written by Jeff Davis

STRENGTHS: The Aggies return starters in almost all positions on offense this year. The most anticipated group is the returning receiving corp. Although in just their second season, both leading receivers from last year's squad are back, Terrence Murphy and Jamaar Taylor. As an added bonus veteran receiver Bethel Johnson was given another year of eligibility after his spleen injury in the second game of last year. In his two previous years, he was the second leading receiver. He will provide a huge spark, and depth to an offense that was struggling last year. At the quarterback position, senior Mark Farris will have plenty of targets to throw to, and is looking to break career passing records at Texas A&M. There is healthy competition for the second spot between the listed sophomore Dustin Long, and the much anticipated Jason Carter. Either way, the Aggies feel comfortable with capable backups. The talented young back Derek Farmer is looking for a breakout season, after gaining starting experience all last year as a freshman due to injuries above him. In fact, all four team leading rushers are back. Senior fullback Joe Weber, the team's touchdown specialist, is ready for more smash mouth football. With key positional players in tact throughout the offense, the scoring woes of last year are sure to improve with great strides.

CONCERNS: The Texas A&M offense was ranked 11th in the Big XII last year, with injuries having plagued the team on many offensive fronts. One area of concern last year is still the Aggies biggest question mark this coming season. The offensive line is relatively inexperienced as a whole. All but the center position return this year, a void left by NFL draftee Seth McKinney. Senior guards Billy Yates and Taylor Whitley really need to come into their own this final year to lead the group, and give the quarterback time to find the receivers. The talent of sophomore tackle Jaime Hightower hopes to anchor the unit, and ignite the running game. The offensive line needs more reps together to build cohesiveness. Tight end Thomas Carriger is the team's best shot for improvement at this very thin position. As a starter last year, he gained much needed experience, but is still probably a year off from making the type of impact Aggies will expect. The kicker slated for 2002 is freshman Todd Pegram, who is said to have a strong leg, but could fold in pressure situations. Last season, the kicking kept Texas A&M out of many games.

written by Jeff Davis

STRENGTHS: The defense is A&M's strong point this coming season. Ranked 10th nationally last year, the Wrecking Crew returns seven key members. The top four leading tacklers, the sack leader, and the leader in interceptions are all back. The cornerbacks highlight this unit as First Team All American favorite Sammy Davis, and junior Sean Weston, look to shut down opponent's passing games. The senior strong safety Terrence Kiel, the team's leading tackler, will look to provide more punishing hits. This is a solid and deep defensive secondary group. At the right outside position, Jarrod Penright is a tough linebacker who penetrated offenses for 10 1/2 sacks last season, and also led the team in tackles for loss. Inside linebacker Brian Gamble, a consistent top performer, seems to have been on the Wrecking Crew forever. Ty Warren is a senior at the left end, and is one physical specimen. Fast and strong, Warren will be blowing by offensive linemen this fall. On the right side, junior Linnis Smith is another quick lineman who will start this year. The Aggie front three have plenty of quality backups available to use. With the defense on the field so much last year due to the offensive break downs, the Wrecking Crew should have more rest this year with help from the offense, and be even more formidable than last year.

CONCERNS: Replacing two of the three starters on the defensive line is a concern for this group. Rocky Bernard, a late round draft pick, leaves the biggest hole. A new nose guard, sophomore Marcus Jasmin, will allow Ty Warren to move to end to fill the void. Jasmin has little experience, but is big at 317 pounds or so. The linemen will have to learn quickly how to work together, as tests will be coming soon on the schedule. Two of the four linebacking spots on the Wrecking Crew are question marks and a bit thin. Inside linebacker Jared Morris is one of those, and playing next to Gamble, he'll need to improve quickly. On the left outside, senior Jesse Hunnicutt hopes to avoid those injuries that have tempered his progression in the past. Special teams took a hit with the graduation of free safety Jay Brooks. A big playmaker will have to step into that role. Junior Dawon Gentry was the big hitter in the spring game at the free safety spot, and also received some playing time last year.