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Texas A&M wants its opener to show a fast, clean offensive operation without penalties or negative plays, with Mike Elko's finish emphasis extending into competitive periods at the end of practices.
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Mario Craver said the Aggies have raised their team-wide football IQ through work on safety rotations, corner leverage, fronts and blitz recognition, which should improve communication and playing speed.
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Craver is playing at approximately 180 pounds after adding about 15 pounds and has emphasized diagnosing coverage before the snap so he can adjust route setup, timing and leverage against added defensive attention.
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Craver said Julio Humphrey is playing faster and with greater confidence in year two, describing him as an athletic defensive back who has improved his mental preparation.
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Texas A&M expects Missouri State's new coordinator, formerly at Auburn, to bring physical play at the point of attack and multiple coverages after Auburn's defense challenged the Aggies last season.