Aggies Say Texas A&M “Changed My Life” Coleman, Henry III

For many athletes, college football is more than just a game; it’s an avenue for personal growth, life-altering experiences, and an opportunity to transform dreams into reality. At Texas A&M University, one of the nation’s premier football programs, this transformative power is felt deeply by the players, both on and off the field. For Isaiah Coleman and Henry Henry III, two rising stars from the Aggies’ recent recruiting classes, Texas A&M has proven to be a life-changing force—providing not just the platform for athletic success but also a nurturing environment where they’ve been shaped into the men they are today.

In this article, we’ll dive into the stories of Isaiah Coleman and Henry Henry III—two young players who each came to Texas A&M for different reasons but left with a unified understanding of what the program means to their lives. For them, Texas A&M is more than a school; it’s a place that changed their lives.

Isaiah Coleman: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Isaiah Coleman arrived at Texas A&M in 2022, a highly-recruited defensive back out of Dallas, Texas. A standout at Cedar Hill High School, Coleman had built a reputation as one of the most versatile and explosive defensive players in the state. However, despite the attention he received on the recruiting circuit, Coleman’s road to becoming an Aggie wasn’t a straight line.

Growing up, Coleman faced many challenges. Raised in a single-parent household, he often had to rely on his mother’s resilience to get by. “It wasn’t easy growing up,” Coleman recalls. “My mom worked multiple jobs, and I had to step up a lot. She taught me how to handle adversity, how to stay focused, and how to work hard for what you want. But there were times when things felt like they might not work out, and football was my escape.”

Coleman was an athlete who thrived in high school, dominating both as a cornerback and as a receiver. By the time he received his scholarship offer to Texas A&M, he was a player with immense potential, but one who also had a lot to prove. While many college recruits might have been overwhelmed by the pressure of leaving home and stepping onto a major university campus, Coleman was driven by the idea of providing a better future for himself and his family.

When he arrived in College Station, the reality of college life set in quickly. Not only was he adjusting to the rigorous demands of academic life at Texas A&M, but he was also joining a football program with high expectations. Texas A&M had been on the cusp of greatness, and there were big shoes to fill. But rather than shy away from the challenge, Coleman embraced it. Under the mentorship of defensive coordinator Mike Elko (who was with the program at the time), Coleman quickly learned how to hone his skills to become a leader on the field.

“The thing that changed my life was the Aggie Network and the family atmosphere here,” Coleman says, reflecting on his experience. “It’s not just about football. It’s about growing as a person, as a man. I’ve had coaches who not only cared about my development on the field but also about my development off the field. That’s what separates Texas A&M from a lot of other programs.”

One of the biggest influences on Coleman’s life at A&M was his position coach, Terry Price, who became a father figure for him during his time in College Station. Price, known for his tough love approach, took the time to help Coleman grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Coleman describes Price as someone who “taught me how to handle adversity in ways I never imagined.”

In 2024, Coleman was called upon as a starting cornerback for the Aggies’ defense, stepping up in a pivotal year where the team was aiming for a return to national relevance. Under the spotlight, Coleman excelled, showcasing his speed, ball-hawking skills, and leadership abilities. But despite the success, Coleman always points back to the life lessons he learned at Texas A&M as the true measure of his growth.

“Texas A&M changed my life by teaching me discipline, responsibility, and how to balance the demands of life and football,” he says. “It was never just about football here. It was about becoming a well-rounded individual who can handle whatever life throws at you.”

Henry Henry III: From the Tough Streets to a New Beginning

While Isaiah Coleman’s journey to Texas A&M was driven by a desire to succeed, Henry Henry III’s story is one of redemption, perseverance, and a constant search for self-worth. Growing up in Houston, Texas, Henry was no stranger to adversity. Raised in a neighborhood that was marred by crime and limited opportunities, Henry was determined to break free from his circumstances and create a better life for himself.

