FREE SAFETY
Returning players: Simeon Harris, Ike Larsen, Teeg Slone
2023 players not returning: Titan Saxton (transferred to Snow Junior College)
2024 post-spring ball attrition: None
2023 total production lost: None
2023 total production returning: 28 games, 22 starts, 164 tackles, 7.0 tackles-for-loss, 5 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 2 touchdowns
2023 total production transferring in (transfer portal/junior college): 11 games, 11 starts, 32 tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss, 4 INTs, 2 pass breakups
New Faces in 2024:
Malik McConico 6’2″ 195 (NR) – Hutchinson CC, KS – (3 years to play 3)
2023 (RsFr.) Stats: 32 tackles 0.5 tackles-for-loss 4 INTs 2 pass breakups
2022 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at Hutchinson Community College (KS)
Offers from: Akron, Alabama St, Ball St, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Northern Iowa, Southeast Missouri St
Primary Recruiter: Kwame Agyeman
https://247sports.com/Player/Malik-McConico-46100142/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11463640/Malik-McConico
2024 OUTLOOK
IKE LARSEN
Junior Ike Larsen returns in 2024 as the undisputed starter at this position. Last year Larsen started all 13 games racking up 103 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 4 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 2 touchdowns. For his outstanding season, he earned a first-team all-Mountain West Conference selection. During his 3-year career at Utah State, he has played in 25 games with 17 starts, totaling 137 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, 8 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.
According to 247sports coming out of Sky View High (UT), Larsen was rated as the 2,089th-best player nationally, the 186th-best cornerback, and the 25th-best prospect overall in Utah. He committed early and chose the Aggies over an offer from Weber State.
Larsen is an athletic player who makes big plays on defense and special teams. He analyzes plays quickly and flocks to the ball in a hurry. He is a big hitter in the open field and comes in and out of his backpedal smoothly. His time as a wide receiver has been an advantage for him. He also has a ball hawk mentality and a physical nature. He is an extremely aggressive tackler. Larsen is developing into a very good college player.
SIMEON HARRIS
Junior Simeon Harris is plenty talented enough to see the field in several different positions. For the time being, I’ve placed him at free safety. Last season Harris played in all 13 games with 9 starts, making 59 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery. During his 2-year career at Utah State and the University of Colorado, he has played in 23 games with 12 starts totaling 79 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.
According to 247sports coming out of Benica High (CA), Harris was rated as the 1,136th-best player nationally, the 87th-best cornerback, and the 82nd-best prospect overall in California. He originally held offers from Air Force, Colorado, Colorado State, Fresno State, and Utah State. Once he entered the transfer portal, Harris chose the Aggies over offers from Ball State, Nevada, Northern Arizona, Southern Illinois, Tennessee-Martin, and UC-Davis.
Harris is a VERY versatile player. He can play safety, cornerback, or nickel. He has a long wingspan. He has great speed and that allows him to cover ground quickly, especially in defense of the deep ball. He is surprisingly explosive and he can get from the hash to the sideline in a hurry. He has a very competitive mentality and when paired with his tremendous football IQ, has made him a very reliable defensive back for the Aggies.
CHASE DAVIS
Redshirt freshman Chase Davis is ready to see the field much sooner than later. Last season Davis sat out the season while redshirting. During an injury-shortened high school senior season in 2022, Davis recorded 2 interceptions in 3 games. However, as a junior, he did record 43 tackles, 4 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, and 3 defensive touchdowns.
According to 247sports coming out of Little Elm High (TX), Davis was rated as the 835th-best player nationally, the 67th-best safety, and the 126th-best prospect overall in Texas. He chose the Aggies over offers from Arizona State, Central Arkansas, Colorado, Grambling State, Houston Christian, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, New Mexico State, Northern Arizona, Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M Commerce, and Texas State.
Davis has a long frame and his height allows him to neutralize the size of receivers. That size and length will give him an edge on jump balls. With his size and speed combination, he is versatile enough to play safety, corner, or in the nickel. He has great instincts on the field and has a knack for coming up with the football. He was one of the most talented recruits in his entire class and will see the field this season.
MALIK MCCONICO
Malik McConico is a junior college transfer who will enter the 2024 season as a sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining. Last season he started all 11 games at Hutchinson Community College (KS), and logged 32 tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss, 4 interceptions, and 2 pass breakups.
After spending two seasons with the Blue Dragons, McConico chose the Aggies over offers from Akron, Alabama State, Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Northern Iowa, and Southeast Missouri State.
McConico does a great job matching the speed of opposing wide receivers on the sidelines. He is almost always in a position to get his hands on the ball and make things difficult. He is extremely skilled at coming down with interceptions, so opposing quarterbacks should think twice about throwing in his direction. He can also be a weapon on special teams units, his aggressive nature will become a nice addition to the Aggies special teams units.
TEEG SLONE
Battling hard to get into the rotation is redshirt sophomore preferred walk-on Teeg Slone. Last season to preserve his redshirt status, Slone saw action in just 2 games and was credited with 2 tackles. As a true freshman at American River Community College (CA) in 2022, he played in and started 9 games totaling 39 tackles, 1.0 tackle-for-loss, 2 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble. His brother Cian Slone is an Aggie EDGE rush defensive end.
Following his lone season with the Beavers Slone chose Aggies over an offer from Valparaiso.
Slone does a good job of reading the eyes of the quarterback. He doesn’t get fooled by double moves from opposing wide receivers. When he tackles he tackles with power and makes sure the opposing ball carrier does not fall forward. He breaks well on the ball and is difficult to complete a pass on. He plays with the intelligence and technique of a much older player.
PROJECTED 2024 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
FREE SAFETY
6 Isaac Larsen (5-10, 195, Jr., 2L, 3*)
12 Simeon Harris (5-11, 180, Jr., 1L, 3*)
19 Chase Davis (6-3, 190, RsFr., RS, 3*)
21 Malik McConico (6-1, 190, So., JC, NR)
34 Teeg Slone (6-0, 185, RsSo., RS, 2*)
Coming Up On Friday: Boundary Safety