College Confidential

Jerrod Johnson Needs To Be In Heisman Talk

The Heisman love in this state appears reserved for UH QB Case Keenum because he has PlayStation3 numbers, or TCU SR Andy Dalton because he's the QB of a team that could go undefeated.
But it's time that Aggies SR QB Jerrod Johnson start receiving some hype for an award that is all about publicity.

1. If CK plays this week at UCLA, and right now he's iffy because of a concussion, he has a shot to be invited to the ceremony in NYC. He won't win. Voters won't ever go Andre Ware on the Heisman again. Just getting to NYC if you're Keenum is a major win.

2. Dalton will be in the mix only if the Frogs are undefeated. That's his only shot.

3. Johnson deserves the hype if the Aggies can win their next three games: home against Fla. International, at Okie State and against Arkansas and fellow Heisman candidate, QB Ryan Mallett at JerryWorld. Depending on how JJ plays, he may deserve the consideration anyways.
JJ has thrown for more than 300 yards in his last four games. Through two games he has passed for 671 yards with six touchdowns, no interceptions; he rushed eight times for 50 yards in the Aggies' Week 2 win against La Tech.

If the Aggies can somehow reach 5-0, which is possible because Okie St. appears down and do-you-really- trust-the-Hogs? JJ should be in the discussion for Reggie Bush's trophy.

- Mac Engel

Aggies D Remain a Work In Progress

Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman calls his defense "a work in progress." He's been saying that for months. It's hard not to like the results from the Aggies newly formed 3-4 D under first-year coordinator Tim DeRuyter, even if it has come against who-cares? teams such as Stephen F. Austin and La Tech. The Aggies have three interceptions, forced 10 fumbles, opponents are converting only 28 percent on third downs, and they have four sacks.
One area where Sherman is seeing instant difference is crucial for future success against real teams: The Aggie defense is faster.
"We're definitely putting more in recruiting and playing the young guys to put more speed on the field than we have in the past," Sherman said.
The Aggies employ a "kill the quarterback" mentality. It looked great against La Tech, and should work well this Saturday against Fla International. But for this to thrive the front seven is going to have to "get home", or the secondary is going to be required to hold man coverage for a long time.
Always a dicey bet. I'm betting the Aggies win at Oklahoma State one week from Thursday; but Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett is going to need to feel the pressure for this defense to work the way it's designed.

- Mac Engel