
My personal opinions:__ What most Schools do when they hire a good coach, is also hire 9 assistants that are top recruiters?__Why Chancellor McKinney, President Murano, and the Regents screwed up so badly and chose to do exactly the opposite, I'll never know?__ No open professional search, 10 coaches that hadn't signed a single five star and only 2 four star players in the past five years, just guaranteed bottom Big 12!__ I bleed maroon and want to win the Big 12 and mnc's too!__ All the national articles since this hire, about A&M are almost all shots- worst coaches, dead last, #1 on the hot seat, etc._____Since Sherman signed the 28 players in Feb'08, 28 more in Feb '09, and the current class, our difference makers have dropped.__ A&M could go out today, sign 10 coaches that would have 10 to 22 difference makers signed in Feb'10 even with a late start because thats what they do every year.__ Our 10 coaches have proven that they don't have it recruiting, it takes a special person to sell A&M to top recruits to win the Big 12 and you guys can help, or bich about someone that wants A&M to sign 22 four and five star recruits in Feb'10 and win 12 regular season games next fall. Nick saban inherited 36 difference makers, signed 22 more difference makers in Feb'09, started and played up to 15 true fish, and won 12 regular season games last season.__There is a list of 8 to 19 good coaches published that for the 9 years(100+) that have th potential to do this at A&M!__ Let's win again?__Bandit some of the schools I watch and the difference makers signed for the past five years are:__ usc 80,__lsu 71,__ohio state 62,__florida 77,__ miami 60,__bama 62( up from 36),__Nebraska up to 37,__ and A&M dropping fast at 30._____The list of over 100 ncaa D1 schools is free, updated daily if you want to check it on rivals.__ they also update daily the list of every ncaa D1 schools assistant coaches showing 100+ with up to 2 to 5 difference makers signed each year;__ A&M's by coach at 0 difference makers for this year is there too!__ I hope every Ag will pull together, and let everyone know what we need to do to join the top teams with good coaches that have 66 to 80 difference makers on their squad; and replace them with 13 to 17 more every year._____I'm sorry the realstic truth backed by sources irritates, but if it gets you fired up to win again, that's great. We won when I was a studentat A&M and it's a great feeling!_____Gig 'em____miller58
Posted by: On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Talent
A few things about talent. First, a coach needs to evaluate talent correctly. Some of those 4* recruits don't deserve that label and some of those 2* are underrated. That's were a coach who has a knack for evaluating talent comes in. I think RC did a nice job of evaluating talent; Fran not so much. Sherman's already displayed a flash of RC's knack with Trent Hunter and a couple of other guys. Second, there are some coaches who get more out of their players than their talent level would suggest. Third, there are some coaches who get a little less out of their players than their talent would suggest - RC might've fallen into this category. Fourth, even with great talent, a very young team is going to struggle against teams that start mostly juniors and seniors. That played a big role in A&M record last year. Sherman needs time to get all that young talent some experience. I think the 2009 season's going to be another struggle. All those freshman and sophomores need playing experience. He can't be judged on his first two campaigns. Remember Jackie Sherrill was only .500 after three years. Then his teams won 3 conference titles the next three years. Patience is a virtue and is rewarded eventually.
Posted by: AgsRule! On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Actually.....
....we have 1 four star, 1 three star and 4 one star, to tu'z 2 five star, 11 four star, 3 three star, 5 one star, on scout.com
Posted by: Crocker Cock R.A.B. On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title:
Still awaiting miller58's explaination as to Notre Dame's failures the last two seasons despite all those 4*/5* recruits. And Utah and Boise State's successes in BCS bowl games inspite of their lack of 4*/5* recruits. Sherman's signing good players. The big thing is he's signing guys who can run. By the time Fran left, A&M had become a really slow team in need of a major upgrade in speed. I remember what one oppenent said of an RC defense: "they might make mistakes but they're fast enough to outrun those mistakes."
