Progress made, solutions still to be found as A&M begins SEC play

Problems on the offensive line and at quarterback were not solved in Texas A&M’s 17-9 victory over Miami last week, but the Aggie head coach said notable progress was made.

At his weekly press conference on Monday, Jimbo Fisher expressed that he was encouraged by the play of the offensive line and new starting quarterback Max Johnson.

The Aggies (2-1) had struggled on the offensive line, especially in the running game, in their first two games. Also, quarterback Haynes King had been inconsistent, which prompted Fisher to move to start Johnson.

Sophomore center Bryce Foster, recovered from mononucleosis, was back in the lineup in place of Matthew Wykoff. Also, Jordan Moko got a start at guard.

The Aggies’ modest 124 yards rushing total against Miami was a season-high. They also gave up three sacks, which is an issue of concern.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Foster returned on Saturday after missing A&M’s first two games due to illness.

Overall, Fisher said the line had a decent showing.

“I thought the offensive line got better in the game,” he said. “Played more physical up front at times. Moved people. Created some great running lanes. Our running game got better. Gave (running back Devon) Achane some time to go. (We’ve) Got to clean up some pass blocking.”

Fisher indicated tackles Trey Zuhn and Reuben Fatheree, guards Layden Robinson and Moko and Foster would continue to start when the No. 23 Aggies face No. 10 Arkansas (3-0) on Saturday at 6 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

“I think we’ll keep that same starting group right now,” Fisher said. “But Matthew can play center or guard for us. We’re very confident with him in the game playing.

“I think Foster has gotten much better. He’s grown maturity-wise from experience and just knowledge of what’s going to happen and why it happens and how you handle your business.

“He’s in good shape now, but he’s got to get in better shape. Hopefully, I think he’s going to really grow. He can be an outstanding player.”

A&M needs him to grow into that as soon as possible. Arkansas leads the SEC in rushing defense.

However, the Razorbacks are last in the nation in pass defense.

Two weeks ago, Aggies could not take advantage of holes in Appalachian State’s secondary. They lost 17-14.

However, Johnson's modest showing against Miami — he completed 10-of-20 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown — was enough for Fisher to be optimistic.

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In his first start as an Aggie, Max Johnson defeated Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke, who is considered to be a future first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

“He managed the game,” Fisher said. “The game wasn’t too big. Made good third-down throws. Led us. Had good poise. Understood the information back on the sideline what was happening in the game.”

Johnson may have a chance to get better because he’ll have more help.

Fisher announced that freshman receivers Evan Stewart and Chris Marshall and cornerbacks Denver Harris and Smoke Bouie were reinstated after serving a one-game suspension for breaking team rules.

“(Johnson) played a solid game. Hopefully, we can continue to grow, and we can grow around him and keep playing better,” Fisher said. “There’s still some plays out there that he was making, but we have to do better around him. We could have really made some plays on some routes and different things.”

Group Decision

Senior receiver Ainias Smith said he and other team leaders were involved in handing down the punishment for the four suspended players.

“Coach had brought in his group of leaders,” Smith said. “We all had a group discussion with the coaches trying to figure out what we were going to do. It came down to (suspension), unfortunately.

"We had a talk with the (suspended) guys and made sure what happened was for a reason and what that reason was exactly. And really just making sure we’re all on the same page moving forward, they learn from it and hope it doesn’t happen again.”

What Might Have Been

Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders, a product of Ryan High School in Denton, leads the Southeastern Conference with 5.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss.

He signed with Alabama about of high school but went to Arkansas via the transfer portal after last season.

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Through his first three games in Fayetteville, Sanders has made 28 total tackles, including 16 solo stops.

Fisher indicated A&M was contacted about him. However, the Aggies were already loaded with commitments in the nation’s No. 1-rated recruiting class.

“I think he reached out, but at that time, we were way over (scholarship limit),” Fisher said.

Fisher chose not to pull an offer from a prospect who was committed to A&M.

"I ain’t a run-a-guy-off guy,” Fisher said. “I don’t believe in that. I never have, and I never will. If Drew Sanders had transferred here, I would have loved to have him. I think he’s a phenomenal player. You watch that guy play. He can rush the passer. He can play backer. He can run. He’s a special teams guy. The guy is a heck of a player.

“But your numbers, the guys you’ve got; you’re loyal to the guys you’ve got and the guys you’ve recruited.”

Honoring Memories

There are a lot of reasons to choose to play football at Texas A&M: Close to home, playing in the SEC, playing for a national championship-winning coach, etc.

Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Albert Regis had a couple more reasons. His older brother, Lance, and an uncle were A&M fans. Both have passed away.

“I always loved this school,” Regis said. “Growing up, my older brother was a fan of this school. My uncle was also a fan of this school. My uncle passed away, and then my older brother passed away as well.

“They never got a chance to come here, so I wanted to take that chance for them. To carry their will and what they couldn’t do to live it out for them.”

Aggies are certainly glad Regis chose A&M. He blocked a field goal attempt against Miami, has blocked a pass, has posted six tackles and assisted on a tackle for loss.