DC Jay Bateman and OC Collin Klein discussed defensive adjustments, offensive growth, and key players during Texas A&M’s spring presser.

As Texas A&M heads into the 2025 football season, the expectations surrounding the program are high. The Aggies have a mix of returning veterans, exciting young players, and a coaching staff that continues to evolve. As part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming season, Texas A&M held its annual spring press conference, where defensive coordinator Jay Bateman and offensive coordinator Collin Klein addressed the media, providing insight into their respective units’ progress and what fans can expect in the coming months. Both Bateman and Klein offered valuable perspectives on the adjustments their units have made, the key players stepping up, and the overall direction of the Aggies’ program.

In this article, we will break down everything that both coaches discussed during the press conference, analyzing their thoughts on the team’s development, strategies, and what they’re hoping to accomplish as they head into the 2025 season.

1. Defensive Coordinator Jay Bateman: Adjustments and Key Players on Defense

Jay Bateman, who enters his second year as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator, has made notable strides in molding the Aggies’ defense into a more aggressive and efficient unit. The defensive side of the ball has seen several changes under Bateman’s leadership, from a more aggressive pass rush to better run defense, and he provided an in-depth look at the adjustments that have taken place during the spring.

Improved Defensive Line Play

One of the most prominent topics Bateman discussed was the development of the defensive line. The Aggies’ defensive front has seen a significant amount of talent development, and Bateman noted that this group is one of the deepest and most talented units on the team. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, the defensive line is expected to be a game-changer this season.

“Up front, we’re seeing a lot of growth. We’ve got some real depth on the defensive line this year, and that’s something we didn’t always have last season,” Bateman said. “We’ve got players like [Shemar Stewart], who are becoming true leaders in the trenches, and that’s allowing us to do a lot more in terms of stunts, blitz packages, and pressure on the quarterback. When you have depth like this, it gives you the freedom to rotate players and keep them fresh throughout the game, which will be critical in the SEC.”

Bateman highlighted Shemar Stewart as one of the key players on the defensive line, noting his continued development as a potential top draft pick. Stewart’s rise in the draft rankings has been well-documented, and Bateman acknowledged how important Stewart’s presence is in creating disruption at the line of scrimmage.

Additionally, Bateman pointed to players like defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson and edge rusher Fadil Diggs, who have also shown significant improvement during the offseason. Jackson’s ability to dominate against the run and Diggs’ pass-rushing prowess were both areas of emphasis during the spring, and Bateman is excited to see them make an impact this season.

Secondary Adjustments and Player Development

Another key topic during Bateman’s discussion was the evolution of the secondary. The Aggies’ defensive backfield struggled with consistency in previous seasons, but with Bateman’s guidance, the group has become more cohesive and confident in their coverage responsibilities.

“We’ve worked a lot this spring on communication and playing more in sync,” Bateman explained. “We know that in the SEC, you’re going to face elite quarterbacks and receivers every week, so you can’t afford to make mistakes in the secondary. We’ve really emphasized understanding the nuances of route concepts, knowing when to press, when to back off, and how to read the quarterback’s eyes.”

Bateman also pointed out the development of key defensive backs, including Bryce Anderson and Antonio Johnson. Anderson, a rising star in the secondary, has taken on a larger leadership role in the defensive backfield, and Bateman praised his ability to be a ball hawk while also being a physical presence against the run.

“Bryce is doing a great job of reading the quarterback, and he’s showing more maturity in his decision-making. He’s become one of the leaders in our secondary, and that kind of leadership is vital to our success,” Bateman remarked.

With the addition of new recruits and transfers, Bateman expressed optimism about the depth and talent in the secondary, specifically pointing out players like safety Chidi Ogbonnaya and cornerback Jalen Williams. Both are expected to play significant roles in the upcoming season, and Bateman is confident that they will contribute to the overall success of the defense.

Overall Defensive Scheme and Philosophy

As Bateman enters his second year with the Aggies, he has been able to refine his defensive philosophy and system. While last season was about laying the foundation, 2025 is about fine-tuning and expanding on the concepts he has implemented.

“We’re trying to become a more flexible defense,” Bateman said. “We want to be able to adjust based on what the offense is showing us. Whether it’s shifting from a 3-4 to a 4-3, or mixing up our coverage schemes, we’re looking to keep offenses guessing and force them into mistakes.”

