'He's a grown man': Texas A&M senior DL is potentially headed toward career year
Texas A&M's defensive line will need to overcome Shemar Stewart , Nic Scourton and Shemar Turner departing for the NFL. The addition of former Iowa State DL Tyler Odyedim from the transfer portal means size, versatility and talent is not an issue. However, a bulk of the pressure to stop the run and provide an interior pass rush will fall on junior DJ Hicks and senior Albert Regis. That means both are facing critical seasons.
On Monday, during sixth Coach's Night stop for Mike Elko , this time in San Antonio, the second-year coach discussed the new defensive line rotation, which features three veteran edge rushers from the portal. He pointed out that senior Cashius Howell and junior Rylan Kennedy will be depended on to provide a bulk of the pass rush, and combined with Hick and Regis, he is not worked about replacing the NFL departures.
"We have had more NFL Draft picks on the defensive line since I got here in 2018 than any other team in the SEC. We're comfortable replacing great players. DJ Hicks, Albert Regis, Rylan Kennedy, and Cashius Howell will step up."
Yes, Texas A&M's history of sending defensive linemen to the NFL is vast and highly successful. While Howell can be counted on after his performance at the end of the 2024 season, Kennedy and Hicks are still unproven. Regis could be headed toward a breakout year.
Last season, the La Porte, Texas, native produced a career-high 36 tackles, half a sack and six pass deflections. He finished the year with an impressive 74.5 defensive grade and 78.5 run defense grade, according to Pro Football Focus .
Texas A&M's run defense was a consistent issue throughout the season against SEC competition, contributing to several losses. While improvement isn't guaranteed in the offseason, Elko believes Regis will be in on nearly every play near the line of scrimmage in 2025.
"It's really exciting to have a player as talented as Albert Regis. He's a grown man. He's a great leader and a phenomenal player. Anchors like that matter."
Being one of the oldest players on the roster means he's seen it all in the trenches and will be able to help DJ Hicks improve as a run defender, while both players are certainly strong and athletic enough to push the pocket and allow the outside pass rusher to affect nearly every passing play.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M DL Albert Regis is a 'great leader' and a 'phenomical player'
