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Hemphill Today
By the People, for the People
Texas A&M's Daymion Sanford Emerges as Vocal Leader on Defense
Senior linebacker steps up to guide Aggies' new-look defense under coordinator Lyle Hemphill.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:23pm
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Sanford's leadership on the Texas A&M defense will be crucial as the Aggies implement a new system under coordinator Lyle Hemphill.Hemphill TodayTexas A&M defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill highlighted senior linebacker Daymion Sanford as a vocal leader who has stepped up this offseason. Sanford, who became a full-time starter last season, is taking on more responsibility to communicate with the defense and set the tone with his energy and effort. The Aggies are looking for Sanford to be a vocal presence as they implement Hemphill's new defensive system.
Why it matters
Sanford's emergence as a vocal leader is a positive sign for the Aggies' defense, which is transitioning to a new coordinator in Lyle Hemphill. The team needs players to step up and take ownership of the defense, and Sanford's willingness to be more vocal and lead by example sets an important tone.
The details
After Sanford became a full-time starter last season following an injury to veteran linebacker Scooby Williams, he is now expected to be a key piece of the Aggies' defense. Hemphill praised Sanford's increased communication, saying he's starting to 'hear him talk to the D-line, [and] hear him talk to the secondary.' This leadership will be crucial as Texas A&M installs Hemphill's new defensive system. The team is also looking for someone to wear the 'green dot' as the on-field communicator, and Sanford could be a candidate for that role.
- On March 26, Texas A&M defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill spoke about Sanford's increased vocal presence during the team's best practice of the offseason.
- On March 20, Sanford spoke to the media about his goal to become a better vocal leader this season.
The players
Lyle Hemphill
The defensive coordinator for the Texas A&M Aggies, who is taking over the role after Jay Bateman left for Kentucky.
Daymion Sanford
A senior linebacker for the Texas A&M Aggies who has emerged as a vocal leader on defense this offseason.
Ray Coney
A transfer linebacker from Tulsa who also has experience as a team captain and is expected to provide additional leadership for the Aggies' defense.
Scooby Williams
A veteran linebacker for the Texas A&M Aggies who went down with an injury last season, opening the door for Sanford to become a full-time starter.
Taurean York
A linebacker who is headed to the NFL, leaving a void in the Aggies' defense that Sanford and Coney are looking to fill.
What they’re saying
“'He needs to be one of the guys. I think he showed it out there today in practice, but you're starting to hear him a little bit more. Never heard him last year. Now I'm starting to hear him.'”
— Lyle Hemphill, Texas A&M Defensive Coordinator
“'I take more pride on leading by example. That's something I've been doing all last year, and I'm trying to become a better vocal leader this year. … I had my little group [over the offseason,] and I was the team captain of my group, just leading them on the way and trying to keep them right.'”
— Daymion Sanford, Texas A&M Linebacker
“'I want to become a better leader for this team, just a voice for this team. I did a lot of great things last year, but I kind of push that to the side and want to want to build a good foundation this year, and I want to show everybody [how to] put their head down and work. If you work, put your head down, and you'll get what you want out of it.'”
— Daymion Sanford, Texas A&M Linebacker
What’s next
As the Aggies continue their spring practices, the coaching staff will evaluate Sanford and other players to determine who will wear the 'green dot' as the on-field defensive communicator. Sanford's continued development as a vocal leader will be crucial as the team implements Hemphill's new defensive system.
The takeaway
Sanford's emergence as a vocal leader on the Texas A&M defense is a positive sign for the Aggies as they transition to a new defensive coordinator. His willingness to step up and communicate with the entire unit sets an important tone and provides stability as the team works to install a new defensive scheme.