Texas A&M GM: Player Development Fuels NFL Combine Success

Texas A&M's General Manager Derek Miller is entering his third season with the Aggies, a period marked by significant player development and success.

In the past season, the Aggies achieved an 11-2 record and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time, culminating in a school-record 13 players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, the most nationally.

Miller attributes this success to a robust player development strategy, emphasizing comprehensive resources like an expanded nutrition staff and state-of-the-art facilities.

The program's commitment to player growth, including advanced strength and conditioning under a seasoned coach, has been instrumental.

Retention efforts were notably successful, with Miller citing player confidence in the program's ability to provide a roadmap for their careers as a key factor.

Miller also advocated for highlighting players who stay with the program, not just those who transfer, to counter the narrative around player movement.

Regarding the transfer portal, Miller maintains a recruit-and-develop philosophy, using the portal strategically to supplement roster needs and maintain competitiveness, particularly evident in recent offensive line acquisitions.

The team's on-field success in the previous season served as proof of concept, making recruitment and retention more effective.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Miller expressed excitement about the roster's potential, emphasizing the team's dedication to building strong habits over the next eight months.