2 hours ago 1

Texas A&M 2025 Season Preview: DT

Cast of characters

#17, Albert Regis; Gr.; 6-1, 317

#11, Tyler Oneydim; Gr.; 6-3, 295

#5, DJ Hicks; Jr.; 6-3, 295

#53, Jadon Scarlett; RS-So.; 6-2, 297

#55, Dealyn Evans; RS-Fr.; 6-5, 310

#99, Landon Rink; Fr.; 6-2, 294

#88, DJ Sanders; Fr.; 6-3, 315

#59, Chase Sims; Fr.; 6-3, 294

2024 stats

Regis, 36 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, .5 sacks, 6 passes broken up, 2 quarterback hurries

Hicks, 17 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 2 passes broken up

Onyedim, 33 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 pass broken up, 1 fumble recovery at Iowa State

Overview

This is likely the biggest question mark on a team that seems otherwise set. Every other position group has depth, a potential standout or both — except for defensive tackle. It has three starter-level players and then has been searching for a fourth to fill out the two-deep, which Evans apparently has done this summer.

Regis and Hicks are the likely starters. The Aggies know what they’re getting from Regis — a high-motor, non-stop effort guy who’s tough to move. But in terms of playmaking, Hicks did more in a lot less time last season as he backed up Shemar Turner. If there is going to be a superstar in this group, it will likely be Hicks, who was the third-ranked player in the nation in the 2023 class according to Rivals.com and has shown flashes of dominance.

Onyedim established himself as a quality defensive lineman at Iowa State, but he’s switching from a three-man front in Ames to a four-man front in College Station. Still, he’ll be the first defensive tackle off the bench and the coaching staff appears to be pleased with his performance to this point. Evans gained 30 pounds in the offseason, going from 285 to 315, but doesn’t look like it’s bad weight. The former 4-star was challenged to grab a spot in the rotation before fall camp began, and it appears he has responded well.

The three freshmen have done well to date and may start getting more playing time as the season progresses. Rink has shown tremendous strength in and out of the weight room, while Sanders brings natural size. Sims may be the most gifted of the three, but he’s had to add some weight to get to where he can be SEC-competitive.

The spotlight’s on…

Hicks. Like I said, if there’s a potential breakout player, he’s it. He’s shown that he can do it, as 17 of his 20 tackles were unassisted and he had as many sacks as first-rounder Shemar Stewart in far fewer snaps. But it depends on his ability to go translate potential into fulltime production, something he hasn’t done yet. He’s slimmed down 10 pounds since last season and looks to be in far better shape, so he could be more explosive. If that’s the case, he could really alter how this defensive line performs in 2025.