Texas A&M’s defense was chock full of problems in 2014. Stopping the run, tackling, defending the pass; all of the aspects of defense presented problems at one point or another for the Aggies. Reinforcements are on their way, though, especially in the defensive backfield.

The Aggies added some serious talent in that regard last year, and they beef up even more in 2015. In the 2015 class are two four-star safeties, a four-star cornerback and a three-star junior college transfer. Larry Pryor, Justin Dunning, Roney Elam and Justin Evans will bolster a secondary that desperately needs their help.

Deshazor Everett was Texas A&M’s most reliable defensive back in 2014. Even when he ruptured a tendon in his elbow, which sounds pretty gruesome and painful, Everett stayed on the field, mostly because A&M desperately needed him. Everett was second on the team in tackles despite a compromised arm, right behind fellow safety Howard Matthews. Both players were seniors in 2014, leaving a big vacancy on the back line.

The Aggies brought in four-star safety Armani Watts in 2014, and he found the field quickly. However, he struggled in both coverage and run support early, heading to the bench for a stint before slotting into more of a centerfielder role late in the season.

Cornerback Nick Harvey, the other touted recruit from last year, didn’t find as much playing time on defense. He played more on special teams, recording 12 total tackles on the season. He came in with a ton of hype, and he’ll get the chance to live up to it.

Those two and the four big-time defensive backfield recruits should help turn the fortunes of A&M’s defense. While the Aggies are still looking for a defensive coordinator, there’s talent on hand to make the next coach’s job easier. Pryor is a versatile athlete who has played all over the football field, and he’s excelled in basketball and track as well, while Dunning has been labeled a “physical freak” by some scouting reports.

The Aggies still have some holes to plug on defense on top of wrapping up the rest of the recruiting season strong. They’re on the right track in the secondary, though.