Fisher sees why A&M is unique
COLLEGE STATION — It finally sounds natural when Jimbo Fisher says howdy.
The Texas A&M football coach has been on campus for months and has heard and said the word repeatedly. It’s commonly used across the university as Aggies interact.
To an outsider, it can feel a little strange at first. But Fisher isn’t an outsider. He’s an Aggie now.
“He and the other coaches are finally really fitting in,” fullback Cullen Gillaspia said. “They are even saying howdy back now when people say it. And they sound normal doing it. I think that’s a pretty good sign.”
Fisher and his coaching staff have been in College Station since December. The fit was a natural from the start.
When he was introduced as the Aggies’ coach late last year, Fisher showed up in cowboy boots and talked about hunting, fishing and chewing tobacco. He has a Southern drawl, a friendly personality and, most importantly to the folks in College Station, an intense passion for football.
On top of that, he is starting
to truly develop that same intense passion for the university.
Before he arrived, Fisher, 52, knew about the traditions and culture that awaited at A&M. But now he understands it on a different level.
“It’s been eye-opening,” Fisher said. “Every place has traditions, but I don’t think people truly understand what that means at A&M. People at A&M truly live for this place. The way people just care about the university and how they care about the university — it’s more than I thought.”
It might not hit Fisher completely until Aug. 30, when the Aggies host Northwestern State for their first game of the season.
“I think that’s going to be a lot of fun,” defensive back Clifford Chattman said. “I think that’s when it really hits a lot of people how special this place is. When you are out there with more than 100,000 people cheering for you under the lights and the band is playing, it’s really special.”
Running back Trayveon Williams will watch closely during that moment.
“I can’t wait to see his face,” said Williams, who plans to make a point to look over during that first game.
Fisher might be all business when it comes to football. He’s as competitive as they get and has big plans for the Aggies in his first season with the team.
But on that opening Thursday night, he might flinch — even just for a moment — to take in the surroundings.
“I don’t think anyone truly understands until they are here,” offensive lineman Dan Moore said. “I don’t think any of us really did.”
When they were being recruited, the players all got to experience the magic that takes over Kyle Field on game days. They got an even bigger taste of it when they played in their first games.
Now they are in the unique situation of watching their coaches go through it.
“It’s cool to see it from this side,” Moore said. “I’m excited for them.”
He and his teammates are also excited about the season.
The culture and tradition that A&M constantly carries remain intact, but the freshness that comes with a new head coach has the Aggies abuzz.
“It’s been great since the whole new staff got here,” safety Derrick Tucker said. “They’ve been really detailed about everything. I feel like I know exactly what’s expected of me and where I need to be all the time. It’s been really great already.”
Other Aggies agree. On the football front, Fisher and his staff are blending in perfectly. And now they are starting to fit in across the board.
Fisher went to his first ring ceremony in the spring. He has met tons of alumni and current students. He is learning the extensive traditions and the ins and outs of Aggieland.
“It’s a different place,” Gillaspia said. “It’s hard to explain it. But it’s really special, and I think coach Fisher is starting to see just how special it is. I think it’s awesome to be able to watch him learn all about Texas A&M. It’s going to be special to be part of his first season here.”