If there was any doubt, the mindset and the expectations around Texas A&M football are dramatically different this spring.
A 9-1 season, an Orange Bowl win over North Carolina and a No. 4 AP ranking have changed things, and not just from the outside, either.
Defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal offered his perspective this past week, pointing to a visit by defending national champion Alabama to presumably full-capacity Kyle Field on Oct. 9.
“All I can say is, can’t wait until the Bama game,” Leal said after a pause during a media availability.
The reason for Leal’s optimism is a defense that returns nine starters after leading the SEC in yards allowed and ranking ninth nationally. The ceiling, he said, is high, very high.
“Beyond the sky … if I’m going to be honest,” Leal said. “It’s unbelievable.”
If that was just one player, it might be an aberration. But other Aggies had their own thoughts about 2021.
“We’re not putting the pressure on ourselves. We just have a standard in this program now that we want to be the No. 1 team in the nation,” defensive tackle Jayden Peevy said.
“So we’re going to practice like that, we’re going to play like that. Every day we’re coming out with the mindset to be the No. 1 team.”
He’s anticipating the meeting with the Crimson Tide, as well.
“I feel like this program is making steps toward being a big-time program, and we’re going to see this season if we can beat Alabama,” Peevy said.
Entering his fourth season, coach Jimbo Fisher embraced his players enthusiasm as long as performance and results follow this spring.
“It’s great to have those expectations, it’s great to have those goals,” Fisher said Friday. “Now your daily habits have to match those goals when you can achieve them.
“And to me it’s the whole thing. Are your daily habits, and what you do on a daily basis, matching up with your goals? If they don’t match up, they’re wasted goals. That’s what we’re learning to do. I’m glad to hear them talk about it, glad to hear them see it.”
Fisher acknowledged that A&M isn’t quite there yet, although he’s pleased with what he’s seeing.
The biggest question marks remain on offense, even with the return of a deep and talented running back corps led by 1,000-yard rusher Isaiah Spiller, Swiss Army Knife Ainias Smith and Orange Bowl MVP Devon Achane.
But four-year quarterback starter Kellen Mond has departed, with Haynes King and Zach Calzada the top contenders to lead the offense for the season opener Sept. 4 against Kent State.
Four members of a dominant offensive line have left, although All-American Kenyon Green is a great building block and Fisher praised junior Luke Matthews’ progress at center after missing last season with an injury.
“His knowledge of what’s going on up front, proving a really good anchor,” Fisher said. “I love his calls, making really good calls, understanding what’s going on [on] the defensive side of the ball to get us in the right blocking schemes.”
Fisher said the biggest difference between his first season and now is experience and the educational process for players. That could mean meeting the standard with mentality and a commitment to team instead of individualism. Now the veterans understand the message and relay it to younger players, Fisher said.
Barring some early upset — the Aggies do play Colorado in Denver on Sept. 11 — A&M figures to be somewhere in the Top 10 when Alabama comes to town.
Then a whole lot of questions get answered. A&M hasn’t beaten Alabama since Johnny Manziel’s Heisman season in 2012.
Last season, Alabama handed A&M its only loss, 52-24 in Tuscaloosa.
For all the progress, Fisher allowed himself a little chuckle when informed of Leal’s eagerness to face the Crimson Tide.
“I hope he’s ready for it too,” Fisher said.
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