Texas A&M's secondary, despite struggling in coverage in losses to Kentucky and LSU, has been one of the season's few bright spots, especially senior cornerback Dezz Ricks, who, aside from one bad game against LSU, has allowed just 12 yards when targeted. After allowing fewer than 50 passing yards in the Aggies' 41-0 win over The Citadel, Texas A&M now ranks 10th nationally in passing yards allowed.
This is a team effort, while coach Mike Elko's decision to hand over the defensive play-calling duties was a good call on his part, as first-year defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill has helped clean up some issues, including coverage and tackling, allowing Elko to return to his CEO-like coaching position and oversee the entire team without a specific focus.
On Tuesday, Dezz Ricks and senior tight end Micah Riley spoke to the media as this week's player representatives, previewing Saturday's critical road test vs. No. 13 Alabama, where the Aggies last won during the magical 2012 season and haven't played Bryant-Denny since 2022.
Set to face starting quarterback Keelon Russell, Dezz Ricks knows the secondary must now allow breaks in coverage and "stay on their keys" to keep the former five-star in the pocket and force tough throws.
"I think he's a really solid, young player. He can pass the ball, (he's) really good with his feet, so he's definitely going to be a challenge for us. As long as we communicate, stay on our keys, we will be up to the challenge," Ricks said.
Alabama has lost two in a row after falling to Georgia at home and Tennessee on the road, and while facing a Texas A&M team that has only won a single SEC game this season looks like a "get right" game, nothing is guaranteed in the SEC, especially after the insanity we witnessed during Week 7 when Texas, Georgia, and Alabama all lost on the same day for the first time since 1996.
Texas A&M's defense against Alabama sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell will be the key to any upset bid, starting with the Aggies' pass rush, which has produced only five sacks but will face an Alabama offensive line that allows three sacks per game.
If the pass rush forces Russell to make quick decisions, Texas A&M's secondary will have a shot at consistently forcing punts.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M CB Dezz Ricks on facing Alabama QB Keelon Russell