We look for the Aggies to sign one quarterack in 2009. Stephen McGee will have graduated. The Aggie quarterback pipeline includes Jerrod Johnson, Ryan Tannehill, and Tommy Dorman. The 2009 quarterback class is outstanding, both in quality and depth. Early 2009 offers went out to Russell Shepard , Garrett Gilbert, Cody Green, Ryan Mossakowski , Tyrik Rollison, and Tate Forcier. When Cody Green chose Nebraska, the Aggies decided to pass on a QB in 2009.

Running back is a position where the Aggies have always been able to recruit well. We look for the Aggies to sign 1 or 2 running backs in 2009. Jorvorskie Lane will have graduated and Mike Goodson opted to leave early . The Aggie running back pipeline includes Bradley Stephens , Cyrus Gray, Keondra Smith , and Cornell Tarrant. Kyle Mangan was signed in 2008 as a fullback prospect but could also be tried at linebacker. The Aggies top running back target has been Christine Michael, the top running back in the state. Aas a senior Michael rushed for 1,712 yards and 25 TDs. Michael committed to A&M at the Army All-American game on Jan 3rd 2009. As a junior, Ryan Swope rushed for 1,311 yards and 14 TDs, averaging 9 ypc, and caught 23 passes for 7 TDs en route to being named the District 25-5A Offensive MVP. As a senior Swope rushed for 1,823 yards and 27 TDs enroute to being named Central Texas Player of the Year. Swope was recruited as a WR/RB, attended two A&M junior days, and committed on Mar 3rd. As a junior, Kalvin Guyton rushed for 931 yards and 15 TDs, averaging almost 12 yards a carry. Guyton committed to the Aggies on June 9th.

We expect A&M to sign 2 or 3 wide receivers in 2009. Pierre Brown will have graduated. The Aggie receiver pipeline includes Howard Morrow , E.J. Shankle , Chevar Bryson, Cody Beyer , Antonio Perry , Roger Holland, Terrence McCoy, Kenny Brown , Chris Caflisch , Nick Trice, and 2008 signee Jeff Fuller. As a junior, Uzoma Nwachukwu caught 22 receptions for 335 yards and 6 TDs playing with 2008 Texas signee Dan Buckner. This Spring Nwachukwu emerged as one of the top WR prospects in Texas and committed to the Aggies on July 5th over offers from Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and almost 30 other schools. Kenric McNeal plays QB for Spring but is expected to use his 4.3 speed at WR in college. McNeal committed to the Aggies on June 19th. As a junior, Brandal Jackson caught 39 passes for 755 yards (19.4 avg) and 8 TDs. Jackson committed to the Aggies on June 24th.

We expect that the Aggies to sign one or two tight ends in 2009, depending upon development of potential tight ends currently in the pipeline. Jamie McCoy was moved to tighte end during the Spring and will be a senior in 2009. Ben Bass was also tried at tight end during the Spring. The Aggies signed three potential tight ends in 2007 - Frank Avery, Billy Chavis, and Harold Turnage. However, Chavis played defense in 2007 and Turnage could outgrow the tight end position and end up on the offensive or defensive lines. The Aggies signed two tight end prospects in 2008 - K.J. Williams and Blake Chavis.but Chavis may not qualify. Hutson Prioleau received an early Aggie offer and committed to Texas A&M on Mar 18th. Prioleau's stock has soared after committing to the Aggies with outstanding Spring camp performances.

On average a college team should sign 4 or 5 offensive linemen per year. After signing a total of 3 offensive linemen in 2006 and 2007, the Aggies were faced with a critcal shortage of offensive linemen in the pipeline. The Aggies have taken a major step towards addressing this need with the signing of 6 offensive linemen in 2008, and we expect A&M to be looking to sign another 4 or 5 offensive linemen in 2009. Early offers went out to Thomas Ashcraft, Clint Naron, Mason Walters, Rhontae Scales., Stephen Barerra, Ivory Wade, and Stavion Lowe. Rhontae Scales is widely considered one of the top 3 offensive linemen in Texas and became the Aggies' first 2009 commit on Feb 14th. Clint Naron attended last summer's Game Night Camp and received an offer from the previous staff. The new re-affirmed that offer in January and Naron committed to A&M on Feb 15th. Longtime Aggie fan Stephen Barrera is a defensive lineman that the Aggie coaches think can be a great offensive lineman. Barrera committed to the Aggies on Feb 16th. Patrick Lewis is a 2-time LA Class 5-A All-State selection that had outstanding Spring camp performances. Lewis committed to the Aggies on July 25th.

