Using Cyclone Alert to analyze Tyler Onyedim, a recent Texas A&M defensive transfer

In the world of college football, roster moves are an important part of team building and strategy. Transfers, in particular, have become a key aspect of recruiting, allowing teams to fill gaps in their lineup and acquire talent that can make an immediate impact. One of the more interesting developments in the 2025 offseason for Texas A&M football is the transfer of defensive back Tyler Onyedim to the Aggies from Iowa State, where he played for the Cyclones in previous seasons. Texas A&M’s decision to bring in Onyedim offers a chance to strengthen their defensive backfield, but it also opens the door to analysis of what Onyedim can bring to the team.

One useful tool in assessing a player’s fit on a new roster is Cyclone Alert, an analytics and scouting platform that evaluates player performance based on both traditional statistics and advanced metrics. By using this platform, Texas A&M’s coaching staff, fans, and analysts can gain deeper insights into Onyedim’s past performances and determine how he could potentially contribute to the Aggies’ defense in 2025. This article will use Cyclone Alert to dive into the strengths and weaknesses of Tyler Onyedim, providing a comprehensive look at what he brings to the table and how he might fit within Texas A&M’s defensive scheme.

Background on Tyler Onyedim

Before diving into the analysis provided by Cyclone Alert, it’s important to understand Onyedim’s background and why he transferred to Texas A&M. Onyedim originally played for Iowa State, a school that has built a reputation for developing solid defensive talent under head coach Matt Campbell. During his time with the Cyclones, Onyedim was a key player in the secondary, contributing as both a cornerback and safety.

Onyedim is known for his size and athleticism. Standing at 6’0” and weighing 190 pounds, Onyedim has the physical profile of a versatile defensive back capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary. His ability to cover receivers downfield, as well as his proficiency in run support and blitzing, makes him an intriguing player for Texas A&M. Given the Aggies’ need for playmaking ability in the secondary, Onyedim’s skill set seemed like an ideal fit.

However, despite his promise and potential, Onyedim faced competition in a crowded Iowa State defensive backfield. With a desire for more playing time and an opportunity to compete at a high level in the SEC, Onyedim made the decision to transfer to Texas A&M in hopes of elevating his game and helping the Aggies continue their push toward national prominence.

Cyclone Alert Analysis: Tyler Onyedim’s Statistical Profile

Using Cyclone Alert, we can take a detailed look at Onyedim’s performance during his time at Iowa State. This analysis will help us understand what he brings to the table in terms of both traditional and advanced metrics, and how his previous production can be expected to translate at Texas A&M.

Traditional Statistics

At first glance, Onyedim’s traditional statistics at Iowa State were solid, showcasing his ability to make an impact on both defense and special teams. During his time in Ames, he played in a total of 32 games, including several starts. His career totals include:

• Tackles: 129
• Interceptions: 5
• Pass Breakups: 10
• Forced Fumbles: 2
• Sacks: 3

These numbers illustrate Onyedim’s ability to be a multifaceted contributor in both the passing game and against the run. His 129 total tackles indicate that he’s not afraid to get involved near the line of scrimmage and is capable of playing in the box when needed. Meanwhile, his five interceptions and 10 pass breakups highlight his ability to make plays on the ball in coverage.

The fact that Onyedim also recorded two forced fumbles and three sacks suggests that he’s a defensive back with an aggressive mindset, capable of making disruptive plays in a variety of ways. These are the kinds of statistics that show a player is not only capable of filling traditional coverage responsibilities but also willing to take on other duties, like blitzing or defending the run.

Advanced Metrics from Cyclone Alert

While traditional statistics provide useful insight into a player’s production, advanced metrics are key to understanding a player’s true impact on the field. Cyclone Alert uses several key metrics to break down Onyedim’s performance and compare it to other players in his position group. Some of the most valuable statistics that Cyclone Alert provides include:

• Pass Coverage Efficiency: This metric evaluates how well a player performs in pass coverage relative to the average for his position. Onyedim’s pass coverage efficiency was solid, with a coverage rating of 87.6 out of 100. This is an indicator that Onyedim is able to effectively defend against receivers in a variety of situations, showing that he can stay with his man and make plays on the ball when needed.
• Yards Allowed Per Snap: This metric tracks how many yards Onyedim allowed per snap in coverage. Over his career at Iowa State, Onyedim allowed an average of 5.4 yards per snap, which is solid for a defensive back. This number suggests that while he is effective at covering receivers, he can still improve in certain areas, particularly in high-stress, game-changing moments.
• Run Defense Rating: This statistic measures how effective Onyedim is when defending against the run. His rating of 91.2 out of 100 indicates that he is a solid run defender, capable of stepping up to the line of scrimmage and contributing to the defense’s ability to stop the run. This is a crucial aspect of his game, especially given that he will likely be asked to perform a similar role for Texas A&M, where the SEC’s power-running offenses demand strong defensive back support.
• Missed Tackles: A low missed tackle rate is crucial for any defensive player, particularly a defensive back. Onyedim’s missed tackle rate was 4.6%, which is below the average for his position. This is a positive sign, indicating that he is able to wrap up and make solid tackles when the ball carrier is in his area.
• Sack Rate: Onyedim’s sack rate is also worth noting. He recorded three sacks during his time at Iowa State, and his sack rate of 1.2% is respectable for a defensive back, showcasing his ability to add pressure in passing situations, particularly when blitzing from the secondary.

What Onyedim Brings to Texas A&M

Based on his performance at Iowa State and his analysis through Cyclone Alert, Onyedim brings several key attributes to the Texas A&M defense:

Versatility in the Secondary

One of the most notable strengths Onyedim brings to Texas A&M is his versatility. He’s capable of playing cornerback or safety, which gives defensive coordinator DJ Durkin the ability to move Onyedim around and use him in various ways. Whether it’s covering wide receivers, defending against the run, or providing support as a safety net in deep coverage, Onyedim’s adaptability makes him an asset to the Aggies’ defensive backfield.

Strong Tackler and Run Defender

Onyedim’s solid run defense rating and low missed tackle rate show that he is not only a coverage specialist but also someone who can step up to the line of scrimmage and help stop the run. This is especially important in the SEC, where running backs are often physical and challenging to stop. Onyedim’s ability to be a sure tackler and contribute to the run game gives Texas A&M a well-rounded player in the secondary.

Playmaking Ability

Onyedim’s ability to make plays on the ball, including his five interceptions and 10 pass breakups at Iowa State, shows that he’s not just a defender who stays in coverage but someone who actively looks to make plays. This playmaking ability is something the Aggies can use to generate turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses. With a defense that thrives on taking the ball away, Onyedim’s instincts could make him an immediate impact player in 2025.

Depth and Experience in the Secondary

With several key contributors in the Texas A&M secondary leaving due to graduation or the NFL draft, Onyedim’s transfer is a significant boost for the Aggies. His experience in high-level competition in the Big 12 and his time as a starter at Iowa State make him a player who can step into a leadership role and provide stability to a young secondary. His presence will allow Texas A&M to build depth in the defensive backfield, which is crucial in a conference as demanding as the SEC.