ABC13's Greg Bailey: My hype and belief in the Aggies is off the charts

Key notes from Greg Bailey interview

• The hype and the belief in the Aggies are off the charts. The quarterback announcement sent everybody to another level, a stratosphere we haven't seen since the days of Johnny Manziel. It's exciting times.
   
• My love for Texas A&M dates back my entire life. I'm a third-generation Aggie. My grandfather loved it. My dad loved it. My whole family loves it, and it's the one thing I get to be a fan of. When you cover stuff, you have to be a professional and not a fan. On Saturdays, I get to kick back and be a fan.
   
• I think back to what Jimbo Fisher told us at the Houston Touchdown Club: Anytime there is a competition, Haynes King is always first. It doesn't matter if it's running or lifting. That's a leadership quality that dates back to Longview when he was playing for his dad. When your quarterback takes on those leadership qualities, it's extremely exciting.
   
• Johnny had an underrated arm and could sling it. I'm not sure Haynes has that arm, but he is a passer. He likes throws down the field, and we saw that at Longview. King’s speed has taken on a life of its own. When Devon Achane says you're fast, then you're fast. I'll be in the stands when they play Kent State, so I'll be excited just like everyone else to see what it really looks like.
   
• DeMarvin Leal has always reminded me of Ty Warren, which I consider to be an incredible compliment. Leal might be a little more athletic, but when you talk about Ty, you're talking about a guy that left quite the mark with the New England Patriots. I'm not sure people understand how athletic and versatile Leal is. Looking back to that Alabama game and that interception he made, it's preposterous that a guy his size can move like that and be that athletic.
   
• As you guys make your list, the most impactful player on offense could be Ainias Smith. I'm not sure what you do with the A&M offense as long as there are credible threats outside. That has been a criticism. I'm a big Chase Lane fan. You saw what Caleb Chapman could do in his brief spell, and he's a big play waiting to happen. He's as underrated of a Houston prospect as I've seen in a long time. As long as you have playmakers on the outside, I'm not sure who you double and who you stop.
   
• I started at ABC13 in late August of 2012, and I went to the press conference after the LA Tech game got postponed. We went to that Florida game, and that atmosphere was incredible. It's a day I'll never forget. Johnny showed flashes that day. I'm not sure I knew then what he'd become, but it was quite the day. I was also impressed at how many people remembered me from when I was an intern at KBTX.
   
• Culture change 180 with the Texans. It couldn't be better. They all respect each other and respect the opportunity. Almost everybody has said they needed the culture change, and if I'm a Texans fan, I'm pleased with the early returns from Nick Caserio.
   
• Bill O'Brien has a really good offensive mind. I think he was hamstrung by some things that went on here with the Texans. Under Nick Saban's structure, he's going to do a good job. Bryce Young is tremendously talented, and he will be dangerous in whatever offense they set up at Alabama. In the NFL, nobody should be the head coach and GM at the same time. He got caught up in it. I think O'Brien will succeed at Alabama. He has such a great football mind.
   
• Buddy Johnson in Pittsburgh seems like a great storyline. It seems like he's a guy born to play for that franchise with everything he does. There's nothing he can't do. I've seen some criticism of his pass coverage, but that s a transition every college kid goes through.
   
• Kellen Mond is one of the toughest kids I've seen play college football. If he can do that at the next level, he'll find a role in the NFL. I'm not sure what his future or Krik Cousins' future in Minnesota looks like. I will never not root for Mond.
   
• Ryan McCollum is being seen more at center, but I'm not sure there's a spot for him on the active roster. The practice squad for him would be a perfect place. I think both McCollum and Carson Green will get that opportunity, whether it's here or somewhere else.