The depth of Texas A&M’s cornerback position will be put to the test in the spring.

The Depth of Texas A&M’s Cornerback Position Will Be Put to the Test in the Spring

As the 2025 college football season quickly approaches, the Texas A&M Aggies are looking to build on their already impressive roster and take a step forward in the SEC. One position that will be critical in their success is the cornerback spot, where the Aggies are facing a crucial spring ahead. The cornerback unit, which has long been a pillar of the Texas A&M defense, is deep in talent but will need to answer several important questions to ensure the team’s success in 2025.

With spring practices just around the corner, it’s time to take a closer look at the cornerback position for the Aggies, the depth they possess, and the challenges they face moving forward. The cornerbacks are often the first line of defense against opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers, making it vital for the Aggies to have both experienced players and talented newcomers stepping up to the plate. Spring practices will offer valuable insight into who will step up as leaders in the secondary and help solidify one of the most important positions on the team.

The Cornerback Position at Texas A&M: A History of Excellence

Before we dive into the current state of the cornerback position, it’s important to acknowledge the history and significance of this role in Texas A&M’s defense. The Aggies have a long-standing reputation for developing top-tier defensive players, especially at the cornerback position. Over the years, Texas A&M has produced several standout defensive backs, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the NFL.

From the days of De’Vante Harris and Justin Evans to recent standouts like Myles Jones and Elijah Blades, the Aggies have consistently attracted top-level talent to their secondary. Texas A&M’s coaching staff has worked tirelessly to cultivate a culture of excellence in the defensive backfield, focusing on speed, physicality, and ball skills. As the Aggies continue to recruit and develop new talent, they are hoping to maintain that tradition in the years to come.

The 2025 Cornerback Depth Chart: Key Returners and New Faces

Heading into the spring, Texas A&M’s cornerback position is stacked with both returning veterans and promising new players. This mix of experience and youthful energy will be essential for the Aggies’ success, and it will provide head coach Jimbo Fisher and defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin with a variety of options when it comes to putting together their cornerback rotation.

Key Returners:

1. Jalen Kimber (Senior): One of the most experienced cornerbacks on the roster, Jalen Kimber is entering his senior season with a solid track record of performance. Having transferred from Georgia, Kimber has made his presence felt in the Aggies’ secondary since joining the program. With solid size, speed, and coverage skills, Kimber has been a key contributor to the Texas A&M defense, often matched up against the opponent’s top receiver. His leadership and experience will be crucial as the Aggies navigate a competitive SEC slate in 2025.
2. Tariqious Tisdale (Junior): Another vital piece of the cornerback depth, Tariqious Tisdale has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in College Station. He’s known for his ability to be physical in press coverage while also showcasing impressive agility and speed to cover deep routes. As he enters his junior season, Tisdale will be expected to take on a more prominent role in the secondary, particularly as one of the cornerstones of the defense. His ability to take his game to the next level will be pivotal for the Aggies in 2025.
3. Bryce Anderson (Sophomore): A highly touted prospect out of high school, Bryce Anderson has impressed since his arrival at Texas A&M. With a strong combination of athleticism, technique, and a nose for the football, Anderson looks to be a breakout player in 2025. As he enters his sophomore year, Anderson will be looking to make a significant impact on the field, both as a cornerback and as a potential leader in the secondary. His development will be one of the key storylines during the spring.

New Additions and Potential Impact Players:

1. A.J. Harris (Freshman): One of the standout recruits for Texas A&M, A.J. Harris is expected to compete for playing time immediately. Known for his quickness and natural ability to mirror receivers, Harris brings a fresh dynamic to the Aggies’ cornerback room. Though he is a freshman, he has the physical traits and skill set to make an early impact. Texas A&M’s coaching staff will be closely monitoring his progress during spring practices, as Harris could be one of the surprise contributors in 2025.
2. Demarcus Kimbrough (Junior Transfer): After transferring from another program, Demarcus Kimbrough has the potential to make an immediate impact in the Aggies’ secondary. Known for his physicality and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, Kimbrough has a style of play that meshes well with the aggressive defensive schemes of Texas A&M. As he learns the system, Kimbrough will have a chance to compete for a starting role in 2025.
3. Chris Johnson (Freshman): Another highly ranked recruit, Chris Johnson is expected to compete for significant playing time in 2025. With a blend of size and speed, Johnson has the potential to be a lockdown corner who can match up with taller, more physical receivers in the SEC. If he performs well during the spring, he could find himself playing a key role in the cornerback rotation.

Key Questions for the Cornerback Group Heading into Spring

While the Aggies’ cornerback unit is loaded with talent, there are still several key questions that need to be answered as spring practices unfold. These questions will determine which players will emerge as starters and who will contribute most significantly to the team’s success in 2025.

1. Who Will Emerge as the Top Cornerback Pairing?

With several experienced players and talented newcomers in the mix, one of the biggest questions heading into the spring is who will form the starting cornerback duo. Jalen Kimber and Tariqious Tisdale both have experience and the potential to be lockdown cornerbacks, but there’s no guarantee they will be paired together as the starting tandem.

Bryce Anderson and A.J. Harris are both pushing for starting roles, and it’s possible that the coaching staff could opt for a combination of experience and youth. Texas A&M has historically had success with a rotation of cornerbacks, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see multiple players earn starting or significant playing time as the season progresses.

2. How Will the Aggies Adapt to the High-Powered Offenses of the SEC?

The SEC is known for its fast-paced, high-scoring offenses, and the cornerback position is often the first line of defense against these potent attacks. Texas A&M will face several explosive offenses in 2025, including teams like Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss. As the Aggies gear up for another season in the SEC, one of the biggest challenges facing their cornerbacks is how they will handle these high-powered offenses.

Spring practices will provide valuable insight into how the cornerbacks are adapting to these challenges. The ability to cover multiple receivers, communicate effectively in the secondary, and limit big plays will be crucial. The Aggies will need their cornerbacks to be more than just talented athletes—they’ll need to be smart, disciplined, and aggressive in their approach.

3. Will the New Additions Quickly Adapt to SEC Competition?

With several incoming players like A.J. Harris and Chris Johnson joining the fold, Texas A&M is hopeful that their new cornerbacks will be able to contribute immediately. However, transitioning from high school to the SEC is a significant leap, and it’s unclear how quickly these players will adjust to the level of competition they will face.

Spring practices will be the first real test for these players, and they will have the opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes in the country. If the newcomers can perform well in these practices, it will bode well for their future roles in the defense.

What Will Be the Keys to Success for Texas A&M’s Cornerbacks in 2025?

In order for Texas A&M to have a successful 2025 season, their cornerback group will need to perform at a high level. Here are some key factors that will determine their success:

• Consistency: The cornerbacks need to be consistent in their coverage, whether it’s shutting down individual receivers or working together as a unit to defend passing schemes. High-level consistency in coverage will make a significant difference in the Aggies’ ability to stop opposing offenses.
• Tackling and Run Support: Cornerbacks in the SEC are often asked to contribute in run support, and Texas A&M’s cornerbacks will need to be effective in this area. Tackling in space will be crucial, especially against teams with dynamic running backs or quarterbacks who can extend plays.
• Creating Turnovers: One of the most important aspects of defense is the ability to create turnovers, and the Aggies’ cornerbacks must take advantage of opportunities to intercept passes or force fumbles. A strong turnover margin will help the Aggies win games, and the cornerbacks must take full advantage of these situations.