Texas A&M senior cornerback is looking healthy and back to form this preseason
While it wasn't all bad, the 2024 cornerback group was patched together in the offseason ahead of head coach Mike Elko's first season, which includes BJ Mayes, who became one of the more reliable corners late in the season, but has since moved on to the NFL after running out of eligibility. The underrated storyline was the early loss of Tyreek Chappell, which hurt the Aggies in the middle of the field at the nickel spot.
Early in the offseason, it was reported that Chappell was set to return for a final season. While he wasn't completely healed until the summer, the Philadelphia native looks like his old self during the first week/weekend of preseason practice, which was highlighted during a one-on-one matchup with Mississippi State transfer WR Mario Craver.
Craver is considered one of the fastest receivers on the roster, and while he did make the completion, Chappell went stride for stride with the transfer wideout, which is great to see with the 2025 season opener vs. UTSA just a mere 26 days away.
After recording three tackles before missing the rest of the 2024 campaign, Chappell has been one of Texas A&M's most reliable and versatile cornerbacks, netting 106 tackles, two interceptions, and 23 pass deflections during his first three seasons. Washington transfer CB Jordan Shaw has been battling with Chappell this preseason for the starting nickel spot, but it's been rumored that Chappell has taken the lead and is expected to win the job.
Either way, Texas A&M's cornerback depth is in much better shape compared to this time last season.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
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