Aldo De La Garza

De La Garza is a compactly built athlete with a good combination of power and quickness. His quickness in setting up in pass protection or exploding off the snap as a trap blocker was a large reason for the A&M offense's success in 2004.

De La Garza was named first-team Class 4A All-State (Texas High School Coaches Association) as an offensive lineman for New Braunfels High School. He also earned first-team All-District and All-San Antonio honors as a senior. He was named his team's offensive MVP in three games as a senior and received the Sting Award five times. In his final season, he posted more than 85 knockdown blocks.

As a junior, he played on the defensive line before switching to the offensive side of the ball the following season. He made 71 tackles as a junior, forced two fumbles and recovered one. The third-team Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine Super Team choice also played in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game.

De La Garza saw action in every game as a reserve left guard in 2002. He took over strongside guard duties in 2003, collecting 83 knockdowns with 14 touchdown-resulting blocks and also recorded an assisted tackle. He helped the offense average 389.8 yards per game. Even though the offensive line allowed 32 sacks, De La Garza did not give up a sack until the season finale vs. Texas.

In 2004, he was named to the team's Leadership Council and earned All-Big 12 Conference honors. He quietly went about his business, leading the team with 137 knockdowns, including key hits on 23 of the team's 44 touchdown drives. He allowed only one tackle behind the line of scrimmage and no sacks, leading Big 12 guards and ranking second in the conference overall with an 85.3 percent grade for blocking consistency (Oklahoma's Jammal Brown graded 87.1 percent).

Looking forward to a senior season he hoped would bring national honors, De La Garza worked hard after the end of 2004, adding over 20 pounds of muscle to his imposing frame while also improving his overall quickness. He started four of the team's first five games, but then was benched for the rest of the 2005 season after getting into an argument with the coaching staff. He was relegated to third-string duty.

Positives: Has a wide, squatty frame with above average quickness, powerful leg drive, strong hands, broad shoulders and a thick chest … Uses his hands with force to jolt and shock defenders in attempts to control the line of scrimmage … Shows good balance and body control on the short pull, taking proper angles to get to linebackers at the second level … Good position blocker with fluid flexibility and knee bend … Has the ability to wall off and screen, doing a nice job of rolling his hips on contact … Plays with leverage and at a proper pad level, delivering powerful arm swipes to prevent defenders from getting into his body … Sinks his hips, mirrors defensive linemen, bends his knees properly and extends his arms well to make reach blocks … Works well in combination with the center to maintain the rush lanes and shows flexibility and balance working towards the edge to shut down the pass rush.

Negatives: Has an adequate arm reach, but his arms are a little shorter than most guards (31 5/8-inch reach) … While he shows nimble feet and a good burst working into the second level, he sometimes gets his feet too narrow running long distances … This results in him slipping off some of his blocks when working in space, but he shows the ability to recover and take good angles … On the rare occasions that he drops his head in pass protection, he will then tend to play some on his toes, but he will then recover, sink his hips and do a decent job of mirroring his man … Looked lost at times in 2005 in attempts to locate linebackers when working into the second level … Despite his strong hand punch, he does more grabbing than shocking and jolting the defender … Had what the coaching staff perceived as an attitude issue in 2005 that eventually led to his benching before midseason.

De La Garza is one of the more athletic trap blockers in the collegiate ranks. He has good body control and flexibility, loose hips, average initial quickness and excellent playing strength. He is quick coming off the snap, getting his hands up into the defender's chest to gain advantage, leverage and sustain. He has the agility to play either guard position, but his hand speed, ability to fire off the snap with explosiveness and field vision could see him also considered as a center prospect.

De La Garza has the balance and wide base to maintain position at the line of scrimmage and is very effective driving his man off level one. He shows good body control and hip snap to get in front on the short pull. His hand strength allows him to lock on and control defenders. When working in-line, he handles combination blocks effectively and works well with tackles in neutralizing blitzes off the edge.

He is a move-oriented drive blocker who knows how to utilize his strength to not only clear rush lanes, but to sustain blocks through the crease. He can make reach blocks and shows urgency getting to the second level. He seems to struggle at times locating linebackers at the second level. When he stays low in his pads and keeps his base wide, he will generally take good angles to shorten the field working in space, but in 2005, he would get narrow in his base and overextend when making second level blocks.

