Watch several Texas A&M football players build strength in the weight room this offseason

The offseason is a critical time for any football program, and for Texas A&M, this period is not just about maintaining momentum but building strength for the upcoming season. As the 2025 season approaches, several players on the Texas A&M football team are dedicating themselves to improving their physical capabilities in the weight room. This offseason training is about much more than simply getting bigger; it’s about becoming stronger, faster, and more resilient. The strength and conditioning program at Texas A&M is one of the cornerstones of their success and a key factor in their ability to compete at the highest level in the SEC.

Throughout the offseason, the weight room has been buzzing with energy as players push themselves to their limits under the watchful eyes of their coaches and strength staff. From explosive power lifts to targeted strength training, these athletes are not only honing their skills but also preparing their bodies for the grueling physical demands of college football. Let’s take a closer look at how several Texas A&M football players have been building strength and what this offseason training looks like.

The Importance of the Weight Room in College Football

The weight room is where the foundation of any successful football team is laid. While skills like ball handling, route running, and defensive coverage are critical on the field, developing the physical strength to support those skills is equally important. For football players, strength is directly tied to performance. Whether it’s a running back bursting through a tackle, a linebacker shedding blockers to make a stop, or a defensive lineman getting after the quarterback, the weight room is where players build the physical tools necessary to succeed.

At Texas A&M, the emphasis on strength training is apparent in the offseason. Head Coach Jimbo Fisher and his coaching staff understand the importance of developing a well-rounded player. The Aggies’ strength and conditioning program is designed to help players improve their speed, explosiveness, power, and overall body strength. This program also focuses on injury prevention, flexibility, and conditioning. It’s a comprehensive approach that prepares players for the physically demanding nature of the SEC and beyond.

Strength coach Larry Jackson, who is known for his no-nonsense approach to training, oversees the program. His expertise in developing high-performance athletes is widely recognized, and he has helped countless players improve their physical abilities. Under his guidance, the Aggies have developed a reputation for their physicality and strength.

Players Who Are Standing Out in the Weight Room

As part of their offseason preparation, several players on the Texas A&M football team are getting stronger, faster, and more explosive. Let’s take a closer look at a few players who have caught attention in the weight room this offseason.

1. Jalen Preston – Wide Receiver

Jalen Preston, one of the top receiving threats on the Texas A&M football team, is working diligently in the weight room to improve his strength and explosiveness. Known for his ability to make plays downfield, Preston has been focusing on building his upper body and increasing his core strength. This offseason, his work on the bench press and dumbbell rows has been impressive, as he looks to gain an advantage in contested catches and fight through physical coverage.

Preston’s offseason routine also involves a significant amount of footwork drills designed to improve his agility and burst off the line of scrimmage. The combination of strength and agility training will allow him to separate from defenders more easily and make plays after the catch. With a renewed focus on building power and endurance, Preston is poised to be a key asset in the Aggies’ passing game this upcoming season.

2. Devon Achane – Running Back

Devon Achane, Texas A&M’s dynamic running back, is already one of the most explosive players in college football, but this offseason he’s working to take his game to the next level. Achane’s speed and quickness make him a nightmare for defenses, but his strength training in the weight room is focused on enhancing his power and durability. With an emphasis on lower body strength, Achane has been hitting the squat rack hard, aiming to increase his ability to break tackles and power through defenders.

Achane has also been working on his conditioning in the weight room, ensuring that he maintains his burst and explosiveness throughout the entire game. As a key contributor to the Aggies’ running game, Achane’s offseason workouts are designed to ensure that he can carry the workload and stay healthy throughout the season. His ability to keep his speed while building strength and muscle will be crucial as he aims for another breakout year in the SEC.

3. Layden Robinson – Offensive Line

The offensive line is one of the most important aspects of any successful football program, and Layden Robinson has been a standout in the weight room this offseason. As one of the leaders of the Aggies’ offensive line, Robinson has been focused on improving his power and technique. Robinson is already an imposing figure, but his offseason training focuses on getting even stronger in both the upper and lower body to dominate defenders at the point of attack.

Robinson’s workouts include heavy lifts such as squats and deadlifts to build his core strength and stability, while also focusing on explosive movements to improve his first-step quickness. His work in the weight room is aimed at helping him become more powerful in pass protection and better at opening holes for the running game. His leadership on the offensive line is crucial for the success of the Texas A&M offense, and his commitment to building strength this offseason shows just how serious he is about his role.

4. Antonio Johnson – Defensive Back

Antonio Johnson, one of the most talented defensive backs in college football, has been making significant strides in the weight room this offseason. Johnson is known for his ability to cover a lot of ground on the field, but this offseason he’s focused on building strength to better compete against powerful wide receivers and tight ends. His work in the weight room has centered on upper body strength, with heavy emphasis on exercises that target his shoulders, chest, and arms.

Additionally, Johnson has been working on his explosiveness, with a particular focus on improving his ability to react quickly and close down space on receivers. His offseason strength and conditioning program also includes a lot of core training to increase his balance and agility. By becoming more physically dominant at the line of scrimmage, Johnson hopes to be even more disruptive in the passing game.

5. Michael Clemons – Defensive Line

Michael Clemons, a force on the defensive line, has been one of the standout performers in the weight room. Known for his explosiveness and relentless motor, Clemons has been working on his overall strength to take his game to the next level. His training is centered on developing his power for both pass-rushing and run-stopping.

Clemons has been focusing on improving his squat and deadlift numbers to build his lower body strength. This added strength will help him shed blockers and maintain his leverage against offensive linemen. His agility drills and power cleans are designed to improve his quickness and explosiveness off the snap. With the increased strength he is building in the weight room, Clemons will be even more of a threat to opposing quarterbacks this season.

The Role of the Strength and Conditioning Staff

Texas A&M’s strength and conditioning staff plays a pivotal role in the development of the players. Under the guidance of strength coach Larry Jackson, the players follow a detailed and individualized training program tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s building strength for a position group or focusing on injury prevention, the strength staff is dedicated to ensuring that each player reaches their full potential.

Coach Jackson and his staff also emphasize the importance of recovery, flexibility, and nutrition in the offseason. Strength training is not just about lifting heavy weights; it’s about ensuring that players have the right balance of rest and recovery to prevent injury and perform at their peak when the season begins.

A Comprehensive Approach to Offseason Training

While the strength training program at Texas A&M is demanding, it is also highly structured to ensure that players are prepared for every aspect of the game. The offseason training involves more than just weightlifting; it also includes agility drills, speed training, and mental conditioning. This holistic approach ensures that players are ready for the physical and mental challenges they will face on the field.

The Aggies’ strength and conditioning program also includes a strong focus on team-building, with players often working together in the weight room to push each other to new heights. The camaraderie and support among teammates foster a culture of competition and accountability, where everyone is invested in each other’s success.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season

As the 2025 season draws closer, the Texas A&M football team is clearly positioning itself to be stronger and more formidable than ever. The work that players like Jalen Preston, Devon Achane, Layden Robinson, Antonio Johnson, and Michael Clemons are putting in during the offseason will pay dividends when the season kicks off. Their dedication to building strength in the weight room is just one part of the equation, but it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle as the Aggies look to compete at the highest level in the SEC and beyond.

The weight room is where champions are made, and for Texas A&M, the work being done this offseason is setting the stage for another successful campaign. With a combination of physical strength, mental toughness, and a commitment to excellence, the Aggies are preparing to make a serious run at the top of the SEC standings.