John Chavis, Otaro Alaka discuss Aggie linebackers' determination

The first step in solving a problem is admitting there is one. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence, some will not acknowledge a problem exists.

That’s not an issue at Texas A&M.

Second-year Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach John Chavis and linebacker Otaro Alaka are not in a state of denial.

They admit the Aggies have a problem at linebacker and in run defense — and both are determined to be part of the solution.

“To be honest with you, the biggest job stands with me,” Chavis said after practice on Friday. “We’ve got to get better linebacker play. We gave up too many big plays. A lot of that was because we mis-fit a lot of the run game. That had to do with linebackers.

"We were good enough up front (in the defensive line). I think we’re going to be better this year and that will help. But we’ve got to get the most growth and most improvement in the linebacker corps.”

The Aggies have ranked 108th or worse in run defense in each of the past three seasons. They’ve moved receivers to linebacker. They’ve started walk-ons. They’ve looked to true freshmen.

Indeed, in each of the past three seasons at least one true freshman has started at linebacker.

Alaka eventually worked his way into the starting lineup as a freshman in 2014 and posted 33 tackles and forced two fumbles. He also earned Defensive Most Valuable Player honors in a Liberty Bowl victory over West Virginia.

But shoulder and elbow injuries limited him to cameo appearances in just three games last season. He managed only 12 tackles.

However, he’s healthy again and back at 6-3, 240 pounds. He thinks he could emerge as a destructive force at weakside linebacker.

“I think I can really do some things,” Alaka said. “I’ve been talking to Coach Chavis, the whole defense is set up for the WILL to make plays. I know once I get the playbook down I’ll be good.

“The whole season (last year) I was playing with injuries. I really couldn’t get off blocks as well. I didn’t have much strength with the elbow and shoulder. I’ll be stronger overall.”

Chavis is counting on that.

“He’s a talented young man,” Chavis said. “He’s very smart. He understands the system. He’s a lot farther along than some of the guys who played it. He’s going to make that linebacker group better. There’s no question about that.”

Yet, there remain serious questions about A&M’s defense, which must also replace its starting defensive tackles and both cornerbacks from last season.

However, Chavis raved about sophomore defensive tackle Kingsley Keke’s progress. He said Keke was the best defensive player on the first day of spring practice in pads.

Chavis also said he expects sophomore tackle Daylon Mack to become more consistent and intense. Further, Chavis doesn’t expect a drop of production at cornerback even without the departed De’Vante Harris and Brandon Williams.

“You look for biggest improvement the second year,” Chavis said. “They understand the system now. I think we’re a bigger, more physical football team at this point than we were a year ago and more mature in understanding what to do.”

Yet, they all understand the defense won’t get significantly better unless the linebackers do.

Here are reasons to be cautiously optimistic even though middle linebacker A.J. Hilliard had to quit football because of injuries.

Richard Moore showed great promise as a freshman. Even though Alaka said Moore is slowed by a groin injury, he’s still impressed by his ability.

Also, Josh Walker is back from injuries to play at middle linebacker where he started some games as a freshman in 2014. Alaka is also expecting to get some work in the middle.

Alaka and the other linebackers are well aware they’re considered the weak link of the defense. They’re determined to change that perception.

“We’ve been hearing it for the last couple of years,” Alaka said. “You can only just take it, work with it and let it motivate you. Just try to prove them wrong.

“We all take it personally. We’re all working as hard as we can, Shaan (Washington) me, Richard … we’re all going to lead them.”