Pass rushers and edge setters
As we inch ever closer to the first kickoff of 2024, our position preview series continues. Up next, we have the defensive ends – a position group that has the makings of being very special on paper.
Who did we lose?
- The Aggies lost a pair of contributing defensive ends to the transfer portal over the course of the offseason. Fadil Diggs followed Elijah Robinson to Syracuse while LT Overton made the jump within the SEC to Alabama.
Who do we bring back?
- Shemar Stewart: The Florida recruit has always been a first-off-the-bus guy in terms of build but Stewart seemed to really develop over the course of last season and showed glimpses of how much of a contributor he could be. Expect another step forward this season for the former five-star.
- Malick Sylla: The Katy, Texas product still needs to develop more in the run game but his length and get-off make him a factor in the pass rush. Can he make the improvements needed to be more of an all-around contributor? That’s the biggest question for Sylla in 2024.
- Enai White: Much like Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy at defensive tackle, the talent is there for Enai White but the injuries have prevented him from contributing too much at defensive end. White has a chance to factor in at the rotation at end in 2024 but will likely play more of a depth role.
What other names should we know?
- Nic Scourton: The biggest portal addition by far for Texas A&M was the Big Ten sack leader, Nic Scourton. The Bryan, Texas native came back home in the spring and in my opinion, is the best pass rusher Texas A&M has had on the roster since Myles Garrett. Scourton is a bonafide star and an instant impact player for the defense.
- Cashius Howell: Another addition in the transfer portal, Howell is more of a speed rusher than Scourton, but immensely effective nonetheless. I’d expect him to factor into the rotation as well.
- Rylan Kennedy: Based on reports around camp, Kennedy seems to be one of the most improved players from last year’s roster. If the physical jumps he’s taken translate to the field, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
Overall Grade: A+
I might be buying into the Nic Scourton hype a bit too much but I genuinely think this position group might be the best on the field in 2024. Scourton and Shemar Stewart represent an incredibly potent pair of defensive ends and the depth provided by players like Howell, Sylla and White should make this group a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The other piece is that the Aggies should have no trouble at all rushing the passer with just the four-down defensive lineman meaning less reliance on exotics to get to the quarterback. That will be huge for a defense whose leading sack-getter in 2023 was a linebacker.