Texas A&M football has long had an extremely talented defensive line. Over the last few years, that has been the position for the Aggies that has consistently had the most skill and been the one that opponents have worked the hardest to scheme around.
There has been a healthy mix of five-star talent among the personnel—think Shemar Turner—as well as a decent number of well-developed lower-ranked players—with Albert Regis being a prime example of the latter. It has been a unit for the Aggies that has made a lot of noise during this recent stretch.
Now, the Ags are set to lose two of the biggest contributors among their defensive front to the NFL Draft. Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, the bookends of this past year's defensive line, have both declared that they will be moving on to the next level.
Texas A & M edge rusher Shemar Stewart, a potential first-round pick in April, announced he is leaving school and entering the NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/I0e9dBx4wS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 9, 2024
Stewart has been a starter since his freshman year, and has stayed true to the Maroon and White even when others from his class decided to leave. He's a physical specimen, and will no doubt impress many scouts with his measurables at the combine, despite not putting up all-SEC first-team numbers during his time with the Ags.
Scourton, a local product, spent two years at Purdue before transferring in to play for the Ags this past year. He was beginning to come on strong before an injury reportedly hampered him mid-year—he played through it, but his productivity began to wane down the stretch.
Scourton went from unheralded prospe at Bryan High to potential 1/2 rounder in three years. Hell of a rise for #11. pic.twitter.com/Bxt7DyUMl7
— Billy Liucci (@billyliucci) December 9, 2024
Even so, this was a monster duo for opposing offensive lines to deal with. The Aggies have some talent waiting in the wings, but losing both Stewart and Scourton—both juniors—will sting.
Best of luck to both of these guys! They both have the talent to end up in the first round if things break right for them—here's hoping that's what we see from them.