True Freshmen Report: Snap Counts, Grades against Alabama

It’s hard not to feel optimistic about Texas A&M’s future despite the 24-20 loss to Alabama. The Aggies have been one of the youngest teams in the country and on a night in which 11 true freshmen played, nearly every single one of them had big moments, headlined by two former five-stars in Evan Stewart and Walter Nolen, who had the best performances of their young careers.

Here, we break down the snap counts and grades for true freshmen from Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) initial grades (offense and defense only), where a single-game mark of about 64 is considered average.

Freshmen on Offense

Chris Marshall – 66 snaps

Marshall played the most snaps of any freshmen on offense and came up big when targeted, finishing with three receptions for 40 yards.

Evan Stewart – 65 snaps

Stewart had the best game of his career thus far, leading the team in receptions and yards once again with eight catches for 106 yards, his first game with over 100 yards. On the season, he now has 26 receptions for 303 yards and one touchdown. He finished with a PFF grade of 64.8 on the night.

Donovan Green – 60 snaps

Green had his first touchdown of his career and finished the day with two receptions for eight yards. He graded well as a blocker, with a 71.6 pass-blocking grade.

Kam Dewberry – 36 snaps

Dewberry saw his first action at left guard with Jordan Spasojevic-Moko out with an injury and Aki Ogunbiyi sliding out to left tackle for Trey Zuhn, who was not dressed out. The freshman held up well and could see more action moving forward given the injuries on the offensive line and the need for consistency along the line.

Freshmen on Defense

Denver Harris – 66 snaps

Harris started at cornerback and didn’t let up a single reception in coverage. He finished with four tackles, one pass deflected and a PFF grade of 70.6, the highest graded freshman for the Aggies on Saturday.

Shemar Stewart – 45 snaps

Stewart had two tackles, one quarterback hurry and recovered a fumble. He played the most of any of the defensive linemen and was consistently in the backfield.

Walter Nolen – 42 snaps

Nolen had his best outing of his young career on Saturday, with three tackles, one forced fumble and four pressures, all quarterback hurries. He tied with Fadil Diggs with the most pressures on the night.

Jarred Kerr – 36 snaps

Kerr saw significant action in the second half subbing in for Antonio Johnson. He finished the day with three tackles, one tackle for loss and a key sack on third down which pushed the Crimson Tide back 12 yards and resulted in a missed field goal.

Lebbeus Overton – 26 snaps

Overton finished with one pressure on the night in limited action. Given the night that Fadil Diggs had, Overton played less than normal, but has had a good season overall.

Anthony Lucas – 25 snaps

Lucas made a big impact in limited action. In just 25 snaps, he finished the night with four tackles, one tackle for loss and two pressures on the night. When he was in, he was consistently disruptive.

Jacoby Mathews – 14 snaps

Mathews saw limited action as well rotating in at safety. He finished the night with one tackle and was targeted just one time in coverage and didn’t let up a single reception on the night.