On Friday, Texas A&M senior cornerback Will Lee III spoke to the media after the Aggies’ closed practice, leading up to next Saturday’s 2025 season-opener vs. UTSA. Lee is entering his final collegiate season, looking to finish off his impressive career, which started in the JUCO ranks, with a trip to the College Football Playoff.
However, for the Aggies to have a chance at the postseason that isn’t a meaningless bowl game, the secondary will need to improve after allowing too many explosive plays through the air in key games down the stretch last season. Lee wasn’t part of the issue, finishing with a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 71.8 with over 500 snaps as the team’s starting outside cornerback.
Lee also led the Aggies with 10 pass deflections while notching two interceptions, a number that should increase this season. Still, Lee hasn’t received the national attention he deserves after being shockingly left off the annual Jim Thorpe award watch list, which has reportedly fueled his competitive flame ahead of the season opener.
“They left me off that list and I feel disrespected… I’m going to go out there and show ‘em what I’m supposed to do and show ‘em i’m the best CB in college football.”
Texas A&M has not had a cornerback this much this vocal in quite some time, and combined with redshirt sophomore CB Dezz Ricks, who has been one of defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s “shining stars” this preseason, the Aggies’ outside cornerback rotation could be one of the best duos in the SEC, which also features Georgia transfer Julian Humphrey.
With senior nickel Tyreek Chappell healthy and back in the lineup, the Aggies will be able to play man coverage at a more consistent rate compared to last season. If the safety rotation also improves, Lee will be able to back up his words.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M senior ready to prove he’s the ‘best CB in college football’
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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