Texas A&M missed the presence of several key players in last week’s game against Louisiana-Lafayette, but the Aggies are expected to be close to full-strength against Arkansas this Saturday in Arlington.
Most notably, A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin confirmed at Tuesday’s press conference that sophomore running back Trayveon Williams will be available to play against the Razorbacks.
Despite missing last week’s game against the Ragin’ Cajuns, Williams remains the Aggies’ leading-rusher. The emergence of Kendall Bussey, A&M’s second-leading rusher, also gives the Aggies options in the backfield in terms of speed.
“We know when the ball is in their hands, the ball can go for 70 on any play at any given time,” sophomore offensive lineman Erik McCoy said. “We just know that we have to open up the holes for them and if we do we’ll be successful.”
McCoy’s mainstay alongside him at guard, junior Connor Lanfear, also missed last Saturday’s matchup versus ULL. Sumlin though confirmed that Lanfear will also be ready to go against the Razorbacks, likely in the O-Line starting five.
“Me and him have chemistry,” McCoy said of Lanfear. “We played every game together last year and he’s a big physical guy that knows what it takes, especially in SEC play to win games and be able to run the football.”
After showing many different O-Line combinations against ULL, including numerous freshmen, Sumlin gave an insight as to how the O-Line is expected to shape up on Saturday – sticking with the veterans.
“You get to conference play, you’re going to have the experienced players in there to start the game,” Sumlin said. “I think what you’re going to see is that lineup of Koda [Martin], and [Colton] Prater at guard, and Erik McCoy at center, and then [Keaton] Sutherland, Lanfear. Those are our experienced guys and they work well together.”
On defense, junior linebacker Otaro Alaka left the game against ULL early with a hamstring injury, but is expected to play this weekend as well. Freshman Anthony Hines filled in with Alaka out, and pleased Sumlin with his play.
“Alaka left the game Saturday, but I think he’s going to be fine,” Sumlin said. “Anthony being able to come in there and play WILL linebacker gives us some flexibility.”
Safety Donovan Wilson remains out after suffering a foot injury in the season-opener against UCLA, giving way to senior Priest Willis coming from cornerback to the pivotal Nickel position.
Willis said that while Wilson is out, he continues to mentor him from the sidelines and in practice while learning the new position.
“He’s making sure I’m on point,” Willis said. “He’s giving me all the pointers of when he was there, taking me in, showing me the ways and showing me the ropes.”