As they reviewed their recruiting needs months ago, Texas A&M coaches put an emphasis on adding depth to the defensive line. The Aggies may have also added dominance to the defensive front when they landed Brandon Fails.

It would be presumptuous to project Fails to make and immediate impact in Aggieland. But based on his high school credentials and raw athletic skills, he appears to be capable of eventually becoming a big-time player in the Big 12.

The Associated Press thought so highly of Fails that the organization honored him as the Lone Star State’s Defensive Player of the Year. And his high school coach, Colleyville Heritage’s Chris Cunningham, says he envisions Fails enjoying a similar level of success in Division I.

"I think he will be a great football player at Texas A&M," said Cunningham, who guided the Panthers to a 10-2 record in 2001. "I wouldn’t want to put a timetable on him, but I think he will really make his presence known at some point in his collegiate career.

"There’s no one more relentless than Brandon, and he has really developed into a fine football player. I’ve seen a lot of games and watched a lot of film this past year, and I didn’t see a better defensive tackle than Brandon Fails. He can really take over a ballgame."

Fails, who had seven stops behind the line of scrimmage and five sacks last year, is remarkably quick for a 305-pounder. And the 6-foot-3 standout has plenty of strength to go along with that quickness.

Cunningham says that Fails has already squatted more than 600 pounds and bench pressed more than 350 pounds.

"And with Brandon," Cunningham said, "he’s still got a lot of ability and a lot of room to get stronger, faster and better. He works so hard, and he has really set his mind to do whatever it takes to be an outstanding football player. He’ll fit right in with the tradition of the Wrecking Crew, and he will be a force up front as he continues to develop."

A&M coaches project Fails as a nose guard for the Aggies. Cunningham says he has already proven he can handle double- and triple-team blocking schemes, which he frequently encountered on the Class 5A high school level.

Fails’ former head coach says he will also fit right into the Aggies’ locker room.

"He’s a quality kid," Cunningham said. "I’ve known him for a long time, and the things that really stand out about Brandon to me have to do with his personality. He provided us with what I call ‘quiet leadership.’ He’s not a big talker or outspoken guy, but he does have a great sense of humor and is just a neat guy to be around.

"Of course, some of those offensive linemen he went up against would probably find that hard to believe. He knows how to turn up the intensity when he steps on the football field. And while he doesn’t say a lot, his teammates listen to what he does say. They respect, and they know that his work ethic is second to none."

Cunningham expects that work ethic to spill over into the classroom once Fails arrives on campus.

"He’s working hard in the classroom, as well," Cunningham said. "I have no doubt that he will get there and take care of his business. Brandon is an intelligent guy, who is going to go the extra mile in whatever he sets his mind to. I believe Texas A&M fans are really going to enjoy watching him play, and I know for a fact that Brandon is really excited about being an Aggie."

– Rusty Burson