Texas A&M Offensive linemen Layden Robinson and Reuben Fatheree II are working hard this offseason
Texas A&M’s 2023 college football season is a big one, mainly due to just how poorly the 2022 campaign transpired to the tune of 5-2, and 2-6 in the SEC, all while missing out on bowl eligibility for the first time in 14 seasons.
One area in need of immediate improvement? The offensive line. Senior right guard Layden Robinson’s return paired with junior right tackle Reuben Fatheree’s quest to take the next step in his development are two of the more underrated stories this offseason, and after learning of what both young men have been doing outside of spring football this offseason, it’s time to get excited ya’ll.
In an article from GigEm247, it was revealed that both Layden Robinson and Reuben Fatheree have been working with Plex, a sports performance and physical therapy-based company in Houston Texas owned by Danny Arnold, known for working with former Aggie legend and current left tackle for the Atlanta Falcons Jake Matthews, who currently owns the longest active streak of consecutive stars in the NFL at 144. Going into 2023, Robinson and Fatheree hold the record for most career starts on the offensive line for the Aggies, and unsurprisingly due to their recruiting prowess, both have been training with Arnold since their junior years in high school.
Arnold’s training methods focus more on developing an athlete’s flexibility and balance aside from basic weight lifting methods to build strength and mass, which is already covered in every collegiate training program. For offensive line development outside of learning the basics, Arnold places an emphasis on ankle flexibility and hip mobility, which outside of natural arm length and footwork, are vital to any offensive lineman lasting at the position in the long term.
According to Danny Arnold, the aforementioned ankle flex and hip work are two areas in which Layden Robison can improve the most.
“That mobility in the ankle, the knee bend and the hips, that is where he can improve.” If he improves on that, his whole career is going to change.”
In giving Robinson, listed at 6-4 and 325 pounds an NFL comparison, Arnold chose someone who lit up the NFL scene during his rookie year during the 2022 season before being sidelined by a season-ending injury.
“With Layden, he is more of a complete offensive lineman than I have seen in a long time.” “I have worked with some good ones. Layden reminds me of (Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn) Slater. He is a very well-rounded, very stalky, gets his hips underneath, he’s got good footwork, he can get underneath you really quick and he puts his hands very inside.
For Reuben Fatheree, listed at 6-8 and 330 pounds, ankle flex, strength, and most importantly, knee bend are three areas of improvement that Arnold feels will finally vault him toward elite territory at the tackle position.
“If your ankles are not flexible, you can’t get low and out-leverage the defensive player.” “So a 6-1 D-lineman is going to be able to outpower Deuce if he’s got leverage like that. And with a guy that long, he is not going to have the strength like he wished he had. So we always have to work on that explosive strength.”
In noting his incredible potential, Arnold stated,
“You can tell he is young.” “His potential with that reach, and once we get that leverage underneath, he is going to be a very special player. Because once he puts his hands on you, he does a good job.”
