 "Photo: Chris Kominczak")
KANSAS CITY - Texas A&M football head coach Mike Sherman almost had to correct himself while talking about his latest recruiting class. Discussing some of the new offensive lineman he recruited, he paused and said, "I almost said drafted."
"He does that all the time - calling recruiting drafting," said junior defensive back Jordan Pugh. "He's still used to the pro terminology."
Sherman, the former NFL head coach who took over as Aggie head coach in December, talked at great length on day one of Big 12 media days Monday about the changes he is making to the program and the excitement of the upcoming football season.
"I feel strongly about the University, the leadership and the potential that is within our grasp," Sherman said. "I look forward to achieving that potential and getting it to fruition."
The Aggies are changing to a pro-style offense under Sherman. Gone are the days of the option that A&M ran under previous coach Dennis Franchione.
"I like our new offense better because it's easier," said senior offensive lineman Travis Schneider. "In the option we had to read the defensive end, and then read the linebacker. In this offense it's all quick and smashmouth; there's no reading and reacting."
Another change on offense is that sophomore Mike Goodson will now be the feature back. Senior Javorskie Lane, who split time at running back with Goodson last year, moves to fullback as a part of Sherman's new offense.
"He presents a lot of qualities that you look for from a fullback in this offense because he has the ability to catch the ball," Sherman said. "I've never had a fullback in this offense that can run like he does before, so that's going to be something we'll take advantage of. He's never had to block much before, but because of his size he should be able to engulf people as well as block mass on mass."
The big question on offense is who will play quarterback. Senior Stephen McGee is a two-year starter, but sophomore Jerrod Johnson is better-suited for Sherman's offense, and could be the quarterback of the future.
"I think it would be unfair for me to just walk in and hand the job to Stephen," Sherman said. "He's going to have to earn it and I think he'll play at a higher level because of the competition. In fairness to Jerrod, they're both going to have to work hard and compete against one another to earn the job."
New defensive coordinator Joe Kines hopes to restore the wrecking crew tradition to A&M. Kines, a 40-year coaching veteran, will change the Aggies' defense from bend-but-don't-break to an aggressive style.
"We respect him a lot because of his age and he really commands our attention on the field," Pugh said. "I'm excited about blitzing more. It's going to be a lot more fun playing in this defense and I think we'll get a lot more turnovers and sacks."
Of course, it's not just Sherman changing the Aggies. The players are also changing Sherman.
"I just learned how to text message two months ago," Sherman said. "I have to do that to stay in contact with my coaches and players. As an English major and former English teacher, I still write everything out. I hate it when people use 'u r' for 'you are.'"
Sherman had two previous stints at A&M as offensive line coach from 1989-1993 and 1995-1996. He previously served as Green Bay Packers head coach and Houston Texans offensive coordinator.
"My first thought after looking at his credentials was wow, this guy knows what he's doing," Pugh said.
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