The option has always been a major part of college football.
It’s just that “option” once referenced a style of play. This year, “option” seems to refer to guys that won’t play.
Citing concerns of the COVID-19 virus, some of the best players in the country have exercised their option to not play in 2020.
The list of star players who have opted out includes Purdue receiver Rondale Moore, Miami defensive end Gregory Rousseau, Minnesota receiver Rashod Bateman, Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley along with a trio of LSU standouts: receiver Ja’Marr Chase, defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin and safety Kary Vincent.
Even entire conferences have opted out; the Big Ten and Pac-12 among them.
Yet, the effects of COVID-19 have been minimal for Texas A&M.
Only three players have opted out.
James Foster, a back-up quarterback who had been in and out of the transfer portal, decided early during fall camp not to play.
Lingering shoulder injuries appear to be playing a large factor in cornerback Elijah Blades’ decision not to play this season.
Reserve safety Derrick Tucker indicated his decision was as a protest for the Black Lives Matter movement rather than out of precaution relating to COVID-19.
Indeed, coach Jimbo Fisher said on Thursday that the Aggies have not had any positive tests for COVID since their fall camp started three weeks ago.
“We basically have (remained COVID-free),” Fisher said. “Our players — I’m going to commend them on this — have done an outstanding job in what they’re doing and their precautions for us to practice and not have guys missing. They’ve done an outstanding job. Very mature and very disciplined in that regard.”
The visions of success that could be attained this season appear to have motivated those players opting in as they continue to follow strict guidelines to avoid contracting and spreading the virus.
“I think it really just goes to the vision that we have as a team and the coaching staff,” junior linebacker Anthony Hines said. “We really care for each other.
“Just to be able to have that vision and be focused in on that, guys are going to put it all on the line for their brothers. So I think that’s why you’re seeing that.”
Senior linebacker Buddy Johnson echoed that thought.
“I think these guys care for each other, and they know each other, and they have a goal they want, and they love A&M,” Johnson said. “I think it’s more important that they love each other and want to be supportive of each other.
“It’s just a family atmosphere around here. I think guys on the team just 100 percent bought into everything that coach Fisher has to offer us. That’s all I can say. I think guys want to play.”
Hines and Johnson said they harbor no ill feelings toward Blades and Tucker for opting out. They indicated they support those decisions.
“At the end of the day, that was the decision that was best for them and their families, so I respect that,” Hines said.
Fisher said he supported Blades’ and Tucker’s decision, too.
“I mean, you wish they were there, but you understand the things that are going on,” Fisher said. “They’ve expressed their reasoning and the things that are between us and the things that go on but nothing bad. They’re both great young men, and both have outstanding futures.”
Blades and Tucker opting out could compromise the depth in the secondary, especially at cornerback, where Blades was a likely starter.
However, Fisher seemed optimistic that A&M’s secondary remains secure.
Five-star freshman prospect Jaylon Jones and junior college transfer Brian George could fill in for Blades at cornerback.
The safety position opposite entrenched sophomore starter Demani Richardson appears deep. Returning starter Leon O’Neal, senior Keldrick Carper, sophomores Brian Williams and Erick Young along with freshman Antonio Johnson are among those vying for playing time.
They will all get dress rehearsal on Saturday in the Aggies’ first scrimmage leading up to the season-opener against Vanderbilt on Sept. 26.
“There’s open competition as we get ready for the first scrimmage this weekend,” Fisher said. “Those guys have all done well, and they have to continue to do well.”
Hines said he’s not worried about the secondary.
“We’re solid in the secondary,” he said. “We’ve got some dudes, I’ll say that.”
