Texas A&M football releases depth chart prior to Notre Dame opener (2024)

Published: Aug. 26, 2024 at 4:06 PM CDT

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - For the first time since the 2021 season, Texas A&M football released a depth chart prior to the Aggies’ 2024 opener against Notre Dame Saturday.

The battles at offensive line, linebacker, and defensive back are well decorated by the amount of “ors” listed, indicating several players could start at a position.

On the offensive line, the competitive battle at center will continue into the season with Utah transfer Kolinu’u Faaiu and Mark Nabou Jr. both listed as possible starters.

“They were going back and forth every single day,” said left tackle Trey Zahn III. “Both great players, both giving it their all every single day. So, I think either one of them could start and either one of them could play in the game.”

Both junior Demetrius Crownover and senior Reuben Fatheree II are slotted as possible starters at right tackle. Offensive captain Zuhn is inked in at left tackle, next to sophom*ore Chase Bisontis. Kansas transfer Ar’maj Reed-Adams earned a starting spot at right guard.

“I think it’s great to have a bunch of depth at the O-line, where if someone’s tired or someone’s bumped or bruised, the next guy’s right behind them and that there’s not going to be a drop off,” Zuhn offered.

Sophom*ore linebacker Taurean York has started every game at middle linebacker since arriving in Aggieland from Temple last season. He’ll reprise his role as the defensive captain in 2024.

However, there are three options for who could line up next to him: Senior transfer Solomon DeShields, sophom*ore Daymion Sanford, and junior transfer Scooby Williams.

“I love all three of them,” remarked York. “I like the way that they approach the game, I like the way they communicate when they’re on the field with me, and I feel like they all have their strengths. I feel like they can all play next to me; I feel like they’re all capable.”

Sophom*ore safety Bryce Anderson is the only sure thing in the defensive secondary, when it comes to the starting lineup. Tyreek Chappell is listed as a potential starter at both nickel and cornerback, depending on the formation. BJ Mayes or Jayson Thomas could also get the nod at one corner position. On the other side of the Field, either transfer Will Lee III or Dezz Ricks could man the other corner position.

Dalton Brooks, Trey Jones III, or Marcus Ratcliffe are three options to step in at safety.

Senior Fresno State transfer Tre Watson separated himself as the starter at tight end, with transfer Shane Calhoun, sophom*ores Donovan Green and Theo Melin Ohrstrom all listed as secondary options. Green is making his return to the football field after missing last season with an ACL injury.

“It’s been good to see him get better. It’s almost like — he’s going to get mad at me when I say this — but it’s like watching a freshman when you come back from that injury, right?” Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko pondered during fall camp. “Because it’s so rusty, because he’s still learning how to run all these movements. But then, because he’s such a great kid and he’s such a hard worker. The growth and the development that he makes every practice is like a young kid, because he’s just getting back into it. We talk every day during stretch about where he’s at and he’s feeling good. He’s feeling confident. He gets more confident every day.”

Junior transfer Cashius Howell has the starting nod at the “Jack” position, which is a hybrid defensive end and linebacker in specific situations. Transfer Josh Celiscar, from UCF, is backing up fellow transfer Nic Scourton at defensive end.

“I think [Howell’s] tremendous,” remarked A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman during fall camp. “I think he’s a really, really unique player. He can do a lot of different things and is different, a little bit, from Shemar [Stewart] and Nic — size wise and maybe coverage ability a little bit. He’s got a real role. He’s a really important part of the defense and I think he’s going to play a ton.”

Finally, on special teams running back Le’Veon Moss and freshman Terry Bussey are listed as the two kick returners, with Bussey and wide receiver Moose Muhammad III in the two-deep for punt returns.

“I think we’ve had a really, really good fall camp,” Coach Elko added at Monday’s press conference. “[I am] Happy with the progress that we’ve made across the board, happy with where our team is from a health standpoint going into the week to get ready for this opener. I think we’ve gotten a lot done in terms of becoming more physical, getting better, improving, but also getting our guys to this week healthy, ready to roll.”

Texas A&M Tentative Offensive Depth Chart for Note Dame

Texas A&M Tentative Defensive Depth Chart for Notre Dame

Texas A&M Tentative Special Teams Depth Chart for Notre Dame

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