Texas A&M emphasizing fundamentals as spring practice opens

Even with a new offensive coordinator — and perhaps a new offense — Texas A&M opened spring football on Monday with an emphasis on fundamentals.


In a Monday afternoon press conference, head coach Jimbo Fisher said the focus this spring will be on execution more than any possible changes implemented by offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.

“We’re running our things,” Fisher said. “We’re going to be base fundamentals. We ain’t getting into scheme. We ain’t getting into anything. That’s what we’re going to do. That’s what we’re going to practice on a daily basis.

“How you execute the scheme is what it’s about … fundamentals.”

However, senior receiver Ainias Smith said he anticipates Petrino’s influence will result in positive changes to the offense, which last season ranked 101st in the nation in scoring.

“I’m definitely excited,” said Smith, who missed all but four games last season with injuries. “What (changes) I would say is a lot of tempo, a lot of speed. Hopefully, a lot of touchdowns.”

Even after a disappointing 5-7 showing in 2022, eyebrows were raised throughout college football when Fisher hired Petrino in January.

Petrino previously had orchestrated explosive offenses as head coach at Arkansas and Louisville. But there was the question of whether he and Fisher could coexist.

But Fisher said the decision to hire Petrino made perfect sense.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Hired on Jan. 4, Bobby Petrino worked closely with A&M’s quarterbacks on day one of spring practice.

“I’ve known him a long time. We’ve had great respect for each other,” Fisher said. “After meeting and talking to him, we thought it would be a very good fit for what we’re trying to do and the things we believe in and what goes on.”

Fisher, who previously has called plays, indicated Petrino will take on that responsibility.

“I plan on him calling plays,” Fisher said. “I have no problem with that at all.”

But before the offense is overhauled — that is, IF it’s overhauled — A&M has to better execute. Smith said that will come from setting higher standards in practice and beyond.

“This year, starting today, we’re going to make it necessary to create a different standard … a mandatory, necessary standard to be able to ensure that our practice habits are going to be able to show in the game,” Smith said. "I feel like that’s what’s going to be different … our practice habits.

“First and foremost, there’s no gap or space for error. It all starts in practice and by our lifestyles outside of football. We’re not able to necessarily just be out there doing whatever we want, especially if we want to get somewhere that we want to get to. If we want to get to that place, we’ve got to take those necessary steps.”

Smith has been part of a team that took those necessary steps to success. He was a sophomore on the Aggies’ 2020 team that was 9-1 and finished No. 4 in the nation — their highest finish since the 1939 national championship.

Fisher said so far this offseason he’s seen players that appear to be more detail-oriented.

“I see a lot of older guys that have been through situations,” Fisher said. “(They) went through the 2020 team, which was the highest (finish) in 81 years, and then last year, we didn’t have production.

“You saw guys understand the difference now. They understand it goes back to fundamentals. You see the leadership affecting the other guys on the team.”

Smith previously has undertaken a leadership role. Though, he hinted he may take an even more active role this spring.

Smith — who has 127 career catches for 1,612 yards and 17 touchdowns — could have entered the NFL draft. He opted to return for a “super senior” season to possibly improve his draft status.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Ainias Smith suffered a season-ending lower-body injury vs. Arkansas.

He did not return to struggle through another disappointing season. He seems intent on making that clear to his teammates.

“I’m not a real big talker. I do it when it’s necessary,” he said.” I like to just show. I’m real big on action … My intensity, the way I come to practice, the way I approach practice, making sure I’m early on or time, making sure I’m the last one on the field getting extra reps.

“Just little things to be able to show the younger guys and everybody else that I ain’t playing. I’m serious. I’m trying to go get it. That’s where it all starts. Show the guys what timing I’m on. What timing we’re on. Hopefully, everybody else follows.”

And how does he make sure everybody follows?

“Now that I’m in the shoes of the older guys, I’m just going to step up,” Smith said. “Do whatever it takes. Do whatever is necessary. Make sure everybody is on the same page. Nobody is slacking. Making sure the locker room is clean. All the little things that everybody was saying last year that we need to work on to make sure, this year, we don’t have to worry about that.”

Despite those leadership statements, cynics might question whether Smith returned because of NIL possibilities.

But Smith said he has no NIL deals.

“I don’t really care for the money, for real,” Smith said. “I’m just trying to ball.”

NOTES:

• Spring football consists of 15 practices. The spring session concludes with the Maroon & White game at Kyle Field on April 15.
• Fisher listed several players that would miss spring football for various reasons. The list includes offensive linemen Bryce Foster, Hunter Erb, Matthew Wykoff and Trey Zuhn, tight end Max Wright, cornerback Deuce Harmon and tight end Jaden Platt.
• Receiver Tyrin Smith, a transfer from UTEP, is not participating in spring drills. Fisher said Smith is torn between staying at A&M or returning to UTEP, where he had 1,039 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last year.