Posted by: Jus-wanna-no On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: re- Mad Dog 5050
How do all those other sports win when the coaches who were hired had no previous ties to the school and no connection to vip alumni and did not understand our culture when they were hired.
Posted by: On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Sherman is signing good players!!!
Miller I know it is easy to get caught up in the number of stars a recruit has, but look at what Sherman has done so far. Added Fuller and Trent Hunter who were major impact guys last year. Yes Fuller was rated a 4 star, but Hunter was ranked a 2 star recruit. We might not have won the Colorado game without Hunter, and there are a lot of freshman pushing for start positions now. oh, and not to mention he is also responsible for signing Cyrus Gray too. All impact guys last year. And all this from just getting to A&M for a few months! Just think of all the surpirses we will get this year from an underated recruiting class.
Posted by: On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: miller58
Why don't you find out who the coach of Ok. St. is before you post. Then again, it doesn't matter what his name is, but rather how many 4 and 5 star difference makers he recruits. Your act is old.
Posted by: bandit1701 '86 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title:
miller... answer this for me since you are the self appointed "difference maker" expert. How many 4 & 5 * players are LSU, Florida, USC, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio, Michigan, the rest of the SEC, signing. I ask this because not only do I want the Aggies to win Big XII championships but National titles too. Why not give us those teams "difference maker" commitment numbers too. Or is really about you mancrush on Mack Brown? Mad dog is right hwy 6 does run in your direction west.
Posted by: bandit1701 '86 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: miller just stop!!!
miller58...GET OVER THIS LOVE AFFAIR YOU HAVE WITH SO CALLED "DIFFERENCE MAKERS". Your whinning attitude pisses me off more than the hiring off Sherman. Makes one think you are really a 'sip. i dont always see things the way seeing Stars does, but at least he/she has valid reasons for them. You have nothing but the 4&5* blues.
Posted by: Mad Dog 5050 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Highway 6
Time for you to hop on Highway 6 and beat it to Austin miller58. It's obvious you're employed by the t.u. ath. dept. to spew anit-Aggie garbage! By the way, all those 4*/5* guys Mack Daddy's sign the last eleven years have helped him win how many Big 12 championship? One. Only one. Pretty pathetic considering the talent they corral every year. On a more positive note, how about signing the praises of some of the Aggie spring and winter sports which are enjoying good seasons - like both basketball teams, both track teams, both swimming teams, etc., etc., etc. And while you're at it, ponder this: sometime you gotta go into battle with the hand that's delt you. If the Marines on Guadalcanal or at the Chosin Reservoir hand constantly complained about not have enough of this, or enough of that, you think they could've gotten out of either place alive. No. Point: Sherman and the football team are going to have to make do with a bunch of 3* players until they start winning 8, 9, 10 games a year, year after year. Then those 12 to 15 4*/5* guys per year, you crave some much might sign of the dotted line. Until then, you'll just make yourself sick (literally) worrying about it. Don't let the ebb and flow of the football team's success dominate your life. It ain't worth it man.
Posted by: Ken '94 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: IQ58
Miller58, you are one sad individual. In a way I feel sorry for you -- you obviously have no life.
Posted by: miller58 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: Updating The Update Below!
My personal opinions:_____Mac Brown is now up to 17 difference makers committed, on the list below!_____miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 4/1/2009
Comment Title: BIG 12 SOUTH DIFFERENCE MAKER COMMITS UPDATED!
My personal opinions_____Big 12 south four and five star difference maker commits after this big recruiting weekend updated are:_____(1) Mac Brown 16,_____(2)Bob stoops 3,_____Mike Leach 1,_____Cale Gundy 1,_____Art Briles 0,_____Mike Sherman 0._____ "some losing coaches and their supporters frown on reporting difference makers committed and signed, because it takes away the false excuses, and even the most novice football fans can quickly pick out the losers"!_____miller58