Texas A&M-Kingsville football vs. Colorado Mesa: Scouting report, players to watch
Texas A&M-Kingsville football will open the season on the road at Colorado-Mesa on Saturday armed with high expectations after the Javelinas were slotted to finish third in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll.
The third-place prognostication is the best of the Mike Salinas era as the Javelinas feature the preseason defensive player of the year, in returning All-American defensive back Amos Coleman.
Here are three things to watch for with the Javelinas:
Can the Javelinas build off their best season since 2016?
Last season's 7-5 record marked the best record in seven seasons, a campaign that also saw A&M-Kingsville crack into the Top 25 and participate in the FunTime RV Heritage Bowl.
The Javelinas beat No. 12-ranked West Texas A&M for the program's first win over a ranked program in a decade.
Salinas and A&M-Kingsville will be looking for a stronger finish after starting the season 7-0 last year, before ending the game with a five-game slide.
Getting defensive
The Javelinas were paced by a defense that allowed 22 points a contest last season, and for much of the season were among the national leaders in scoring defense.
With Coleman returning, who snagged five interceptions last season on the way to All-American honors, the expectations are again high with an experienced secondary.
A&M-Kingsville's success could rely on the Javelinas performing as they did in the first half of the season on defense.
Controlling the clock
With graduate running back Christian Anderson, the team's leading rusher in 2022, returning alongside quarterback Jacob Cavazos and CJ Odom, the Javelinas will have an opportunity to control the game offensively.
In 2022, A&M-Kingsville converted 42% on third down and 61% on fourth down.
With experienced talent in the backfield, the Javelinas have a chance to keep opponents off the field.
Players to Watch
2022 stats in parentheses
Christian Anderson, Gr., RB (812 yards, 10 TDs)
Jacob Cavazos, R-Sr., QB (2,310 yards, 17 TDs)
Keon Clary, Sr., DB (30 tackles, 3 forced fumbles)
Amos Coleman, R-Sr., DB (40 tackles, 5 INT)
Jeff Lavarin, Sr., DB (36 tackles, 1 INT)
CJ Odom, Sr., RB
Walker Ring, Sr., TE (199 yards, 3 TDs)
Ezra Thibodeaux, Sr., DE (40 tackles, 4 sacks)
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Texas A&M-Kingsville football scouting report, players to watch