We expect the Aggies to sign 3 or 4 defensive linemen in 2009. Michael Bennett and Cyril Obiozor will have graduated. The current defensive line pipeline includes Kellen Heard , Lucas Patterson, Cody Williams, and Paul Freeney. The Aggies signed four high school defensive line prospects in 2007 – Von Miller , Michael Ebbitt , Billy Chavis and David Tufuga. However, Miller was moved to LB and Chavis to TE. The Aggies signed 5 high school defensive line prospects in 2008 - Roderick Davis , Tony Jerod , Adren Dorsey , Matt Moss, and Eddie Brown. As in previous years, 2009 appears to be deep in defensive end prospects while defensive tackle prospect again appear scarce. As a junior, defensive end Kirby Ennis recorded 96 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 1 interception. Ennis committed to the Aggies on June 17th over offers from Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma State, and Houston. Chris Henderson committed to the Aggies on Apr 19th, but is now taking other visits. Spencer Nealy had a strong senior season, leading his team deep into the playoff. Nealy committed to A&M on Dec 14th and will be a preferred walkon in the Fall of 2009, and go on scholarship on in Jan 2010.

We expect the Aggies to sign 5or 6 linebackers in 2009. The Aggie linebacker pipeline includes Matt Featherston , Anthony Lewis , Jodie Richardson, Will Harris, Von Miller , Garrick Williams, and 2008 signees Andrew Wolridge, Aaron Buckley., and Ricky Cavanaugh, At present the Texas 2009 class does not appear deep at linebacker. As a junior, Sean Porter had 85 solo tackles, 52 assists, 12 tackles for loss, one interception, seven sacks, four caused fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Porter was offered on May 23rd and committed. Malcolm Johnson is a great athlete that has only played LB for two years, racking up 76 tackles and 3 sacks as a junior. Johnson committed to the Aggies on July 8th. Andrew Weaver plays DE for Waco but is projected as a OLB in college. Weaver received an offer from the Aggies in April and committed on July 20th. Michael Lamothe is a versatile prospect from Louisiana that is capable of playing a number of positions. Lamothe committed to the Aggies on July 26th. Jonathan Stewart became A&M's highest rated LB commit when he committed to the Aggies on July 28th. After a stellar sophomore season, Aaron Arterburn was injured most of his junior season. An outstanding senior season saw Arterburn getting lots of late recruiting attention, including an offer from the Aggies. Arterburn committed to A&M on Oct 30th as a preferred walkon in the Fall of 2009, going on scholarship in Jan 2010.. The Aggies are likely done at linebacker.

We expect the Aggies to sign 1 or 2 safeties in 2009. The Aggie safety pipeline includes Jordan Peterson and DeMaurier Thompson, together with 2008 signees Keon Furtch and Trent Hunter. The 2009 recruiting calls appears deep at the safety position. Charlie Thomas, younger brother of 2008 signee Derrick Hall, is a versatile and athletic safetyprospect. Thomas committed to the Aggies on June 17th. Steven Campbell is a physical and agressive safety prospect with good coverage skills. Campbell committed to the Aggies on June 18th. Colton Valencia racked up 89 tackles, six interceptions, 23 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries. Valencia committed to the Aggies on June 18th, recruited to play either safety or corner.

We expect the Aggies to attempt to find and sign 2 or 3 cornerbacks in 2009. The Aggie cornerback pipeline includes Jordan Pugh and Lionel Smith , together with 2008 signee Terrence Frederick. With a critical lack of cornerback pipeline depth, the Aggies offered and received the commitment of junior college cornerback Coryell Judie on June 4th. Judie, a Marlin native, led the Kansas JC conference in 2007 with 7 interceptions. Dustin Harris plays QB for Livingston but came to A&M's June camp and was so impressive at CB he earned an offer and committed on June 22nd. As a junior, Steven Terrell recorded 92 tackles, 12 pass break ups and four interceptions. Terrell committed to the Aggies on July 1st over offers from Michigan, Nebraska, Kansas, and others. Desmond Gardiner emerged as one of the top cover corners in the state and became one of the class of 2009's final commits when he chose the Aggies over about 15 other offers on Nov 20th. Gardiner's commitment likely wraps up the Aggies cornerback recruiting for 2009.

Matt Szymanski has transferred and All-Big 12 punter Justin Brantley graduated. Randy Bullock kicked for A&M in 2008 as a true freshman. Ryan Epperson averaged about 40 yards and punt and a quarter of his kickoffs were not returned. The Aggies decided to offer Epperson a 2010 'ship, primarily as a punter, and Epperson was a bit of a signing day surprise.