Texas A&M 2025 Season Preview: CB/Nickel

AggieYell.com’s breakdown of the 2025 Texas A&M football team by position group continues with a look at the nickels and cornerbacks.

Cast of Characters

Cornerback

#4, Will Lee; Sr.; 6-1, 189

#6, Julio Humphrey; RS-Jr.; 6-1, 195

#14, Jayvon Thomas; Jr.; 5-11, 196

#2, Dezz Ricks; RS-So.; 6-1, 188

#20, Adonyss Currie; Fr.; 6, 174

#16, Jamar Beal-Goines; Fr.; 5-11, 180

#24, Cobey Sellers; Fr.; 5-11, 176

2024 stats

Lee, 42 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, 10 passes broken up, 2 INT

Shaw, 37 tackles, 4 TFL, 6 PBU at Washington

Ricks, 20 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 PBU, 1 INT

Thomas, 17 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT

Humphrey,10 tackles, 4 PBU at Georgia

Rogers, 7 tackles, 1 TFL

Chappell, 3 tackles, 1 TFL (injured in week 2)

Overview

All it took was Chappell’s injury in week 2 last season to cause the plans for both the nickel and corner groups to crumble. When it became clear Jaydon Hill couldn’t handle the role, BJ Mayes was moved from corner to nickel, which was robbing Peter to pay Paul. Ricks, in his first real season of action, wore down as the year went on and opponents noticed. But there was no other option but to play him, because Thomas was hurt and the other options incapable. 

On the other side, Lee was having an All-SEC caliber season. He returns, and this year he has help. Ricks is bigger and stronger and the Aggies went out and added Julio Humphrey, who was the best cover corner on Georgia’s 2024 team before he abruptly transferred. That gives them three solid options at corner, and maybe more as Thomas is fully healthy. A&M signed three talented corners in the 2024 class, and Currie has already cracked the depth chart.

A&M is taking no chances at nickel this season. They added Shaw, who started nine games at Washington last season, to help Chappell. Now a fifth-year senior, Chappell returns with his Philly disposition, a knowledge of the defense and Mike Elko’s trust. Shaw has done his best to gain that trust as well, putting in strong performances in spring ball and training camp. In an added boost, Rogers — who played very little last season — was very good in camp as well, giving the Aggies the possibility of having three capable options at nickel this year.

A lack of depth and inexperience burned A&M at cornerback and nickel last year. This season, they’ve taken steps to prevent a repeat.

The spotlight’s on…

Ricks. He has reportedly had an excellent camp and has likely held onto his starting role, beating out Humphrey. If he plays at a high level all season — and the coaches believe that he can — then the Aggies become a nightmare to throw against. They can either take their chances against Lee, a preseason All-SEC selection, or Ricks, who brings size and a 5-star skill set to the other side of the defense.

Projected depth chart

Nickel

Chappell

Shaw/Rogers/Thomas

Corner

CB:

Lee

Humphrey OR Thomas

CB:

Ricks OR Humphrey

Currie