Myles Garrett college career: Former Texas A&M DE’s stats, records, notable achievements and more

Myles Garrett is widely recognized as one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, but his journey to stardom began during his time at Texas A&M. Garrett’s college career laid the foundation for what would become a highly successful professional trajectory. As a standout defensive end for the Texas A&M Aggies, Garrett left a lasting mark on both his team and college football in general. His combination of size, speed, strength, and technique made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and an instant household name in the world of college football.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Garrett’s college career, including his stats, records, notable achievements, and the legacy he left at Texas A&M before transitioning to the NFL.

Background and Arrival at Texas A&M

Myles Garrett was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of Arlington Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. Known for his exceptional athleticism, explosive speed, and freakish ability to rush the passer, Garrett was one of the most highly regarded defensive prospects in the country. He was a consensus five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the state of Texas, as well as one of the top defensive line prospects in the country.

Garrett ultimately chose to play for Texas A&M, where he became a key part of Kevin Sumlin’s defense. The Aggies had built a strong reputation for developing talented players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and Garrett quickly became one of the cornerstones of the program’s defensive unit. His commitment to the Aggies was seen as a major coup for Sumlin, as it bolstered an already impressive recruiting class.

Freshman Year: A Glimpse of Greatness (2014)

Garrett’s arrival at Texas A&M was nothing short of explosive. Despite being a true freshman, he immediately showcased his ability to impact games at a high level. He became an immediate starter for the Aggies and made an instant impact in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a league known for its competitive and high-caliber play.

In his freshman season, Garrett played in all 13 games and quickly established himself as one of the most disruptive forces on the field. He finished the season with 11.5 sacks, which set a school record for a freshman. His ability to rush the quarterback was unmatched, and it was clear that he had the potential to become one of the top pass rushers in the country. Garrett’s 11.5 sacks ranked second in the SEC, behind only future NFL standout Jonathan Allen of Alabama, and he earned a spot on the All-SEC Freshman team.

In addition to his sack total, Garrett also accumulated 53 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and five quarterback hurries. He had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and his physicality and relentless pursuit of the quarterback made him an instant fan favorite. His standout freshman campaign earned him multiple accolades, including Freshman All-America honors from several media outlets.

Garrett’s first season was a testament to his immense talent, and it was clear that Texas A&M had a future star on their hands.

Sophomore Year: Dominating the SEC (2015)

Garrett’s sophomore season in 2015 was even more impressive than his freshman campaign. He continued to develop as a pass rusher and established himself as one of the top defensive players in the country. Garrett was now a household name in the SEC, and he was on the radar of NFL scouts from the moment he stepped on the field.

In his second year at Texas A&M, Garrett posted 12.5 sacks, which ranked second in the SEC and was good enough to earn him First-Team All-SEC honors. His ability to get to the quarterback was unmatched, and he made life miserable for opposing offenses throughout the season. Garrett also recorded 59 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles, demonstrating his ability to disrupt plays in every phase of the game.

One of Garrett’s most memorable performances came in a game against Auburn, where he recorded 3.5 sacks and was a key factor in the Aggies’ 26-10 victory. That game was a perfect example of Garrett’s dominance and his ability to take over a game when it mattered most. He was a nightmare for offensive lines and routinely drew double and triple-team blocks, yet still managed to find ways to make plays.

Garrett’s play during the 2015 season earned him several prestigious honors, including First-Team All-American honors from the Associated Press, Sporting News, and USA Today. He was also a finalist for the prestigious Bednarik Award, which is given annually to the best defensive player in college football. By the end of his sophomore season, Garrett had solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the nation and was well on his way to becoming a top draft prospect.

Junior Year: A Historic Season (2016)

In 2016, Garrett’s junior season, he came into the year with even higher expectations. As one of the top defensive players in the country, he was the centerpiece of the Texas A&M defense and one of the most feared pass rushers in the nation. Garrett’s performance during the 2016 season was remarkable, and he finished his college career with a bang.

Garrett played in 11 games during his junior year due to injury but still managed to make a significant impact. He finished the season with 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, despite missing some time due to injury. He recorded 33 total tackles and forced one fumble. Although Garrett’s sack total wasn’t as high as his previous years, he still demonstrated that he was a force to be reckoned with and one of the most disruptive players on the field.

His injury-riddled junior season led to him opting to declare for the NFL Draft after his third year at Texas A&M. Garrett’s decision to leave college early didn’t come as a surprise to many, as he had already established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the nation. However, his junior season still left a lasting impression on both fans and scouts alike.

Garrett’s accolades during his junior year included being named a First-Team All-American by multiple outlets, as well as being a finalist for the Hendricks Award, which is given to the best defensive end in college football. He was also named a First-Team All-SEC selection for the third consecutive year, cementing his status as one of the premier players in the SEC.

Records and Notable Achievements

Throughout his career at Texas A&M, Garrett set several school records and earned numerous accolades that solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in Aggies history. Some of his most notable achievements include:

• School Records: Garrett finished his career with 31 sacks, a Texas A&M school record. His 47 tackles for loss also set a new school record, showcasing his ability to disrupt offensive plays in various ways.
• All-American Honors: Garrett was named an All-American in each of his final two seasons, earning First-Team All-American honors in both 2015 and 2016. This placed him among the best defensive players in the country during his tenure at Texas A&M.
• SEC Recognition: Throughout his college career, Garrett earned All-SEC honors multiple times. He was named to the First-Team All-SEC in 2015 and 2016, as well as the Second-Team All-SEC in 2014. His ability to perform at the highest level in the SEC made him one of the most respected players in the conference.
• NFL Draft: Garrett’s college success led to him being selected as the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. His dominance as a pass rusher in college made him a highly coveted prospect, and he became one of the highest-rated defensive players to come out of college football in recent years.

Legacy at Texas A&M

Myles Garrett’s legacy at Texas A&M is one that will endure for years to come. As one of the greatest defensive players in school history, Garrett set a high standard for future Aggie players to follow. His contributions on the field helped solidify Texas A&M as a competitive force in the SEC, and his presence in the locker room and on the field inspired his teammates.

Garrett’s impact on the program cannot be overstated. He left a lasting imprint on both the defense and the university itself, and his dominance on the field helped elevate Texas A&M’s football program to new heights. As the Aggies continue to recruit and develop players, Garrett’s success serves as a blueprint for future generations of defensive linemen looking to make an impact at the collegiate and professional levels.