When defensive coordinator Joe Kines decided to implement his "jack" package this spring, no player fit the hybrid linebacker/defensive end mode like junior Von Miller. The scheme allows A&M to switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 without substitution and unleashes Miller's natural pass-rushing instincts. The DeSoto product has been nearly unstoppable in the spring and preseason practices, working against teammates. Miller could easily double his 2008 total of 3 ½ sacks. He should also fortify a pass rush that recorded only 16 sacks last season and allowed opponents to convert 55.2 percent of their third-down chances.

Year: Sophomore

Position: Wide receiver

Height/Weight: 6-4/215

High School: McKinney Boyd

Major: General studies, will declare a major by the end of this year.

The biggest influence on my life: It would have to be my dad (Jeff). He was a great high school, college and professional football player. He never pushed me, and in fact, I did not play organized football until I was a high school freshman. I know he is always there for me, and with his experience, I know his advice and teaching is outstanding, and he always has my best interests at heart. And he doesn't mind telling me things I can improve on, as well.

My favorite college class: Anthropology. The professor was very good and made the class a lot of fun. It was great learning about other people and cultures from all over the world. I found it very interesting.

The football memory I will never forget: It would have to be the first game last fall at Kyle Field. The crowd was even better than I expected, especially the students' side. I believe it was in the second quarter and we were faced with a third-and-10. Stephen McGee hit me for a 13-yard gain from somewhere around midfield to keep the drive going. We scored a touchdown on that possession.

My current favorite artist on my iPod is: Lil Wayne

The last good movie I saw: 12 Rounds. Action, thriller type. Thought it was pretty impressive what the main character went through.

If I could eat one food, it would be: Pasta with pesto sauce. I just love it.

By the end of last season, the Aggies had fallen to the bottom of the Big 12 South. They want to make certain that last-place finish was just an aberration, not a reflection of a sagging program. Mike Sherman has already addressed locker room issues that divided last year's team. This year's group seems to have bought in. That's only part of any possible turnaround story. Despite a solid recruiting class, the Aggies are young, lack depth at key positions and may find it difficult to improve last season's 4-8 record. More competitiveness against Texas and Oklahoma (or even Baylor) would be a sign of progress.

Even with the loss of Mike Goodson a year early to the NFL, running back looks like a position of strength. DeSoto product Cyrus Gray showed flashes of big-play potential as an all-purpose back last season. As a freshman, he ran for 363 yards (4.8 average) and broke the school kickoff return record (1,169 yards). Bradley Stephens, another sophomore, should also contribute. Most important, prize recruit Christine Michael may provide instant help. He averaged 8.2 yards a carry as a senior at Beaumont West Brook. So far, coach Mike Sherman has been guarded, praising Michael's skills while saying he needs to learn the system better.

The offensive line remains an area of concern, which should surprise no one who watched A&M play last year. The Aggies had trouble blocking for the run (2.9 yards a rush) and the pass (39 sacks by opponents). Mike Sherman, a former O-line coach himself, will be hard-pressed to form a cohesive unit quickly. Converted defensive lineman Lucas Patterson stands as the front-runner at the crucial left tackle position. Right tackle Lee Grimes and center Kevin Matthews are returning starters who missed spring practice because of injuries. LSU transfer Matt Allen looks to claim one of the guard spots.

Texas A&M should be 3-0 heading into a neutral-site game against Arkansas at Cowboys Stadium. Each team struggled in their first seasons under veteran coaches, with Mike Sherman at A&M and Bobby Petrino at Arkansas. One of those men is going to see his program get a significant boost with a win.

2008 record: 4-8

Chuck Carlton's 2009 prediction: 5-7