My computer plays Kenny Chesneys Boys of Fall, sending chills throughout my body and excitement through my veins. Football although it is only spring ball has begun.
With spring training kicking off this past weekend, I can already feel the rush of next fall, the anticipation as the Aggies compete for a possible national title. Its right there, just beyond the horizon.
My senses tell me to be cautious, yet I find myself falling in love with Aggie football again, whether I should have or not.
While head coach Kevin Sumlin and Johnny Manziel have done wonders for this program, Texas A&M has seen this type of hype before.
Looking back at the 98-99 season, A&M went 11-3 the last time the program notched 11 wins and won its first, and only, Big 12 title. The following season, faithful Aggies across the nation felt disappointment as their squad dropped to 8-4. Not a fond memory to look back upon.
More recently, A&M had similar aspirations when head coach Mike Sherman and quarterback Ryan Tannehill led the Aggies to an inspiring 9-3 season with a Cotton Bowl appearance. The heartbreaking 7-6 year that followed cost the former his job.
But with this lightning quick offense, consistently reliable defense and Heisman winning quarterback, the past may soon be forgotten. It all starts now with spring training arguably the most important one of the past decade.
A&M has graduated many familiar faces in the past season. Star players such as Christine Michael, Ryan Swope, Sean Porter and Damontre Moore have all moved on, but midterm enrollees such as wide receiver JaQuay Williams and linebacker Tommy Sanders have graced the Aggies spring depth chart. Not to mention the return of the nations consensus best player: Johnny Manziel.
As Aggies, we expect the same excellence we saw just a year ago. We expect new seniors to step up into the leadership role just as they expect us to continue standing as the 12th Man. We expect integrity on and off the field just as they expect unquestioned loyalty and support.
For the first time in what feels like a long time, both sides have the opportunity to hold up their end of the bargain.
If there ever was a time to show our devotion to Aggie football, that point is now. Behind a strong-willed head coach, a charismatic and confident quarterback and a team that believes nothing is impossible, the year A&M has been waiting for since 1939 may have come.
Going into spring practices, my advice is to just sit back and enjoy it. History has been and will continue to be made right before our very eyes. Kyle Field has become a sanctuary to broken records.
All eyes are here on College Station. ESPN College Gameday will be broadcasting live during our Maroon and White spring game and networks from not only around the state, but also the nation want to know whats going on with Johnny Football.
The past may haunt us more than anything this year, and rightfully so, but every curse and every streak is made to be broken. This season holds a promise and a hope beyond any that could have been imagined a year ago. The time has finally come for true rebirth.