How Does Josh DeBerry Fit In Texas A&M's Secondary?

Josh DeBerry could provide another spark for the No. 1 secondary entering 2023.

The attention in College Station this spring has been on Texas A&M's offense under first-year coordinator Bobby Petrino. 

Spoiler alert; the defense is going to be what keeps the Aggies in the win column under second-year coordinator D.J. Durkin. More specifically, A&M's secondary could be even better than a season ago. 

The Aggies added Boston College defensive back Josh DeBerry from the transfer portal days after completing spring practice. A two-year starter for the Golden Eagles, DeBerry adds experience to a more than competent defensive backfield focused on improving in smaller areas. 

The first question most A&M fans will have is how DeBerry fits in Durkin's system. The better question should be who is the odd man out entering Week 1's matchup against New Mexico. 

If versatility was considered a weakness in 2022, consider it a strength a year later. Multiple players have exponential experience lining up across the secondary in a multitude of roles. In fact, outside of senior safety Demani Richardson, every potential starter should feature the talent to play at least two spots in coverage. 

DeBerry might be the missing link to a unit that ranked first nationally in passing yards allowed last season (156 per game). Last season, the 5-11 defender primarily lined up in the nickel position. The year prior, he split reps between the nickel a pure safety. 

DeBerry, who played in 39 games at Boston College, also has reps at the outside cornerback spot, so he could even line on the boundary in a pinch, depending on the offensive system coming into town. Then again, he might not have to with the arrival of former All-ACC corner Tony Grimes. 

Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher made sure to target proven vets to replace the production lost by Antonio Johnson and Jaylon Jones once they announced their intent to go pro. Grimes started all 13 games on the outside last season and is already a proven name among defensive backs at the collegiate level. 

Nice job by Jardin Gilbert, who is not fooled with the misdirection and immediately loops around the linebackers to make the play. pic.twitter.com/7fdRSoF4hn

— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) April 16, 2023

He's not alone. A&M also added former Florida State defensive back Sam McCall. Much like DeBerry, he too has enough versatility to play across the field both as a safety and outside defender. 

"Both are guys that we really liked that have athleticism that I think have chances, you know they'll compete for starting jobs and I think can play at a high level and be able to execute," Fisher said at the start of spring football. "But again, they have to go out and fall into the fundamentals and do things right and be able to execute on a daily basis.”

While DeBerry has the most experience inside, A&M is high on the upside of sophomore Bryce Anderson. Last year, the Beaumont native was often found attached at Johnson's hip on the sidelines, always trying to learn something new. 

Much of Anderson's game remains a mystery entering the summer months, but fans saw the potential in brief stints throughout the season. He played in 11 games and was effective when defending the run. Anderson's physical play style was on full display against South Carolina in Week 8 when he forced a pair of fumbles. 

"Bryce can play nickel. He can play dime. He can play (farther) back at safety," Fisher said following the Maroon and White game. "If he had to, Bryce could be a corner. He can run. He can really run. And he’s got really good ball skills, and he’s a good return guy." 

If DeBerry wins the job inside, Anderson could move back to start opposite Richardson. Then again, the Aggies could be content with Jardin Gilbert remaining at free safety after a productive spring. Gilbert, who led A&M with two interceptions last fall, vastly took a step forward in run support during practice. 

Josh DeBerry GOT UP for this INT 😮 pic.twitter.com/JKAhQWAn5B

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 9, 2022

In a sense, the Aggies have a significant problem for 2023. Grimes and Chappell should win the starting job on the outside while a combination of Anderson, DeBerry, Richardson and Gilbert round out the final three spots. Durkin also is known to run multiple six-defensive back sets, so either DeBerry or Anderson should still see an uptick in reps. 

From a depth standpoint, the Aggies are in good hands. Deuce Harmon has started five games in two seasons. McCall has the chops to play either spot in a pinch. The same goes for Jacoby Matthews, who started three games in place of Gilbert last season. Jared Kerr also as a similar build to that of Anderson and DeBerry in the nickel. 

For the long run, A&M needs depth in the secondary following the departures of Denver Harris, Smoke Bouie, Marquis Groves-Killebrew and Bobby Taylor. For a pivotal year under Fisher's regime, the Aggies aren't in a good place, but rather a great one heading into the summer. 

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