Texas A&M football: 3 unanswered questions for Aggies following spring practices

As Texas A\&M wrapped up their spring football practices in 2024, the buzz around Kyle Field has been a mixture of optimism and uncertainty. Under head coach Jimbo Fisher, the Aggies showed flashes of the physicality and grit that fans crave, but spring ball always raises as many questions as it answers. With a new season looming, Texas A\&M still faces some critical unresolved issues that could define their 2024 campaign.

Below, we break down three key questions that remain unanswered after spring practices — questions that will shape how this Aggie team performs when the lights shine brightest in the fall.

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## 1. Who Will Lead the Aggies at Quarterback?

The quarterback position is always the most scrutinized role on any team, and for Texas A\&M, the question of who will take the reins under center remains far from settled. Spring practices gave fans a tantalizing glimpse into the quarterback competition but didn’t provide a definitive answer.

### The Quarterback Battle: A Recap

Last season, the Aggies saw inconsistent play from their quarterbacks, which was a contributing factor to their offensive struggles. This spring, several signal-callers emerged in the competition:

* **Max Johnson** — The former LSU transfer brings experience and a big arm but has battled inconsistency and injury concerns.
* **Zach Calzada** — A gritty, dual-threat option who displayed flashes of dynamism but also showed moments of hesitation.
* **Incoming freshman or redshirt players** — Several newcomers impressed coaches during practice but have yet to prove themselves against SEC-caliber defenses.

Coach Jimbo Fisher has maintained that the quarterback position is “wide open” heading into fall, which suggests no clear front-runner has emerged.

### Strengths and Weaknesses of Contenders

* **Max Johnson:** His pro-style approach fits Fisher’s system well, but his accuracy needs to improve. His leadership and experience are invaluable, but lingering questions about his durability remain.
* **Zach Calzada:** More mobile and capable of extending plays, Calzada could inject life into the offense, but his ability to consistently read defenses and make quick decisions is still a work in progress.
* **Younger Players:** The coaching staff has expressed excitement about the arm talent and athleticism of the younger quarterbacks, but the transition to SEC speed and complexity will be a major test.

### What Needs to Happen?

To solidify the quarterback situation, the Aggies will need:

* A clear starter to emerge by fall camp who can command the offense with confidence.
* Improved chemistry between the QB and his receivers.
* Better decision-making under pressure.

Until these factors coalesce, the quarterback question will loom large, and Texas A\&M’s offensive ceiling will be difficult to predict.

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## 2. Can the Aggies’ Defense Consistently Stop the Run?

Another unresolved question revolves around the Aggies’ defensive front — specifically, their ability to control the line of scrimmage and stop opposing running backs. Historically, SEC teams that dominate on the ground tend to have the most success, and Texas A\&M’s defense will be under pressure to hold up against some of the nation’s best rush attacks.

### Defensive Performance in Spring Practices

During spring drills, the Aggies showcased some encouraging moments with their defensive line and linebackers — notably in pass rush and run-stopping drills. However, consistency was an issue. On some reps, the defense was dominant, forcing tackles for loss and stuffing runs at the line; on others, they looked slow to read plays and struggled to shed blocks.

### Key Defensive Players and Depth

* **Edge Rushers:** The Aggies have promising pass-rushing talent, including returning starters and highly rated newcomers, which gives hope for improved pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
* **Linebackers:** Led by experienced veterans, the linebackers are tasked with key run fits and coverage duties, but some depth concerns exist, especially if injuries strike.
* **Defensive Line:** The interior defensive line is critical in plugging gaps. While there are some strong players, a lack of depth could be exposed over the course of a long season.

### Why This Matters

Stopping the run is foundational for any defense, especially in the SEC, where many teams run a power-based or balanced attack. If the Aggies cannot consistently hold their ground against the run, it will force their secondary into more difficult situations, likely resulting in big plays against them.

This question is central not only to defensive success but also to the overall identity of the team — whether they can control the line of scrimmage and impose their will, or if they’ll be reactive and vulnerable.

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## 3. Will the Offensive Line Hold Up Against SEC Pass Rushers?

The third critical question centers on Texas A\&M’s offensive line, a unit that showed both promise and cause for concern during spring practices. In a conference loaded with elite edge rushers and interior disruptors, the Aggies’ offensive line must step up to protect the quarterback and open running lanes.

### Spring Practice Highlights

Spring drills highlighted the Aggies’ effort and technique improvements on the offensive line, but the unit still struggled with cohesion and communication at times. There were flashes of dominance in run blocking, but pass protection was inconsistent, with some players struggling against quicker, more powerful defenders.

### Experience and Depth Issues

* **Returning Starters:** A few key starters return, bringing valuable experience, but injuries and previous depth issues mean the Aggies may lean on younger, less proven players.
* **Depth:** Depth on the offensive line remains a concern. If starters falter or suffer injuries, the replacements may not be ready to handle SEC-level pass rush.
* **Position Battles:** There are ongoing position battles on the line, especially at tackle and guard, which could delay the unit’s full cohesion.

### Importance to Offensive Success

Offensive line play is the backbone of any high-functioning offense. For the Aggies, the ability of this group to hold off aggressive defensive fronts directly influences:

* The quarterback’s time to make reads and throw.
* The effectiveness of the running game.
* Overall offensive rhythm and confidence.

Without a reliable offensive line, even the best quarterback and skill players will struggle to produce.

Texas A\&M’s 2024 spring practices have laid some groundwork for what promises to be an exciting season, but significant questions remain. The quarterback competition remains wide open, the defense’s ability to stop the run needs consistent answers, and the offensive line must prove it can withstand the relentless pressure of SEC pass rushers.

As summer workouts progress and fall camp approaches, the Aggies will need clarity on these fronts to push from potential to performance. For fans, these unanswered questions are both a source of intrigue and cautious optimism — because in college football, answers don’t come easy, but when they do, they can change everything.