When setting up in pass protection, he shows smoothness in his kick slide. De La Garza is very effective at locking on and steering his man wide. He keeps his feet constantly moving to gain advantage off the snap and has the field vision to retreat and protect the quarterback from backside pursuit. He has shorter than ideal arms, but manages to gain separation.

Before 2005, he was the type that played until the whistle and had that nasty attitude you look for in a trap blocker. But he had some listless performances early in his 2005 season, was brought to task for it and responded by generating a full-blown argument with coach Dennis Franchione. This led to his benching and eventual placement with the third unit for the rest of the season.

While De La Garza is an imposing athlete, he will need to re-establish himself in training camp next year. Without seeing much action in 2005, expect him to be a free agent signing, but based on previous performances before 2005, the talent base is there. Let's just hope that his head is back in the game after what happened with the A&M coaching staff.

De La Garza was a model of consistency in his two years as a starter … He began his career as a reserve left guard before taking over the strong-side guard position in 2003 … In 28 games with the starting unit, De La Garza produced 227 knockdowns/key blocks.

An All-America and All-Big 12 Conference preseason selection, De La Garza started Clemson, SMU, Texas State and Colorado at strongside guard … He was benched for poor play vs. Texas State and did not play vs. Texas Tech, finishing the season with seven knockdown blocks.

Clemson … Opened the season by clearing a rush lane used by Courtney Lewis for a 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter … The offense gained 358 yards … Head to Head Competition -- DT Cory Grover-Two assisted tackles.

SMU … Made three knockdowns as the offense generated 714 yards … Head to Head Competition -- DT Brandon Bonds-One assisted tackle.

Texas State … Was benched after allowing defensive tackle Fred Evans to register 2.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage in the first quarter … Head to Head Competition -- DT Fred Evans-Six tackles (2 solos), 2.5 stops for losses of 8 yards.

Colorado … After seeing limited action vs. Baylor, De La Garza returned to the starting lineup, making two knockdowns as the offense struggled to gain 338 yards while fumbling the ball three times … Head to Head Competition -- Vaka Manupuna-One assisted tackle.

Associated Press honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference pick … Member of the team's Leadership Council … Started every game at strong-side guard … Helped the offense gain 5,141 yards (428.4 ypg), an improvement of 463 yards (38.6 ypg) from the previous season … Did not allow a quarterback sack and registered 137 knockdowns/key blocks … The team averaged 6.3 yards per play, second-most in school history … Was penalized three times, but did not give up a sack or a tackle behind the line of scrimmage, allowing only four quarterback pressures … Graded 85.3 percent for blocking consistency and registered 20 downfield blocks … Had at least 10 key blocks/knockdowns in nine games.

Utah … Produced 12 knockdowns in the season opener, helping the team generate 270 passing yards and 437 yards in total offense … Notable Plays-Second Quarter-Penalized 5 yards for a false start on a second-and-9 play from the UT 47 … Made up for it by leveling defensive tackle Steve Fifita at the line of scrimmage and then took down linebacker Spencer Toone up field, springing QB Reggie McNeal for a 59-yard touchdown run (3:02) … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Sione Pouha-No tackles.

Wyoming … The game captain cleared the way for an offense that piled up 481 yards, coming up with eight key blocks … Notable Plays-Fourth Quarter-Opened a hole that was used by Chris Alexander for a 1-yard scoring run on a second-and-goal play from the UW 1 (14:19) … From the TAMU 16 on a second-and-10 play, De La Garza took down defensive end John Flora coming off the edge, and Reggie McNeal rolled out to unleash an 84-yard scoring strike to Kerry Franks (9:22) that capped a 99-yard, 5-play drive … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Zach Morris-Four assisted tackles, two pressures.

Clemson … Had key blocks on each of the team's five scoring drives, finishing with 14 knockdowns as the Aggies amassed 502 yards … Notable Plays-First Quarter-Was penalized 5 yards for a false start on a first-and-10 play from the CU 38 on the game's first series from scrimmage (15:00) … Second Quarter-Upended defensive tackle Eric Coleman to spring tailback Courtney Lewis for a 1-yard scoring run on a third-and-goal play from the CU 1 that concluded a 69-yard, 8-play drive … Third Quarter-Picked up the blitz on a first-and-goal play from the CU 1, shoving linebacker Leroy Hill to the ground as Jason Carter followed De La Garza into the end zone for a touchdown run that finished off a 9-play, 99-yard drive (9:55) … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Trey Tate-Three assisted tackles.

