‘It feels different in the locker room… We are ready for Miami.’ Sam Mathews, Josh DeBerry and Shemar Stewart preview Texas A&M’s week 2 road test vs. Miami
Texas A&M kicked off their 2023 college football season in exhilarating fashion against New Mexico on Saturday night, downing the visiting Lobo’s 52-10 behind starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s incredibly efficient performance, throwing for 236 yards for 18/23 (78% completion). Five touchdowns without an interception, becoming the first player in Aggie history with five touchdowns in a season opener.
Standing out more than any player on the field, sophomore wide receiver Noah Thomas is on his way to a breakout season, finishing the night with six receptions for 74 yards and three touchdowns. In comparison, star receiver Evan Stewart led the offense with eight receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns on the night, as new OC Bobby Petrino’s play-calling has been welcomed with open arms as the Aggie’s up-tempo offense with multiple formation looks was truly a sight for sore eyes. On Saturday night, the studs were indeed fed.
Defensively, the Aggies limited the Lobos to 91 yards on the ground and 222 total yards. At the same time, Boston College transfer cornerback Josh DeBerry led the team with ten tackles, seven solo tackles, one sack, and an interception on the night.
On Monday, Linebacker, special teamer, and 12th Man Sam Mathews, alongside cornerback Josh DeBerry and defensive end Shemar Stewart, spoke to the media to reflect on the Aggies’ 52-10 win over New Mexico while shifting focus to their crucial week two road test vs. Miami on Saturday afternoon.
Here is everything all five players had to say before taking on the Hurricanes on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
Sam Matthews on his first experience leading the Aggies out of tunnel as the official 12th Man
“My heart started beating. I worked hard to put myself on that list. He read the history going back to E. King Gill. It was breathtaking.”
Sam Mathews states that leading the team out of the tunnel on Saturday was an unforgettable experience
“Being able to carry that flag and personify the 12th Man… It’s all so surreal.”
Sam Mathews on the team's mindset ahead of the Aggies road test vs. Miami
“The team came out, and we were ready to play. It makes me excited for the rest of the season.”
“It feels different in the locker room… We are ready for Miami.”
Sam Mathews reveals that he had to apply for a waiver to Eligibility in 2023
“I came to tears in that moment. I’m so glad it happened.”
Sam Mathews on his willingness to change positions during his walk-on tryout in order to play for the Maroon & White
(Mathews said that he tried out for quarterback in his walk-on tryout. A coach asked if he would play anywhere else, and he was more than willing.)
Sam Mathews on his excitement to tell his mom that he had been named as the 12th Man
“My mom was bugging me the entire time about when they would announce the 12th Man.”
“I was celebrating with my teammates, but I just wanted to step outside and call my mom.”
Cornerback Josh DeBerry on his first interception at an Aggie against New Mexico
“That was a great experience. I had a celebration planned, but that went out the window in the moment.”
“I’ll have it ready for Miami.”
Josh DeBerry on what led him to transferring to Texas A&M
“I had a couple of connections here like my old head coach (Steve Addazio). (Bryant Gross-Armiento) was recruiting me when he was at Wake Forest.”
“I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to play with such a great defense and defensive line.”
Josh DeBerry on the Aggies cornerback depth
“It was an ongoing competition. They brought in good transfers and had good freshmen.”
“Every day was a completion… It’s still a competition.”
Josh DeBerry on the "fast and physical" play style the Aggies defense unleashed against New Mexico
“We played fast and physical. Our biggest thing this week was effort.”
“Going into this week, I feel confident… I really think this defense has a chance to be something Texas A&M fans haven’t seen.”
SDE Shemar Stewart on what led him to leaving Florida and committing to Texas A&M
“Mainly because the coaches and the staff treated me like a family and never lied to me. My parents didn’t want me staying home (in Miami) at all. It’s Miami. The nightlife can be pretty distracting.”
Shemar Stewart on the Aggies impressive performance against New Mexico
“We did good at times, but we had some mistakes. That’s just part of the game.”
Shemar Stewart on returning home to face the Miami Hurricanes this weekend
“I always wanted to go there. When I was first getting recruited, I wanted to go there. I had to choose a different route in the end. I still have a good amount of friends on that team, but come Saturday, we ain’t friends anymore.”
Shemar Stewart on how many expected him to stay home and commit to the Hurricanes before making his way to College Station
“Being a highly-rated player out of Miami, everybody expects you to play for the home team. When I committed (to Texas A&M), everybody was mad at me and kind of shunned me for a little while.”
Shemar Stewart on the late Terry Price, and how the entire team is playing in his honor every week
“Our goal this year is to play hard for him, every play. Every down, he’s watching us.”
“It was always love with him. Everything he spoke, he said from the heart. That’s what made him stick to me.”
Shemar Stewart on how how Texas A&M has embraced him going into his second full season
“It has been great out here. Everybody shows love. All the fans show love. They’re always with you. They’re never against us.”
Shemar Stewart reveals that D-line coach Elijah Robinson provided the team dog tags memorializing Terry Price
“Play hard for eight seconds. In loving memory of TP.”
Shemar Stewart on the challenge the Miami Hurricanes present
“They’re physical. They’re a well-coached group. They’re going to bring it on Saturday.”
Shemar Stewart on his face mask penalty against New Mexico
“I was so disappointed in myself, but I saw it coming all the way. I was aiming for his shoulder pads. I guess I’m just too tall.”
