Expect razzle from A&M's defense if Dezz Ricks does dazzle in 2025

Questions linger throughout Texas A&M’s August football camp. The answers figure to have a major effect on the Aggies’ level of success this season.

Among those questions: Did Dezz dazzle?

That’s sophomore Dezz Ricks, who the Aggies may count on to shore up the spot opposite All-SEC cornerback Will Lee III.

Once a dazzling five-star recruit, Ricks struggled last season. Hopes were high he’d show dramatic growth over the offseason.

So, as August camp comes to a close, the question persists: Did Dezz dazzle?

Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman said Dezz definitely did.

“I think he has really embraced this camp,” Bateman said following practice on Tuesday. “I think he’s been one of the shining stars of this camp. I have a lot of faith and confidence in that kid.”

Zoe Kelton, TexAgs

Dezz Ricks appeared in all 13 games and made nine starts for the Aggies last year. He had 20 total tackles, one TFL and one interception.

Bateman has had faith in Ricks for a long time. He’s known him since Ricks was in the eighth grade.

Ricks’ godbrother, Cam’Ron Kelly, played defensive back for Bateman at North Carolina from 2019-21.

Bateman would’ve liked to have signed Ricks out of high school when he was the 39th-ranked player in the nation.

Alas, the allure of playing for legendary coach Nick Saban at Alabama was too much for Ricks to ignore, but when Saban opted to retire after the 2023 season, Ricks moved to A&M via the transfer portal.

“When I heard coach Bateman was the (defensive coordinator), we connected when I entered the portal,” Ricks recalled. "Then I also looked at our (A&M) defensive line. I knew they were solid.”

Unfortunately, the Aggies' pass defense was not. Last year, A&M was ranked 13th in the SEC in pass defense. Opponents exploited the especially coverage — or lack thereof — during the second half of the season.

Significant improvement is needed, especially with A&M facing quarterbacks like LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, Texas' Arch Manning, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, Arkansas' Taylen Green, Florida's DJ Lagway and even UTSA's Owen McCown this year.

So, the Aggies made moves to upgrade the secondary. Transfers Julio Humphrey and Jordan Shaw were brought in. Also, Tyreek Chappell is back from injury.

But nothing could make a bigger impact than Ricks having a breakout 2025 campaign. A new year brings new expectations.

Ricks expects to unveil a new version of himself when the Aggies begin the season on Aug. 30 vs. UTSA.

“I think I’ve improved a lot from the standpoint of mentally,” he said. “Not only growing on the field, but I think maturing off the field has translated on the field. Just knowing the play calls and whatnot. Over the summer, working on little stuff, like my feet.

“Last year, I think I was playing a lot more on physical ability. It’s never been my ability to cover. I think I can cover any guy in the country. I know I can, actually.

“Aug. 30 through January, I’m excited to show everybody.”

Ricks has shown flashes of what he’s capable of. He made a brilliant play on the ball to get a dazzling interception against Arkansas.

However, there was also just too much inconsistency and too many mistakes.

“Technically, it was somewhat my freshman year,” Ricks said. “That was kind of my first time playing. Just understanding the game… I didn’t know as much as I thought I did.”

Bateman took the blame for a bunch of them, though.

“Unfairly, we asked him to play 650 snaps as a redshirt freshman at one of the most challenging things a young man can do, which is play press corner, field corner in the SEC,” Bateman said. “I think he had a really good start. Obviously, he drifted at the end. He knows that. I know that. We’re reminded of that very frequently.”

During camp, though, they’ve been reminded of Ricks’ remarkable ability.

“I think our coaches did a good job helping me learn little things like what the offense is doing,” Ricks said. “The game slowed down a lot for me.”

Apparently, that has increased confidence that Ricks will live up to his vast potential.

A&M may have a highly-successful season if Dezz does.