Kansas State … With the offense struggling to gain 309 yards, De La Garza sparked the unit when he challenged several Wildcats and was penalized late in the first quarter … The team then reeled off six scores in 14 drives … Notable Plays-First Quarter-On a third-and-12 play from the KSU 14 (3:05), De La Garza was penalized 15 yards for a personal foul after he hit linebacker Brandon Archer in retaliation for a questionable hit by Archer earlier in the drive. That action not only took Archer out of his element, but De La Garza simply ran over the defender on the next play (third-and-27 from the KSU 29) and Reggie McNeal took advantage of KSU's confusion to uncork a 29-yard touchdown pass to Terrence Murphy (1:48) … Second Quarter-Leveled defensive tackle Jermaine Berry on a first-and-10 run from the KSU 14 by Courtney Lewis that resulted in a touchdown to conclude a 4-play, 80-yard drive (10:52) … Third Quarter-Split the seam between Berry and defensive tackle Derek Marso to open a rush lane used by Jason Carter for a 4-yard scoring run on a third-and-goal play from the KSU 4 (7:14) … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Derek Marso-One assisted tackle.

Iowa State … Credited with 12 key blocks and provided stellar pass protection as A&M threw for 257 yards and gained 419 while converting five of 12 drives into scores …

Notable Plays-First Quarter-The game captain alertly spotted rush end Tyson Smith coming over the left side and slid into the backfield to take down Smith as Reggie McNeal threw a second-and-8 pass to Joey Thomas for a 13-yard touchdown that capped a 9-play, 80-yard drive (6:44) … Shoved nose guard Nick Leaders out of the way as McNeal rolled right on a second-and-5 play to hit Courtney Lewis with a 12-yard scoring pass (13:55) … Head to Head Competition -- NG-Nick Leaders-Four tackles (3 assists).

Oklahoma State … Continued to dominate in the trenches, making 10 knockdowns as the offense scored five times on 11 drives and generated 479 yards in total offense … Notable Plays-First Quarter-Took down nose guard Clay Coe at the line and then headed upfield to neutralize linebacker Lawrence Pinson on a second-and-2 run from the OSU 24 by Reggie McNeal that concluded a 7-play, 67-yard drive with a touchdown (7:30) … Second Quarter-With the team pressing toward the end zone just before halftime, De La Garza brought down defensive tackle Efe Mowarin on McNeal's 55-yard scoring pass to DeQawn Mobley on first-and-10 as time expired in the second quarter (0:00) … Third Quarter-Delivered a crunching hand punch that jolted defensive end Nathan Peterson as McNeal rolled right on a first-and-10 pass play to connect with Terrence Murphy for a 25-yard score that concluded an 80-yard, 9-play drive (12:15) … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Efe Mowarin-One assisted tackle.

Colorado … Registered 14 knockdowns/key blocks as the Aggies exploded for 532 yards and scored on seven of 12 drives … Notable Plays-Second Quarter-On a third-and-goal run from the CU 3 by Courtney Lewis, De La Garza shoved defensive tackle Matt McChesney out of the way so tailback Lewis could score from 3 yards out and finish an 85-yard, 9-play drive (8:15) … Fourth Quarter-Flipped nose guard Vaka Manupuna to the ground with a vicious hand swipe, clearing a path used by Lewis on a first-and-goal play from the CU 2 to run for a touchdown (11:16) … Head to Head Competition -- DT Vaka Manupuna-Four assisted tackles.

Baylor … Led the way as the offense accounted for 461 yards and scored six times on 15 drives … Did not allow a tackle, sack or pressure while delivering 13 key blocks/knockdowns … Notable Plays-Second Quarter-Neutralized the blitz when he chop blocked linebacker Justin Crooks on a third-and-goal pass by Reggie McNeal that was caught by Boone Stutz for a 6-yard score, finishing an 80-yard, 9-play drive (5:36) … Overtime-Crashed into defensive tackle Julian Hill, who fell back, taking out his own teammate (strong safety Willie Andrews) on a third-and-1 run from the BU 6 that opened a hole used by fullback Keith Joseph for a 6-yard touchdown run (15:00) … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Julian Hill-No tackles.

