In the words of DeVante Harris, “We finna get it poppin’.”
Texas A&M will be showcasing a different defensive scheme this season due to the arrival of defensive coordinator John Chavis. 
Chavis’ new system is exciting many, and on Tuesday afternoon, secondary coach Terry Joseph spoke with the media and illustrated what the Aggie faithful can expect of it come September. 
“Watching from a fan’s standpoint it’ll be a lot more aggressive, a lot closer to the line of scrimmage,” Joseph said. “One guy will be responsible for one guy and one route and we want you to win that one-on-one battle.”
Coach Joseph felt confident in the way that the younger guys in the defensive secondary have performed so far in spring ball. According to Joseph, the impressive performance of the underclassmen is a testament to the recruiting efforts of the defensive staff. 
“We want to recruit guys who can come in and play and take the jobs of the guys you have now,” Joseph said. “I don’t want to recruit backups.” 
Senior cornerback De’Vante Harris has been called upon to become a leader for not only the secondary, but for the entire defense this season. Harris came into spring camp over the 180 pound mark for the first time in his career and he, as well as his coaches, think that it will add a new level to his game. 
“He’s able to hold up at the line of scrimmage and press,” Joseph said about Harris. “He’s playing with a lot more confidence. [He] always has positive energy [and has] made a lot of plays early in camp. [I’m] really excited about where he’s at right now.”
Part of the thinking behind the new defensive scheme is to relinquish the amount of responsibility assigned to each player. Moving from a run-pass read to a one-on-one matchup should fit what the Aggie secondary desires.
“It’s way easier, press-man is my game,” said Harris. “I love that, I’m sure the other corners love it [as well].” 
In addition to his excitement surrounding the different style of play being introduced, head coach Kevin Sumlin seemed to be pleased with the energy level of the team coming back from spring break. 
“I felt they were spirited coming back from break,” Sumlin said. “They had a lot of juice and energy.”