With Tyreek Chappell’s return, how deep is the Aggies’ cornerback room?
Texas A&M and head football coach Mike Elko received more good news regarding next season’s roster, as incoming senior cornerback Tyreek Chappell, who entered the transfer portal in December, removed his name and will officially return for the 2024 campaign.
This offseason, Elko, who watched the Aggies’ dismal defensive performance against Oklahoma State in the TaxAct Texas Bowl, was well aware of last season’s consistent struggles in the secondary due to the lack of depth, talent, and overall size at the cornerback position.
Needing to rebuild the cornerback room, Elko dominated in the open market, adding five veteran CBs from the portal, including Will Lee Jr., Dezz Ricks, Donovan Saunders, Jaydon Hill, and BJ Mayes.
While Chappell isn’t the biggest corner, he was by far the most competent defender on the boundary over the last two seasons. For those unaware, Elko helped recruit him to College Station back in 2021 during his time as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator, right before he departed for Duke.
Including returning second-year cornerbacks Bravion Rogers and Jayvon Thomas, two players who are bound to improve after their “baptism by fire” 2023 season, Texas A&M’s cornerback room now looks like a predominant strength heading into spring football next month.
Making some predictions, here’s what the secondary depth chart might look like in 2024 after Tyreek Chappell’s return.
Right CB
1st team: Will Lee Jr. (JR)
2nd team: BJ Mayes (JR)
3rd team: Donovan Saunders (RS SO), Bravion Rogers (RS FR), Terry Bussey (FR)
Left CB
1st team: Dezz Ricks (RS FR)
2nd team: Tyreek Chappell (SR)
3rd team: Jayvon Thomas (SO), Sam McCall (JR), Bobby Taylor (RS SO)
Nickelback
1st team: Bryce Anderson (JR)
2nd team: Dalton Brooks (SO)
3rd team: Marcus Ratcliffe (SO)
Free safety
1st team: Jacoby Mathews (JR)
2nd team: Jordan Pride (FR)
Strong safety
1st team: De’Rickey Wright (GR)
2nd team: Trey Jones (GR)
3rd team: Jared Kerr (RS SO), Myles Davis (FR)