Bateman is also a big believer in generating turnovers, and he emphasized how important it is for the defense to be aggressive in their pursuit of the ball. Last season, the Aggies’ defense showed flashes of creating turnovers, but Bateman is focused on improving that aspect in 2025.

“Turnovers are game-changers,” he explained. “We’ve spent a lot of time in spring practices working on ball awareness, stripping the ball, and securing interceptions. We want to be a defense that forces offenses into mistakes and capitalizes on those opportunities.”

2. Offensive Coordinator Collin Klein: Offensive Growth and Playmaking Ability

On the other side of the ball, Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator Collin Klein discussed the significant strides the offense has made during the spring. As the Aggies enter 2025, the offense is expected to be more balanced and explosive, with improved quarterback play, better protection from the offensive line, and a wider variety of weapons in the skill positions. Klein addressed several key areas of improvement and provided a glimpse into what the offense will look like under his guidance.

Quarterback Development

One of the most discussed topics during Klein’s segment was the development of Texas A&M’s quarterbacks. Last season, the Aggies’ quarterback play was inconsistent, but Klein expressed confidence that the situation would be different in 2025. With a full offseason to develop under his coaching, both Conner Weigman and Max Johnson are poised for significant improvements in their decision-making, leadership, and execution.

“We’ve made huge strides at quarterback. Conner and Max have both made a lot of progress,” Klein said. “They’ve been working hard to understand the nuances of the offense, and I’ve been really pleased with their ability to manage the game and make quick decisions under pressure.”

Klein explained that his offense is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing the quarterbacks to make plays through both the air and on the ground. With playmakers like Evan Stewart and Moose Muhammad at receiver, as well as the development of running backs like Amari Daniels and Le’Veon Moss, Klein is excited about the potential for explosive plays.

Offensive Line Adjustments

Another area of emphasis for Klein during the spring has been the offensive line. Last season, the Aggies struggled at times with pass protection and run blocking, but Klein has been working diligently with the offensive line to improve their technique and communication.

“We’ve spent a lot of time this spring focusing on technique and communication,” Klein explained. “We have a lot of talented guys on the offensive line, and I think we’re seeing some real growth in that area. If we can solidify the offensive line, it will unlock so much of what we want to do offensively.”

Klein singled out offensive linemen like Layden Robinson and Bryce Foster, who have become cornerstones of the unit. With the addition of new recruits and the development of returning players, Klein believes the offensive line will be a much stronger unit in 2025.

Offensive Philosophy and Strategy

Klein’s offensive philosophy centers around balance, versatility, and making quick decisions. He wants his offense to be unpredictable, keeping defenses on their toes with a mixture of run plays, play-action passes, and deep shots downfield. He also emphasized that the offense needs to be able to control the tempo of the game, allowing the Aggies to dictate the flow of play.

“We want to be an offense that can adapt to any situation,” Klein said. “Whether we’re running the ball to control the clock or taking shots downfield to stretch the defense, we need to be able to do both effectively. The key is balance, and I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Utilizing Playmakers

Klein was also quick to point out the abundance of talent at the skill positions, which will allow the offense to be more explosive. Wide receivers like Stewart and Muhammad, along with tight end Max Wright, give the Aggies a variety of weapons in the passing game. Meanwhile, the running back rotation will provide depth and flexibility in the run game.

“We’ve got some real playmakers on this team,” Klein said. “Evan Stewart is a special talent, and Moose Muhammad is one of the most dependable receivers we’ve had. Add in a guy like Le’Veon Moss in the backfield, and we have the potential to be a really dynamic offense.”

3. Conclusion: Heading Into 2025 with Optimism

Both Jay Bateman and Collin Klein exuded confidence and optimism during Texas A&M’s spring press conference. On the defensive side, Bateman’s adjustments and focus on communication, depth, and turnover creation have the potential to elevate the Aggies’ defense to new heights in 2025. Meanwhile, Klein’s emphasis on balanced offense, quarterback development, and utilizing playmakers indicates that the Aggies are ready to take a major step forward offensively. As the team continues to fine-tune their strategies and make progress throughout the summer, the 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Texas A&M football. With both coordinators continuing to build on their vision for the team, the Aggies will look to compete at the highest levels of the SEC and beyond.