Posted: Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:48 PM - 6,153 Readers

By: Randy Riggs

Hall of Fame inductees

Six Texas A&M athletes will be inducted Friday into the Letterman's Association Hall of Fame, including four football players.

Among the football players is linebacker Quentin Coryatt, probably best known for his devastating hit on a TCU receiver in 1991 that broke Kyle McPherson's jaw in three places.

Coach Mike Sherman, noting that the hit is always included on A&M highlight films, said he's told his defenders it's time to update the archives.

"I've told our guys, when are we going to replace that hit?" Sherman said. "It's been a long time coming and someone has to step up and replace it in the archives, with no disrespect to Quentin Coryatt and what he accomplished.

"I would hope by now we'd have someone to replace that, although we haven't just yet."

Also being inducted into the hall are linebacker John Roper, running back Greg Hill and quarterback Roddy Osborne. The other inductees are track and field great Bashir Ramzy and basketball star Winston Crite.

Offensive line shuffled

Senior Michael Shumard, who opened the season at left guard, has gotten some work at left tackle in practice, although Sherman said sophomore Danny Baker remains the starter there.

"We practiced guys at different positions," Sherman said. "That afforded us an opportunity to create more depth and figure out what our best combinations would be."

Shumard, who has played at all offensive line spots except center, said he's willing to play anywhere, including, he said, tight end or wide receiver.

"(But) I don't think I'd look too good standing like this," the 6-foot, 5-inch, 301-pounder said, assuming a receiver stance.

Jeff Fuller, a real wide receiver, doesn't either.

"That's a horrible idea," the sophomore said with a laugh.

More debuts upcoming

The Aggies played 13 true freshman against New Mexico and probably will play a few more Saturday against Utah State.

Sherman said Westlake product Ryan Swope, who missed the opener with a minor injury, likely will log time on special teams and perhaps at wide receiver.

Other newcomers who might get a look are linebackers Aaron Arterburn and Michael Lamothe, and offensive linemen Stephen Barrera and Rhontae Scales.

A tip from Lake Travis

In the offseason when the Aggies decided to speed up their offensive play-calling, Sherman said he got help from several high school coaches in Texas.

He specifically mentioned Lake Travis coach Chad Morris, who visited with Sherman.

"He's an Aggie, so I asked him how he does things," Sherman said. "Lake Travis does a real good job of doing that."

It paid off in the opener when A&M's offense got off 90 plays, compared to its average last season of 64.8.

Sorting out punt issues

Montana transfer Ken Wood averaged 43.5 yards on four punts against New Mexico, but Sherman wasn't overly impressed and said it will be a game-time decision Saturday between Wood and freshman Ryan Epperson for who handles the duties.

"I thought it was serviceable, but not a winning effort, necessarily," Sherman said of Wood's work. "I thought we lacked some consistency in hang times and directions. We have to be better there."

*  Story Contributed by: Randy Riggs