Aggies' LT Overton Talks Development, Maturity, Change in Culture

Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman LT Overton discussed how he's developed since arriving at A&M, the outlook for the team going into SEC play, and the change in culture from his freshman to sophomore year.

Since arriving at Texas A&M last May, the Aggies have been working to develop LT Overton into a defender who could have success guarding skill position players while also being able to disrupt run games and quarterbacks as a lineman. The former five-star recruit spoke about his development when questioned by the media on Monday.

"Ever since I got here, it's been a challenge trying to adapt to dropping into coverage, sometimes staying up in linebacker, and being on the line," Overton said. "The task of guarding a skilled player on one play and then facing a 300-pounder on the defensive line the next may seem daunting, but Overton has embraced this, saying, "It was a big development stage these past few years, and I feel like they developed me well [over time].

The 6-5 Overton discussed how getting to play as a hybrid for the defense would be huge in disrupting offenses. 

"It just really messes up the way the quarterback or even the offensive scheme looks at our defense." Overton said.

The Aggies hope to fool offenses by using the technique to "show four down fronts and then drop eight into coverage." 

Next, Overton was questioned on the lessons learned from the Week 2 loss to Miami and how that loss motivated the defense to be better.

"We figured out a standard for our defensive room, and now we really want to uphold that standard," Overton said.

The Aggies will get the opportunity to set the standard on defense as they take on an unproven Auburn offense that has shown flashes of success but also struggled in a 14-10 road win against California. 

Overton expressed his excitement for the opportunity. 

"We're really juiced up about this weekend and the weeks coming [up] for SEC play; it's always big, and you know we're [all] about competition." 

Lastly, LT Overton reflected on how the Aggies responded to the loss and how it was different from last year. 

Overton felt that a loss last year would really "bring the team down" and that now "you can really see the change in maturity." 

The defensive lineman feels like the team knew what they put on the field against Miami wasn't "all they had" and that they knew the "potential" they possess, and it's all about getting something out of a loss and responding to adversity. 

This change in culture is important as Overton and the Aggie defense get a fresh start this week against Auburn, with a chance to prove to the SEC West that Texas A&M means business.