The biggest issue with Texas A&M this season was defense, as everyone knows. The Aggies had trouble stopping the run, stopping the pass and keeping points off the board. The Aggies finished 2014 last in the SEC in total defense and 11th in points allowed.

A&M does have one major building block in Myles Garrett, but the pass rush specialist still has a lot of growing to do after an inconsistent freshman season that saw him get frustrated and worn down by double teams. They’re also loaded with young talent, with plenty of freshmen and sophomores getting significant playing time this season, and more touted recruits that couldn’t get on the field.

The only significant loss on the defensive side is safety Deshazor Everett. The senior was the Aggies’ most reliable tackler, coming up from the back line to make plays while battling through injury.

Current defensive commits

  • Five-star: DT Daylon Mack, 6-1, 330 lbs. (Gladewater, Tex.)
  • Four-star: DE James Lockhart, 6-2, 251 lbs. (Ennis, Tex.)
  • Four-star: S Justin Dunning, 6-3.5, 204 lbs. (Whitehouse, Tex.)
  • Four-star: S Larry Pryor, 5-11.5, 196 lbs. (Sulphur Springs, Tex.)
  • Four-star: CB Roney Elam, 6-3, 170 lbs. (Newton, Tex.)
  • Three-star: DT Kingsley KeKe, 6-3, 290 lbs. (George Ranch, Richmond, Tex.)
  • Three-star: S Justin Evans, 6-0, 185 lbs. (Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C.)
  • Three-star: LB Landis Durham, 6-2, 220 lbs. (Plano East, Plano, Tex.)
  • Three-star: LB Claude George, 6-2, 230 lbs. (Hutchinson C.C.)
  • Three-star: LB Riley Garner, 6-2.5, 220 lbs. (A&M Consolidated, College Station, Tex.)

Key target

  • Five-star: LB Malik Jefferson, 6-2, 215 lbs. (Poteet, Mesquite, Tex.) — Jefferson is a fantastic athlete and a natural pass rusher who would complement Garrett perfectly. He’s the top-ranked linebacker in the country and the No. 1 player in Texas, and the rival Texas Longhorns are chasing him as well. Landing Jefferson would be a huge get for Kevin Sumlin and co. as they attempt to back up their “We Run This State” claim.