Don't let misleading statistics minimize expectations for Tyler Onyedim

Statistics can’t be trusted.

Stats lie like a politician. They may seem honest, but further inspection often reveals half-truths and misleading information.

Such is the case with Texas A&M’s new defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim.

Statistics suggest the 6-foot-3, 295-pound transfer from Iowa State by way of nearby Richmond, Texas, won’t make a major impact on the Aggies' defense.

Stats tell you he did not manage a sack last season. He had a solid tackle total with 33 stops, but only 2.5 resulted in lost yardage.

However, stats don’t tell the whole story.

Onyedim was largely playing out of position and frequently drew double-team blocking. A close look at Iowa State defensive plays on YouTube confirms Onyedim — wearing No. 11 — is typically lined up at defensive end and occupying two blockers.

He’ll shift inside for the Aggies.

Will Huffman, TexAgs

Tyler Onyedim played at Iowa State for four years before committing to Texas A&M out of the transfer portal on Jan. 2.

“I came here to play inside, D-tackle, 3-tech,” Onyedim said after a recent practice. “I played 5-tech (end) and 3-tech (tackle) at Iowa State, but mostly 5-tech, for sure.”

Statistics say Onyedim is not a powerful pass rusher. He managed three sacks in four seasons in Ames, but that’s somewhat misleading. In 2023, Onyedim posted sacks vs. Baylor and Texas and was credited with nine QB pressures.

Besides, A&M doesn’t need him to be a sack master. The Aggies have Cashius Howell, Rylan Kennedy, Marco Jones and coach Mike Elko’s array of exotic blitzes for that.

Any pressure Onyedim applies from the interior line will be a bonus.

Instead, Onyedim is primarily needed to help bolster the Aggies' run defense. At least one way for him to do that is by occupying two blockers, so linebackers can move freely to make tackles.

As previously mentioned, he has a history of taking on double-teams.

Of course, Onyedim expects his contribution to consist of much more than just occupying blockers. He has posted a dozen tackles for loss in his career.

“My explosiveness and getting off the ball, I feel like that’s the best part of my game,” he said.

Still, Onyedim understands his role and the importance of sound run defense.

Improvement against the run could make a huge difference for the Aggies this year. Last season, they allowed an average of 223 rushing yards in their four regular-season losses.

Conversely, A&M was 7-0 in the regular season when limiting opponents to 125 rushing yards or less.

“Stopping the run is the first thing you have to do as a D-lineman,” Onyedim said.

Onyedim is confident the Aggies will be better against the run. He gleans confidence from facing A&M’s heralded offensive line in practice every day.

And when he looks around at his new teammates, Onyedim finds more sources of confidence.

“I’m real excited for the D-line, for sure,” he said. “Seeing D-ends that can rush like (Howell and Kennedy) gives me confidence as well. I’m excited for sure.”