Texas A&M DE/LB Landis Durham tied for the SEC lead with 10.5 sacks last year, but the Aggies’ defense still struggled.

This year, coach Kevin Sumlin is out and in his place is Jimbo Fisher. Also out is DC John Chavis, who was replaced by Mike Elko.

Following Saturday’s spring game, Durham said things have been much different this spring under Fisher and his staff (via 247Sports):

“I felt like it was a more hands on approach,” he said. “The coaches were really on us, riding us to do good. If we did bad they let you know about it right away. It was tough but it’s what we needed.”

The Aggies always have incredible athletes on defense, but now it’s up to Elko to maximize their potential. If he can do that, the Aggies will be able to compete in the tough SEC West.

According to Durham, the new staff is off to a great start. Now, we’ll have to see if that momentum translates into games that actually count.