Surprising newcomers may add depth to Aggie backfield

The biggest surprises out of the ninth day of summer workouts has been three newcomers.

Projected starting tailback Mike Goodson has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Now freshman tailback Cyrus Gray, junior running back Keondra Smith, and redshirt freshman back Colton Haverda are sharing all the reps.

All three got carries in the Aggies' first scrimmage on Tuesday. Gray absolutely wowed Head Football Coach Mike Sherman.

Gray put up some big numbers for his hometown high school at DeSoto, TX. He earned some area and statewide accolades. Everyone at College Station expected Gray to fast and show some breakaway potential.

Sherman reportedly wants to use Gray as not only a backup to Goodson, but in other places on the field. One obvious place is punt returner. That would be a big leap of faith for Sherman to put a green freshman back to receive punts.

"There’s a tradeoff there," Sherman said. "He’s got to clean up some things he’s making mistakes on. You’ve got to weigh that with his productivity on the other stuff. But I’m excited about him. He’s doing a nice job,” Sherman told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Gray's reputation in high school as a pass receiver showed Tuesday when he was the target in a 34-yard pass and run play. He caught the pass in a crossing pattern in the center of the field. That's was considered a gutsy deed by a young receiver.

> Check out the 2008 Big 12 football preview online through Big 12 Fans and College Sports Fans and find great Big 12 sports gear includingTexas A&M hats & clothing online through Big 12 Fans!

Haverda is a walk-on. Sherman praised his toughness. He ran one touchdown, a one-yard plunge. “That kid is tough,” Sherman told the press. Despite Sherman's praise, he's not likely to get much playing time as the Aggies go into the season. Haverda is so deep in the depth chart he hasn't been assigned a position on the roster other than running back.

Smith might be a legitimate backup performer. He started in the 2007 Baylor game. He carried 13 times for 87 yards on the season. He play in all 13 games. The emergence of a genuine go to guy as a backup could reap benefits for the Aggies.

One benefit of throwing every position open for competition may be added depth come Aug. 30. The Aggies first game will be against Arkansas State at Kyle Field.

By Jay Goode
Big 12 Fans Texas A&M Correspondent

More Texas A&M articles from Goode:

Find more Big 12 football articles online through Big12-fans.com!