Ratcliffe settles in during first nickel assignment

Texas A&M’s Ratcliffe said he felt comfortable playing nickel Saturday, his first time at the position in college or at any point in his football career. Working close to the box suited him, and he said he made a couple of plays in the new role.

The preparation during the week helped ease that transition. Ratcliffe said Texas A&M had focused on the opponent’s run-heavy approach, giving him a clear idea of what to expect when he moved closer to the action.

Ratcliffe also viewed the alignment as a way to get more good players onto the field together. He praised Tawfiq and Dalton, adding that all three made plenty of plays Saturday.

Ratcliffe said he liked the position, enjoyed working near the box and felt comfortable carrying out the assignment.

Why it matters

The nickel assignment allowed Texas A&M to play Ratcliffe, Tawfiq and Dalton together. Ratcliffe said all three made plays, while the week’s focus on a run-heavy opponent helped him adjust to the new role.