The Texas A&M Aggies have a new coach, a new coaching staff, a new spirit,  a new attitude, and only 11 returning starters.

Some services say they have 12 starters.  However, that was before junior place kicker Symanski decided to transfer. 

First of all, the Aggies have what is the makings of a quarterback controversy brewing.  There is a possiblity of a fullback-tailback controversy, too.

QB Steven McGee has started for two years.  He is close to setting the rushing record -- for a quarterback!   However, first-year head coach Mike Sherman runs the west coast offense.  Not much chance to run in Sherman's offense -- unless it's for one's life!

Sherman made it clear last week that the QB position is open and will be decided during summer drills.

Jorvorskie Lane, who ran at tailback the past two years, has been moved to fullback and told to lose some 40 pounds ... or more.  No one knows how fat ... er uh ... beefy Lane really is.  Sherman confirmed to AP sportswriters, it has been "a few days" since Lane weighed the 265 pounds as the roster annouces.  Others speculate that Lane's weight tops 300 pounds.

To top Lane's move to FB, he did not show up for the annual spring Maroon and White game.  It would have been his debut at that position. There was no announcement why Lane failed to show.   Sherman told the same AP writers that he has had some discussions with Lane to convince him that the move was the best for him.  If speculation were to be allowed to run rampant, could it be that Lane is unhappy?  Lane was told when he was recruited by the previous coach, that he (Lane) would be a tailback.

The Aggie kicker transferred.  The announcement was sudden but not a big surprise.  He simply never lived up to his hype.  The Aggies could have sorely used some field goals last year.   Sherman will have to shore up the kicking game this year.

With all those issues yet to be cleared up, Sherman and the Aggies will be facing a killer schedule.  First, they meet a weak Miami team at Kyle Field.  Last year, it was glaringly clear that the Hurricanes had a vastly faster team than the Aggies.

Then the Aggies face Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech.   These are all teams with BCS potential.  Barring a miracle, the Aggies may lose at least five games.

Sherman needs to find some speed especially in the defensive backfield.  One news service predicted the Aggies' D-backs will be torched by the Big 12 quarterbacks, some are mentioned as Heisman prospects.   Bad time to have a weak defensive back field -- indeed!

It's not expected to be an especially happy debut for Sherman.

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