Football became his escape, a way to channel his energy and frustration into something positive. By the time he reached high school, Henry had emerged as one of the best running backs in Texas, known for his combination of speed, power, and vision on the field. He played for Lamar High School, and during his senior season, he rushed for over 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. His performance caught the attention of multiple college programs, but it was Texas A&M that stood out to him.

“I always knew that Texas A&M was the place where I could turn my life around,” Henry says. “I needed a school that not only wanted to make me a better football player but also one that would push me to grow as a man. A&M has that culture, that focus on developing you as a person, and that was everything to me.”

However, Henry’s journey to Texas A&M was not without its challenges. When he first arrived in College Station, he struggled with the pressures of being far from home and adjusting to the academic demands. Unlike many other athletes who came from stable backgrounds, Henry had a lot of personal baggage to work through. There were times when he doubted whether he could succeed at the collegiate level.

“Man, there were times I didn’t think I was going to make it,” Henry admits. “Coming from my background, it was hard to fit in. It was hard to keep up with everything. I was just trying to prove I belonged. But Texas A&M showed me what it means to be part of a family. I wasn’t just a number here. I was a part of something bigger.”

The turning point for Henry came when he met Coach Jimbo Fisher, who took a personal interest in his development as both a player and a young man. Fisher, known for his strict but supportive coaching style, took Henry under his wing and taught him invaluable lessons about discipline, time management, and maturity.

“Coach Fisher was a game-changer for me,” Henry says. “He didn’t just focus on making me a better player; he showed me how to handle life in a way that would prepare me for everything. He always reminded me that I had a purpose here. It wasn’t just about football; it was about what I could do after football.”

Under Fisher’s guidance, Henry began to excel on the field, improving his understanding of the game and his ability to read defenses. By the time he became the starting running back in 2024, he was a completely different player—more focused, more disciplined, and more confident. His hard work paid off as he finished the season with over 1,500 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, helping Texas A&M to a successful campaign.

But the real change in Henry’s life came off the field. He embraced his role as a mentor to younger players and became involved in the community, helping out at local youth football camps and volunteering at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “It’s about giving back,” Henry explains. “I know what it’s like to be in a place where you don’t have a lot of hope. But football opened the door for me. Now, I want to help others walk through it.”

The Aggie Network: A Life-Changing Force

Both Isaiah Coleman and Henry Henry III point to one thing as the biggest factor in their personal transformation at Texas A&M: the Aggie Network. The sense of community and family at A&M extends far beyond the football team, creating an environment where players are encouraged to grow, not just as athletes, but as people.

“Texas A&M is different,” Coleman says. “It’s not just about football. It’s about preparing you for life. I’ve been given opportunities here that I wouldn’t have had anywhere else. And I’m not just talking about football. The network you build here, the people you meet—it’s life-changing.”

For Henry, the Aggie Network represents the strength of the entire Texas A&M community. “Being an Aggie isn’t just about what happens on the field. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself. You come here, and you realize that you’re part of a legacy, a culture of excellence that’s bigger than football. It’s about doing the right thing, representing something important.”

Looking Ahead: The Future for Coleman and Henry III

As both Coleman and Henry III continue to develop in their careers, the lessons they’ve learned at Texas A&M will undoubtedly play a key role in their future successes. Whether in the NFL, the XFL, or life after football, they have been armed with the tools to succeed, not just as athletes, but as individuals. For these two young men, Texas A&M didn’t just shape their football skills; it changed the trajectory of their lives in ways they never imagined.

“Texas A&M changed my life,” Henry

says with conviction. “I came here thinking it was just about football, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about who you become when you leave.”

For Coleman, the future is just as bright. “When I first got here, I didn’t know what to expect. But now, I’m ready to take on the world. Texas A&M gave me the opportunity to be a better person, and that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

In the end, these two athletes—Isaiah Coleman and Henry Henry III—are just two examples of the transformative power that Texas A&M offers. For them, the Aggie experience was not simply about football. It was about growth, development, and becoming better men. And in the years to come, both will continue to carry the lessons and values they learned at Texas A&M, proving that sometimes, the biggest victories happen off the field.