Kevin Sumlin was optimistic about the Aggies outlook this fall in a Wendesday appearance at the Touchdown Club of Houston.

Houston Chronicle reporter Brent Zwerneman noted that Sumlin made a particularly bold proclamation for the Aggies defense, saying it could be a top-15 unit in 2016. The Aggies ranked No. 102 in total defense in 2014 and No. 51 in ’15.

Sumlin backed up his prediction with praise for the front seven:

Sumlin said his defensive line has a chance to be one of the best in the country. It features Garrett, fellow end Daeshon Hall and defensive tackles Daylon Mack, Zaycoven Henderson, KeKe Kingsley and Hardreck Walker, among others.

The coach added that while his linebackers “catch a lot of heat” they’re better than what people realize.

The Aggies aren’t getting the same preseason poll love of SEC West division rivals Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss, but that doesn’t seem to worry Sumlin:

“Talent-wise, we’re going to stack up with anybody,” Sumlin said. “And we’ve got some guys who are hungry with something to prove.”

With two high-profile transfers and a recent recruiting snafu, some outside observers have wondered what is going on in College Station. According to Zwerneman, Sumlin described the mood in the locker room as “the best it’s ever been.”

One thing that helps the mood is the relationship between quarterbacks Trevor Knight, the starter, and Jake Hubenak, particularly how the two conducted themselves after Knight was named the starter:

Sumlin recalled that Knight immediately turned to Hubenak and told him, “I’ve been where you are. … I can be done in one play. We need your leadership, too.”

And like every other team, the Aggies are ready to hit the field again:

“Based on some things out there right now,” Sumlin said, even thumping the podium for emphasis, “we can’t wait to play our first game.”

Texas A&M opens its season at home against UCLA Sept. 3.