With the verbal pledge of DeSoto defensive end Michael Richardson to Texas A&M, the Aggies now have seven commits in the 2012 class, including pledges from the two Brenham stars, Troy Green and Adrian Bellard.

Though Richardson is a bit undersized at 6-2, he's a perfect fit in defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter's 3-4 scheme as an OLB because his athleticism and ability to play in space. Richardson was a potential Texas target and was scheduled to attend the second Junior Day on February 26th.

The commitment from the DeSoto star continues a recent surge of recruiting momentum for Texas A&M that now includes the news broken today by Hookem.com ($) that Skyline linebacker Peter Jinkens may be a heavy Aggie lean and could commit before visiting Texas for the second Junior Day. Factor in A&M likely leading for Brenham LB Tim Cole and certainly leading for Brenham DT Malcolm Brown and, defensively at least, the Aggies are going to make it tough for Texas to land their top targets on the defensive side of the ball this year.

DeRuyter's presence is a major factor in the resurgence, as he's one of the up-and-coming defensive minds in college football and the credibility provided by LB coach Dat Nguyen, the former Dallas Cowboys star, doesn't hurt.