Texas A&M’s revamped linebacker rotation will be led by senior Daymion Sanford, who, after suffering a brutal fibula injury during the Maroon & White Game, is nearly 100% healthy following a speedy recovery this offseason, a fact confirmed by new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill during Tuesday media availability.
After Taurean York and former Florida transfer LB Scooby Williams departed for the NFL after the 2025 season, Sanford was immediately elevated after his career year, while rising sophomore Noah Mikhail and offseason transfer addition Ray Coney make up what, on paper, looks like an upgraded linebacker corps, especially from a size perspective.
Hemphill praised all three linebackers on Tuesday, and for the Aggie fans expecting a significant jump from Noah Mikhail, physicality reportedly won’t be an issue after the California native and former blue-chip prospect put on more muscle this offseason after working with S&C coach Tommy Moffit, now standing 6’2″ and 230 pounds.
“Didn’t know how physical Noah was going to be. That was the one thing; he was always a smart and heady kid. In the right position. Made some plays. I didn’t know how physical he was going to be.”
Noah Mikhail was recruited as a two-way player who was destined to play linebacker at the next level, and from an athleticism standpoint, the sophomore backer consistently flies to the football, with the versatility to play in the middle or at outside linebacker, and provides upside as a pass rusher.
Ray Coney is expected to start at middle linebacker, with Daymion Sanford at the Will, making Mikhail the most important depth piece on defense, especially early in the season when Sanford is likely on a snap count to avoid re-injury.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M DC Lyle Hemphill praises sophomore LB’s ‘physical’ play
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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By Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire | USA TODAY Network
