Cohesion, communication & consistency vital along A&M's offensive front

Communication is the key to a successful relationship.

Indeed, it’s extremely important in relation to a successful offensive line.

Communication is tough enough between two people. When five (or more) are involved, communication is even more vital.

But it’s not just communication. There also has to be understanding.

Texas A&M needs both to upgrade its offensive line, which was wracked by injuries and substandard performances in 2022.

For several reasons, there is hope — even expectation — for A&M’s offensive front to make a giant leap forward in 2023.

There is the anticipation of good health, which would be most welcomed.

Center Bryce Foster missed two-thirds of last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Freshman Kam Dewberry started five games at left guard only after two players ahead of him on the depth chart were lost to injury.

Word is that left tackle Trey Zuhn played almost all of last season with an unspecified injury. Right guard Layden Robinson and right tackle Reuben Fatheree had some nagging issues, too.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Layden Robinson returns for his senior season with 34 games played.

There is also optimism based on experience, which, of course, leads to better communication.

As a group, the A&M quartet of Zuhn, Dewberry, Foster, Robinson and Fatheree may be more athletically talented than A&M’s 2020 offensive line, which was considered among the top three units in the nation that year.

However, that unit of Dan Moore, Kenyon Green, Ryan McCollum, Jared Hocker and Carson Green was a cohesive unit with vast experience.

Blitzes were picked up. Twists and stunts by the defense were quickly analyzed, understood and thwarted. Run blocking was efficient.

Still, that same group had struggled the previous season. Communication seemed to be a problem as they adjusted to their first season under then-offensive line coach Josh Henson.

Whaddya know… Last season was A&M’s first under offensive line coach Steve Addazio. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee the line will make the same progress in the second year under its line coach, but there is precedent.

Beyond experience and communication, Aggies can find optimism in the emergence of Dewberry and the return of Foster.

A&M averaged only 361.2 yards per game last season. That was skewed by the Aggies rolling up nearly 500 yards of total offense in the season-opening victory over Sam Houston.

But in the five games Dewberry started, the Aggies averaged 384 yards.

Also, Foster only appeared in four games. The Aggies were 2-2 in them but came just two yards short of upsetting Alabama. A&M’s line was undoubtedly better with Foster in the lineup.

Foster, Dewberry and Robinson should give A&M a powerful interior offensive line. However, juggling of the tackles may be necessary.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Bryce Foster’s 2022 season was cut short after a knee injury vs. Alabama.

Fatheree might have suffered a sophomore jinx last season. He had an impressive freshman campaign, which was highlighted by his ability to neutralize Alabama’s Will Anderson in a 41-38 A&M victory.

He wasn’t as effective in 2022. Apparently, he added about 10 pounds of bulk, which rendered him not quite as nimble. A few months ago, he indicated in a Stacked interview with David Nuño that he’d shed that extra weight.

Zuhn showed guts while playing hurt as a redshirt freshman. Though he had struggles, coaches are apparently pleased with his progress.

He could shift to left tackle if necessary. Further, either Fatheree or Zuhn could face a challenge from highly-regarded freshman Chase Bisontis.

Jordan Moko — who started a few games at left guard but suffered a season-ending injury — is expected to be back healthy. Also, Mark Nabou has drawn praise for the progress he has made at guard and center.

The Aggies have talent up front. That talent was on display when A&M rolled up 429 yards of offense in a season-concluding 38-23 victory over LSU.

They just need consistency.

Renewed health, additional experience and better communication figures to provide it.