How Texas A&M’s special teams became an underrated Aggies strength

COLLEGE STATION — When evaluating a football program, special teams can often be a forgotten piece of the equation. For No. 15 Texas A&M football, though, the group has been a weapon for the Aggies and one of the best in the country.

“We are very happy with how those guys are playing. They’ve had really good years,” head coach Mike Elko told reporters Monday when asked about the unit. “Through nine games, those guys have done a really great job of being effective and game-changing-type players.”

Placekicker Randy Bond is 22nd in the country with a .889% field goal percentage, while punter Tyler White is 22nd in net punting, averaging 41.3 yards per attempt.

The tandem’s play, along with the consistency of long snapper Jacob Graham, have contributed to the Aggies’ impressive start to the season. The Aggies reeled off a seven-game win streak thanks to good defense and strong field position.

At 7-2 and 5-1 in conference play, A&M still controls its destiny coming out of the bye week, and with New Mexico State next, the specialists must continue to be special. A&M should be heavily favored in Week 12 and must avoid a slip-up to make the College Football Playoff.

MORE: How Texas A&M is keeping the focus amid College Football Playoff chase

5 THINGS TO KNOW: Texas A&M vs New Mexico State: 5 things to know about the ‘other’ Aggies

Looking for consistency, no matter the situation

The ability to think critically and analytically at a high level may come naturally to aerospace engineering majors. That looks to be the case for Bond, who is balancing football — which he calls his full-time job — and school.

“It’s really hard… I only take 12 hours, which is the minimum I can take, and make sure to focus on those classes,” the senior said Monday.

However, Bond’s out-of-this-world focus isn’t only confined to the classroom. His play…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-ms-special-teams-became-183829529.html

Author : Austin American-Statesman

Publish date : 2024-11-12 18:38:29

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.