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The Ags bring back a strong contingent of DBs in 2013. Deshazor Everett, Howard Mathews, Floyd Raven, DeVante Harris, Toney Hurd, and Tramain Jacobs all contributed significant minutes in the Aggie secondary last season. However, five of the six will be upperclassmen next season and Kevin Sumlin only took one high school corner and safety in the 2012 class. To restock the pipeline, the Aggies go into signing day with five defensive backs committed.
Current Verbal Commitments
Kameron Miles - The consensus #1 safety in Texas flipped his pledge from the Tennessee Volunteers shortly after receiving an Aggie offer in November. As a senior, the four-star prospect played some wildcat quarterback and runningback to go along with safety at West Mesquite. At 6'2" and over 200-pounds, he has the frame and the physicality to be an in-the-box safety; as well as the speed and agility needed in coverage.
2012 Honors: U.S. Army All-American, 4A Second Team All-State Academic Team, 10-4A First Team All-District
247: #17 S, 4 stars
Rivals: #13 S, 4 stars
Scout: #10 S, 4 stars
ESPN: #13 S, 4 stars
Victor Davis - The Rosenberg Terry product, and teammate of receiver Derrick Griffin, has been an Aggie commit since February of 2012. The 6'1" Davis has the skill set of a corner, in a safety's body. He has the hips to turn and run with receivers and speed to close on the ball from center field. With his coverage abilities, he is the perfect free safety compliment to Kameron Miles at strong safety.
2012 Honors: 4A All-State Honorable Mention, 23-4A First Team All-District
247: #40 S, 3 stars
Rivals: #35 S, 3 stars
Scout: #57 S, 3 stars
ESPN: #17 S, 4 stars
Jonathan Wiggins - The 6'3" 215-pounds Wiggins is another player, like Shaan Washington, who could bulk up and spin down to Sam linebacker. Regardless of where he lines up, Jonathan is an in-the-box player who excels in run support. In his senior season at Alief Taylor, he had 111 tackles with 7 forced fumbles and 2 recoveries.
2012 Honors: 5A All-State Honorable Mention, 18-5A First Team All-District
247: #91 S, 3 stars
Rivals: NR, 3 stars
Scout: #72 S, 3 stars
ESPN: #33 S, 3 stars
Noel Ellis - The consensus four-star corner has the hip flexibility and agility to turn and run with receivers in man coverage as well as the speed and quickness to play zone. Ellis chose the Aggies over offers from over 20 programs across the country such as Auburn, Tennessee, Florida State, etc...Ellis is also a monster in the return game and took 5 kicks to the house his senior season at Edna Karr in New Orleans. He also had 8 picks as a senior and also returned 4 of those for scores.
2012 Honors: Under Armour All-American, LSWA 4A First Team All-State, 9-4A First Team All-District
247: #22 CB, 4 stars
Rivals: #19 CB, 4 stars
Scout: #28 CB, 4 stars
ESPN: #21 CB, 4 stars
Tavares Garner - Garner is another corner who can play zone but excels in man coverage. Like Ellis, he has the athleticism to run with receivers and the ball skills to go get a pick. Garner was a one time Texas Tech commit but flipped to the maroon and white back in the summer. As a senior at Manvel, Garner had 35 tackles, 5 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery.
2012 Honors: Offense-Defense All-American, 5A Second Team All-State, 22-5A First Team All-District
247: #24 CB, 4 stars
Rivals: #27 CB, 4 stars
Scout: #30 CB, 3 stars
ESPN: #54 CB, 3 stars
What To Watch For On Signing Day
Not much. The Aggies were in on the #4 corner in the country, MacKensie Alexander, but the Florida native is all over the map and seems to have cooled on the Ags. Rumors have also been out there that Kevin Sumlin was working to pull Alabama commit Maurice Smith (Sugar Land, TX) away from the Tide on signing day. Nothing ever materialized and that seems to have just been internet speculation. Chances are, defensive back will be an uneventful position on Wednesday.
When They Hit Campus
Chances are Jonathan Wiggins will redshirt. With Howard Mathews the only known commodity at safety, both Miles and Davis will compete for early playing time. The two corners will have some talent to overcome at their position, but they both have a chance to work themselves into the rotation as freshman. All four could play on special teams as freshman.