Aggies Freshman Lineman Mark Nabou Jr. ‘Learning’ in Year 1

Aggies freshman Mark Nabou Jr. may be just starting out in Aggieland, but between his mentors, his coaches and his talent, he's set to be a large part of what Fisher is building around Conner Weigman.

When Texas A&M Aggies freshman lineman Mark Nabou Jr. officially committed to play for coach Jimbo Fisher in College Station, his entire family had to embrace the change. 

Up to that point, Nabou Jr. had been living in Washington, with no intentions of calling the Lone Star State "home". That was, until Fisher's recruitment resonated with the incoming freshman and drew him to the Maroon & White. 

"Jimbo was showing so much love to me and my family," Nabou Jr. said Monday. "So I made the big decision to come to A&M." 

With Nabou Jr.'s commitment, the Aggies strengthened their lineman group that has been prosperous for years prior to this season, which put them in a position to continue to develop talent, especially during a season where a new primary running would be lining up in the backfield. 

But running backs aside, the freshman has also been able to soak up information from his upperclassmen teammates as he's developed. 

“I have learned a lot from Bryce Foster," Nabou Jr. said. "He’s just so smart. He was helping me on what I could have done better ... he explains the defense so well that I’m able to understand it and get the whole O-line into a groove.”

Finding a groove has been the song of the season for the Aggies, who are up against the wall as far as bouncing back goes. Week 2's loss certainly didn't help their case, but there is still ample time for Fishers' squad to turn things around. 

Nabou Jr. will play a large role in that, especially as he's expected to continue to to earn playing time in the coming weeks.

“You get more experience as you play," Nabou Jr. said. "As a freshman, I was getting taught by Coach Addazio. Now that I’m starting and playing, I’m getting more experience and getting into the rhythm of the game.”

The freshman may be just starting out in Aggieland, but between his mentors, his coaches and his talent, he's set to be a large part of what Fisher is building around Conner Weigman. And if this season is any testament to that, he's already shown how he's learning, growing and performing at a high level. 

The next step is for him to prove that during games, especially with the Aggies' SEC play coming up.