Oklahoma … Despite being penalized for a false start, De La Garza had a solid performance, producing 14 key blocks as the Aggies generated 360 yards passing and 489 total yards while scoring five times on 15 drives … Notable Plays-First Quarter-On a second-and-7 pass from the OU 18, De La Garza delivered a crunching forearm blast that stopped defensive end Dan Cody in his tracks as Reggie McNeal threw a touchdown to Terrence Murphy (8:57) to cap a 10-play, 91-yard drive … Second Quarter-Penalized 5 yards for a false start on a first-and-10 play from the TAMU 24 (3:29) … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Lynn McGruder-Two assisted tackles, one pass deflection.

Texas Tech … Followed with another 14 knockdowns as the team amassed 436 yards while scoring six times on 13 drives … Notable Plays-Fourth Quarter-Helped spark a fourth quarter rally, as De La Garza took down pass rusher Adell Duckett at the right corner, giving Reggie McNeal time to throw a first-and-10 pass to Kerry Franks for a 48-yard touchdown (11:42) … Overtime-Produced a game-winning touchdown-resulting block when De La Garza upended defensive tackle Ken Scott and then ran over strong safety Josh Rangel upfield as Courtney Lewis took a handoff on a first-and-10 run at the Tech 25 and followed his strongside guard into the end zone, giving the Aggies a 32-25 victory … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Chris Hudler-One assisted tackle, one pass deflection.

Texas … Even though the offense struggled to gain 278 yards while being held to 31 yards on 25 carries, De La Garza registered seven knockdowns and dominated All-America defensive tackle Rodrique Wright, holding the Longhorn to no tackles.

Tennessee (Cotton Bowl) … The offense again failed to produce, gaining only 318 yards, as De La Garza recorded four knockdowns … Notable Plays-Fourth Quarter-On a third-and-5 play from the Tennessee 5, De La Garza took down defensive tackle Tony McDaniel on Reggie McNeal's 5-yard slant pass for a score to Earvin Taylor (5:13) that capped a 9-play, 69-yard drive … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Tony McDaniel-One solo tackle, one pressure.

Despite playing in his first year as a starter, De La Garza led the Aqgies' down linemen with an 82.1 percent grade for blocking consistency while producing 83 knockdowns/key blocks … He helped the offense average 389.8 yards per game, delivering 14 touchdown-resulting blocks and had 16 downfield blocks … Allowed only one quarterback sack, one stop behind the line of scrimmage and four quarterback pressures.

Arkansas State … Made his starting debut by registering seven knockdowns for a struggling offense that managed only 257 yards … Notable Plays-Third Quarter-Split a huge hole between defensive tackles Corey Williams and Jon Bradley to spring Courtney Lewis for a 4-yard touchdown run on a second-and-goal play … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Corey Williams-Two assisted tackles.

Utah … Added six knockdowns as A&M rushed for 223 yards on 38 carries … Notable Plays- First Quarter-Executed a chop block that took down defensive tackle Steve Fifita, who then tripped up his own teammate, defensive end Josh Savage, which let receiver Terrence Murphy take a second-and-9 reverse from the TAMU 20 and race 80 yards for a touchdown (9:56) that capped a 4-play, 87-yard drive … Fourth Quarter-De La Garza's timely block that leveled defensive tackle Sione Pouha allowed tailback Courtney Lewis to take a first-and-10 run for a 28-yard TD (13:07) … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Sione Pouha-Two assisted tackles.

Virginia Tech … The offense struggled to gain 272 yards … Notable Plays-First Quarter-On the first play from scrimmage (15:00), De La Garza did not get out of his stance quick enough to prevent defensive tackle Kevin Lewis from breaking into the backfield to tackle tailback Derek Farmer for a 3-yard loss on a draw play … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Kevin Lewis-Three tackles (2 assists), stop for a 3-yard loss.

Pittsburgh … In a battle pitting two of the strongest players in college football (De La Garza and Pitt's Vince Crochunis), it was the Aggie that was victorious, registering 11 knockdowns for an offense that exploded for 544 yards … Notable Plays-Second Quarter-On a second-and-11 play from the Pitt 18, De La Garza leveled defensive tackle Dan Stephens on Reggie McNeal's scoring pass to Jamaar Taylor (14:14) that concluded a 10-play, 80-yard drive … Fourth Quarter-Took down Crochunis with a leg whip, springing Courtney Lewis for a 1-yard touchdown run on a first-and-goal play that finished a 75-yard, 8-play drive (12:25) … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Vince Crochunis-Three assisted tackles.

