Chevalier bringing skills to Texas AM

The iron was flying around the Houston Yates weight room in Houston on Tuesday. It didn't skip a beat when the Texas A&M boss paid a visit to the Lions' den. Coach Dennis Franchione paid a visit to his two 2008 verbal commits in Damian Square and Leroy Chevalier.

While Square gets the spotlight because of his outgoing personality and his high-profile position on the defensive edge, Chevalier shouldn't be overlooked.

"I know that people are saying that I got offered to try and get Damien to commit and vice versa," Chevalier said. "I know they think we are a package, but we can both play."

Chevalier was a first-team, all-district selection and received second-team, all-Greater Houston honors this season. He anchored an offensive line that fell in the playoffs to eventual state champion La Marque.

The 6-foot-5, 285-pound Chevalier plays second fiddle to no one.

"I've grown up around football and players all of my life," Chevalier said. "I had a cousin, Brandon Winey, who played at LSU and another in Michael Square who played at Miami.

"Growing up those were my two schools. I also thought I was going to be a tight end, but that changed also."

Chevalier does have a link to Aggieland. His uncle Michael Frazier was the first African-American baseball player at Texas A&M.

"Last weekend was the first time I've been there and seen the whole campus," he said. "I was blown away by the support at the basketball game and the tradition of the 12th Man. I really like the history of it.

"From what I saw, I can't imagine 85,000 fans cheering at a football game."

Proximity and the coaches' philosophy on education also played a part in Chevalier's early decision.

"It's a perfect distance away," Chevalier said. "It's far enough that I'm away from my family and close enough for them to come see me play. I was also very impressed with how dedicated the coaches are to seeing that you graduate. I know I might not play in the pros, but I can get on a plan to graduate and earn a degree."

While Chevalier seems very solid, he said he would be open to taking in some one-day camps this summer.

"I'm going to respect my commitment to Texas A&M," he said. "I'm going to talk with the head man before I go to any camps."