College is for learning. Learning requires studying.
Thus, Texas A&M defensive end Anto Saka is diligently studious, especially for the history of sacks in America.
Saka (pronounced SOCKa) seemingly majors in that field with hopes of making a major impact on the field.
He relentlessly watches video to study NFL sack masters past and present like Texas A&M legend Von Miller, Will Anderson, Khalil Mack, Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney.
“I put a lot of time into my craft,” Saka said after a recent spring football practice session. “I love watching people before me. I’m a student of the game.
“Being able to see it and then go out on the field and just work at it has helped me out. I watch everybody from all eras.”
Aggies hope he’ll prove a quick study. A&M needs to reinforce one of the best pass rushes in the nation.
Last season, the Aggies were fourth in the country with 43 sacks. More than a quarter of those sacks (11.5) were recorded by Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year Cashius Howell.
Howell has left to pursue an NFL career. So have 10 others who combined for a dozen sacks. Also, Rylan Kennedy, who accounted for two sacks, transferred.
From the “Blitz Brothers” of John Roper and Aaron Wallace to Miller’s Butkus Award campaign of 2010 to the eras of Damontre Moore, Myles Garrett and Howell, some of A&M’s best teams featured fierce pass rushes.
That glorious history is one of the reasons Saka opted to transfer to A&M from Northwestern, where he posted 12 sacks in three seasons.
“You’ve got guys coming through here like (NFL first round pick) Shemar Stewart. Nic Scourton (a 2024 transfer from Purdue) came up through the Big Ten like me. Cashius Howell this past year,” Saka said. “And then on top of the success they had (last) year —double-digit wins, playoffs — they’re building something special here.
“That was more than enough for me.”
But will Saka be enough to replace the lost production? His highest sack total was 5.5 in 2023.
Saka remains confident he can do his part. He’s worked hard with A&M strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffitt to add 10 pounds of muscle. He’s a lean 6-foot-4 and 261 pounds. He has gained quickness, too.
Still, Saka doesn’t necessarily have to lead the A&M pass rush. He just needs to do his part.
Safety Dalton Brooks is the leading returner in sacks with four last season. Linebacker Daymion Sanford had 3.5. Defensive tackle DJ Hicks had three. Defensive end Marco Jones had 2.5, but he played behind Howell and did not get a glut opportunity.
However, Jones does have a glut of optimism for what the A&M pass rush could be in 2026.
“Everybody’s been working super hard getting their pass rush,” Jones said. “You’ve got to expect it from the whole D-line. Between all the D-ends, all the D-tackles, linebackers … the whole defense is going to be involved and really getting home.”
Saka is feeling at home in the A&M defensive scheme, which he said is more conducive to rushing the quarterback than Northwestern’s.
“They’ve got me playing a little bit wider,” he said. “(A&M's scheme) is a little more friendly to stopping the pass. It’s something I’ve grown comfortable with, something that I’m really enjoying.”
Saka suggested Aggies will enjoy seeing A&M harass quarterbacks. Perhaps Saka and Jones could even develop a productive pass-rushing partnership.
“When we’re out at practice, and it’s third down, it’s almost pick your poison,” Saka said. “I love rushing beside Marco.
“There’s not going to be a drop off, I tell you that. We get after the quarterback.”