Texas Tech … Added eight key blocks as the Aggies gained 305 passing yards and 489 total yards while converting four of 12 drives into scores … Notable Plays-Held off strongside linebacker Mike Smith and defensive tackle Seth Nitschmann on a third-and-goal pass by Reggie McNeal from the Tech 4 that was caught by Jamaar Taylor for a touchdown (2:06) … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Chris Hudler-One solo tackle.

Baylor … Put on a blocking clinic as the offense amassed 437 yards on 49 carries and 719 total yards … Registered 13 knockdowns … First Quarter-On a second-and-goal play from the Baylor 6, De La Garza rolled out with Reggie McNeal to take down defensive end Khari Long and give the QB time to throw a touchdown pass to Andy Matakis (10:42) … Third Quarter-Shoved defensive tackle M.T. Robinson to the ground on a third-and-12-yard scoring run by McNeal (7:37) that capped a 9-play, 74-yard drive … Head to Head Competition -- DT-M.T. Robinson-Two assisted tackles.

Nebraska … The offense produced only 244 yards … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Ryon Bingham-Four assisted tackles, two pressures.

Oklahoma State … Made five knockdowns and assisted on a tackle as the Aggies gained 367 yards … Notable Plays-Second Quarter-On a first-and-10 play from the OSU 27, Reggie McNeal was intercepted by Darrent Williams at the OSU 1 and the cornerback returned the ball 27 yards before he was tackled by Tim Van Zant and De La Garza (7:19) … Fourth Quarter-Cleared a rush lane used by Courtney Lewis on a second-and-5 play to score on a 7-yard run (13:17), concluding an 80-yard, 7-play drive … Head to Head Competition -- NG-Clay Coe-Four assisted tackles, one pressure.

Kansas … Credited with nine knockdowns as he helped the team total 547 yards, including 253 rushing yards on 54 carries … Notable Plays-First Quarter-On a second-and-goal play, De La Garza took down defensive end David McMillan to clear away the final obstacle on fullback Keith Joseph's 8-yard touchdown run (10:42) … Third Quarter-Leveled nose guard Cory Kipp on a first-and-goal run by Derek Farmer for a 2-yard scoring run (1:36) that capped an 11-play, 63-yard drive … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Sid Bachman-Two assisted tackles.

Oklahoma … The offense struggled, managing only 54 total yards, but De La Garza had three knockdowns while limiting defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek to three tackles (2 solos).

Missouri … Bounced back with 11 knockdowns as the team generated 376 yards passing and 484 yards while scoring five times on 12 drives … Notable Plays-Fourth Quarter-Took down nose guard C.J. Mosley on a third-and-goal slant pass from Dustin Long to Tim Van Zant for an 8-yard score (14:21), finishing an 80-yard, 9-play drive … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Atiyyah Ellison-One solo tackle.

Texas … Made four knockdowns as the team threw for 212 of its 333 total yards … Notable Plays-Third Quarter-Cleared a hole used by Courtney Lewis on a second-and-14 run from the UT 15 to score (13:42) … Fourth Quarter-At the 14:57 mark, De La Garza was beaten by defensive tackle Rodrique Wright, who then sacked QB Dustin Long for a 4-yard loss … Head to Head Competition -- DT-Rodrique Wright-Two tackles, a 4-yard sack, one pressure.

Saw action in every game as a reserve at the left guard position.

No injuries reported.

Campus: 5.21 in the 40-yard dash (against the wind) … 4.97 40-yard dash (wind-aided) … Bench pressed 225 pounds 44 times … 500-pound bench press … 645-pound squat … 357-pound power clean … 30-inch vertical jump … 31 5/8-inch arm length … 9 7/8-inch hands … Right-handed … 19/39 Wonderlic score.

Attended New Braunfels (Tex.) High School, playing football for coach Rick Rhoads …

Named first-team Class 4A All-State (Texas High School Coaches Association) as an offensive lineman … Also earned first-team All-District and All-San Antonio honors as a senior … Named his team's offensive MVP in three games as a senior and received the Sting Award five times … In his final season, he posted more than 85 knockdown blocks …

As a junior, he played on the defensive line before switching to the offensive side of the ball the following season … Made 71 tackles as a junior, forced two fumbles and recovered one … The third-team Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine Super Team choice also played in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game.

Agricultural Development major … Son of Blanca and Manrique De La Garza … Born Aldo Antonio De La Garza on 9/11/82 in San Antonio, Texas … Resides in New Braunfels, Texas.