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2 Texas A&M defenders named to Lombardi Midseason Award Watch List
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- 2 Texas A&M defenders named to Lombardi Midseason Award Watch List
Texas A&M sits at 3-3 and 1-3 in SEC play, as new offensive coordinator and starting quarterback Marcel Reed has failed to capitalize on last season's career highs, already throwing six interceptions to just six touchdowns, while first-year offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins has been average as a play-caller, combined with an offensive line that allowed 13 pressures during Saturday's 27-6 loss to Missouri.
While the offense hasn't improved much beyond running the ball more effectively in the Aggies' lone SEC win over Arkansas, Texas A&M's defense has improved after coach Mike Elko handed play-calling duties to first-year defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill.
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A&M's defense hasn't been spectacular, especially the pass rush, which has produced just five sacks compared to 43 through 13 games last season, even after landing several defensive linemen, including former Northwestern Edge Anto Saka from the transfer portal.
However, senior defensive tackle DJ Hicks has had a sneaky good season, while Antok Saka, despite recording just one sack, has been one of the team's top run defenders and best tacklers, missing just one tackle this year. On Wednesday, both players were named to the midseason Lombardi Award List, which will surprise most of the Aggie fanbase given Texas A&M's struggles this season.
Per Pro Football Focus, Anto Saka has a 74.3 defensive grade, while DJ Hicks has a 68.7 defensive grade through the first six games.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 2 Texas A&M defenders named to Lombardi Midseason Award Watch List
