Fisher encouraged by progress of newcomers, linebacker development
Starting Texas A&M receiver Kendrick Rogers was forced to miss football practice on Saturday because of injury but isn’t expected to be sidelined for long.
Coach Jimbo Fisher acknowledged that Rogers was out. He also said he expects Rogers to be back in the lineup by — or before — the Aggies open the season on August 29 against Texas State at Kyle Field.
Sources said Rogers apparently twisted an ankle toward the end of practice on Friday night. By Saturday morning there was significant swelling, so the A&M medical staff opted to hold him out of practice.
“He had a boot on. He had a lower leg injury. He’s got some swelling. They’ve (trainers) got him in a boot for a while. He should be all right,” Fisher said.
Later, Fisher added: “I’m not a doctor, but I don’t think it’s anything that’s going to be long-standing. He’s got tweaked a little bit. He got some swelling. We’ve had a couple of guys get that already. That’s part of camp.”
Rogers, who at times was slowed by injuries last season, had 27 catches for 336 yards and five touchdowns last season. That did not include a game-winning catch on a two-point conversion in A&M’s 72-72 seven-overtime victory over LSU.
The fact he’s not expected to be sidelined for an extended period was one reason for Fisher to be in a positive mood following the third practice of August camp.
The Aggies practiced in shells (helmets and shoulder pads), which Fisher said was very much like practicing in full gear.
“You’re doing everything but cutting each other,” Fisher said. “You’re banging, getting blocked. You can actually see guys get blocked up front or guys making a block or getting off a block. You can see remnants of football. When we get into heavy pads we don’t want to go to the ground. It’s very close to what you’re normally getting.
Fisher, who was not satisfied with the Aggies’ overall effort in their first practice last Thursday, was more upbeat.
He praised the newcomers of the 2019 recruiting class that was ranked among the nation’s top five for making quick progress.
“A lot of guys are getting reps,” Fisher said. “The young guys – you can see they swim at times and get lost. All the sudden they make plays. You see their ability.
"They’re all doing pretty good. All the new guys pretty much have done a good job. I say flash. Maybe it’s because all of them are doing pretty decent. So there’s none that just jump crazily at you.”
Fisher seemed especially encouraged by the efforts at linebacker, where five freshmen are counted on to provide depth at a position which is quite thin behind junior Buddy Johnson and sophomore Anthony Hines.
“We’re glad we recruited all of them. They all can play. They all have ability,” Fisher said. “As we get into assignments and more into pads you can see. They’re all flowing, reading. Some days you see it early. Couple of days it will freeze them. Then the next time they get that same rep they’re moving faster and picking it up. Linebacker is one that there’s a lot of information that’s involved. They’re good players.
“Physically, they look really good. They’re big, strong, athletic. They look like SEC linebackers.”
Fisher said Johnson, who has bulked up to a muscular 228-pounds, will take over the middle linebacker role. He said Johnson is comprehending the position and taking charge.
“He seems to be picking things up for the most part,” Fisher said. “You know, defense, you catch plays here and there when you’re watching. I try to walk around and see. He seems to be taking a leadership role. I like his demeanor and attitude very well.”
Fisher also said he was encouraged by the competition to back up starting quarterback Kellen Mond. He indicated freshmen Zach Calzada and James Foster and sophomore Connor Blumrick have made progress in understanding Fisher’s complex offensive scheme.
“We’re rotating them right now,” Fisher said. “All the guys have a good, solid grasp. We’ve got to close better on the details of everything, but they understand what they’re trying to accomplish and what the concepts of the plays are, which is good. Now we just hope the execution will pick up.”
