New & Improved: Slimmer Daylon Mack set for explosive second year

Daylon Mack has always had a ton of football talent.

That was obvious when he was a high school star who attracted college scouts from across the nation. It became even clearer when he posted 9.5 tackles for 35 yards in losses as a Texas A&M freshman last season.

So, talent was never a concern regarding Mack. Tonnage, however, was.

Last season the A&M roster listed Mack at 6-1, 335 pounds. There were whispers that he was closer to 350.

Conversations about Mack aren’t done in hush tones anymore. Indeed, A&M coach Kevin Sumlin came through loud and clear on Mack at last week’s Southeastern Conference Media Days.

“Daylon Mack got his weight down — he’s down to 313 instead of 340,” Sumlin said. “So he can play more than two plays in a row. That’s going to be important. He doesn’t mind me saying that because he knew it. That should make him better.”

That should make opposing guards and centers cringe.

Mack was so quick last season that it seemed at least once a game he exploded into the backfield to make a tackle just as the quarterback and running back were making the handoff exchange.

He should be even quicker with 27 fewer pounds to move. Plus, with year under Larry Jackson he should be stronger. And, as Sumlin mentioned, Mack’s improved conditioning will enable him to make more plays because he should be on the field more often.

Also, he’ll have the good fortune of playing next to another strong defensive tackle, whether it be sophomore Kingsley Keke, who may also be a rising star, or productive junior Zaycoven Henderson.

Last year Mack was good. This year he could be dominant, especially against the inexperienced interior linemen he’ll be facing this season.

UCLA will have a new starter at center and at one guard position. The returning starter at guard is 285-pound Kenny Lacy, who may be facing a physical mismatch.

South Carolina is expected to have new starters at both guard positions. Arkansas and Ole Miss are, too.

Alabama is moving Ross Pierschbacher from guard to center. Also, Alphonse Taylor is indefinitely suspended after an arrest for a DWI. The Crimson Tide could have offensive line issues that Mack and Co. could capitalize on.

Besides, A&M’s opponents figure to be preoccupied with containing the pass rush of All-American defensive end Myles Garrett and senior Daeshon Hall.

A quicker, stronger, faster and more explosive Mack still isn’t likely to draw many double team blocks. Somebody has to get a one-on-one matchup.

Mack could provide a crushing inside pass rush. That potentially would be a lethal combination matched with the outside rush of Garrett and Hall.

Sumlin and Defensive Coordinator John Chavis have suggested the Aggies' defensive line could be among the best in the nation.

If Mack has a breakout year – and the fact he’s lost about 30 pounds indicates he’s working hard toward that goal – the Aggies' defensive line would indeed be among the nation’s very elite.

“We have a rotation, a two-deep, that’s going to be, talent-wise, as good as anybody in this league,” Sumlin said. “Our two ends are national award-caliber guys. Kingsley Keke gave us great depth last year. There’s a 6-5, 6-6 guy 315, 320 pounds. Zaycoven Henderson played a lot of football.

"You want to be able to rotate guys on the inside and keep them fresh. I think that’s going to be key. Everybody has to stay healthy, but we’ve got more than enough bodies in there right now. They’re the right size for SEC bodies and the right twitch and the right strength that can hold up. I’m looking forward to seeing these guys play.”

Of course he’s looking forward to seeing them.

As an overweight freshman Mack made a lot of plays.

As a slimmed-down sophomore he projects to make a ton of them.