The light bulb apparently hasn’t yet come on, but it’s getting inserted.
That’s the message seemingly delivered on Wednesday by Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein, who’s trying to update and upgrade the Aggie offense.
Though A&M is only six practices into spring drills, Klein, who was previously at Kansas State, said progress is slowly being made.
“We’re trying to build a foundation for the entire offense,” Klein said. “Expose them to as many things as we can while being focused on the fundamental details and the skills needed to then make those Xs and Os go.
“That’s truly the most important part. It is a balance now going into the second full week here.”
Klein said more of his offensive system will be installed this week.
“I think we’re going to really cover some ground this week and have that familiarity level across the board,” he said. “We’re being aggressive with it right from the jump, but making sure we don’t push too hard, too fast and make sure we’re doing it fundamentally sound.”
The Aggies' offense was merely mediocre last season. A&M was ranked 50th in the country in total offense last season and 93rd in 2022.
Last season, Klein’s offense at Kansas State ranked 23rd nationally in total offense and 10th in scoring.
In just six practices, A&M quarterback Conner Weigman has seen glimpses of what made Kansas State’s offense successful.
“The receivers are always open,” Weigman said. “As a quarterback, you’ve got to like that. Just being able to play fast, get the ball out of your hands quick and get it to your playmakers. It’s going to be fun.”
A fun offense would be a welcome change. It’ll take more time before the Aggies fully grasp the nuances and concepts of Klein’s system.
“I think it’s fun when that light bulb comes on for them,” Klein said. “When that clicks of ‘Hey, this is what we’re trying to accomplish. This is how we’re going to do it.’
“OK, it works. They see it. They understand it. It then creates that level of excitement and satisfaction of doing things the right way. Then building off that to something else. And then building something else off that. Definitely felt that excitement build for all of us.”
No A&M running back emerged as an obvious feature back in 2023, though three rushed for more than 350 yards.
Amari Daniels led the Aggies with 532 rushing yards. Le’Veon Moss had 484, and Rueben Owens had 385.
Klein suggested A&M might again have a running back-by-committee approach in 2024.
“I think, in college football in this league, it’s going to take a stable,” he said. “The days of one true back are probably not there anymore. It’s going to have to be a shared load that two or three guys are going to have to carry.
“All three guys have done a really, really good job this spring of showing flashes of really, really good things.”
Of course, a committee approach doesn’t mean they can’t be more productive.
Two seasons ago, Kansas State had three running backs rush for more than 500 yards, including Deuce Vaughn, who had 1,558.
Sophomore defensive tackle DJ Hicks admitted he considered entering the transfer portal after last season.
“To be honest, I was thinking about it, but what compelled me to stay was coach (Mike) Elko and the way I believe in coach Elko,” Hicks said. “Just the way that he coaches and the way I talked to him when I was recruited here and just the way that he is as a man.
“I just had to stay here and see what he could do for my future and my teammates around me.”
The return of Hicks is just one reason A&M projects to be strong in the defensive line.
Shemar Turner opted to put the NFL Draft on hold. Shemar Stewart also shunned the transfer portal. Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy is recovering from an injury.
Further, Big Ten sack leader Nic Scourton transferred in from Purdue.
New defensive coordinator Jay Bateman acknowledged he has inherited a strong group of linemen.
“Obviously, that’s a really talented group,” Bateman said. “They jump out at you when you first start working with them. There is depth there. I think that will be a real strong point of our football team.
“Some of the decisions we’ve made as we’re building this are built around the fact to prioritize their ability to impact the game.”
