It was a start that no one expected: For a time, the Aggies were the kings of the SEC conference last season. The schedule was difficult, but A&M managed to weather the storm against ranked opponents UCLA, Arkansas and Tennessee, besting more ranked opponents than any other team in the FBS at the time.
However, the shifting landscape of collegiate sports can be unforgiving: injuries happen; unfamiliar schemes are identified; pressures begin to contort the psyche of student athletes. The Aggies’ perfect 6-0 start was blemished by a Crimson Tide thrashing in Week 7. Just like the previous two years under coach Kevin Sumlin, the Aggies responded to defeat by dropping games in the latter part of the season, losing four-of- six to finish the year. Even with quarterback Trevor Knight back in the fold from injury, A&M lost their second consecutive Bowl game against a streaking Kansas State program that won six of their last seven games.
A&M peaked at No. 6 on the AP Poll – the highest in Texas FBS – but finished the season at No. 22 amidst controversy over the potential firing Coach Sumlin – a potential decision that would come with a hefty buyout price tag near $20 million. Heading into next year, A&M has a roster where each position is compromised by lack of depth due to graduation and draft declarations – student athlete issues that currently have the Aggies ranked below numerous other Texas FBS programs in preseason polls.
Although they didn’t win the season, the Aggies have certainly won the Texas 2017 draft class, boasting 26 recruits and No. 9 national ranking – the highest in the Lone Star state and the second best in A&M history behind Sumlin’s No. 5 class in 2014.
Nine of the aforementioned players officially enrolled at College Station today. Scrolling down the list of names, an observer can see that Sumlin has potential starter candidates at every position vacancy. Despite the NCAA seeing devolving conference and the shift of fandom across different areas in the Power Five, the allure of playing for the SEC is still an enticing prospect for undergraduates.
Here is an analysis of the five Texas players that officially enrolled at College Station prior to National Signing Day:
Roshaaud Paul (Bremond, WR)
The Bremond dual-threat leaves Texas high school football with the most dominate career in state history: an unblemished 47-0 record and three consecutive state championship. During the latest title run, Paul was responsible for six touchdowns – five rushing, one throwing – and surpassed all-time Texas leader Kyler Murray’s 42-0 mark with the victory. Despite fielding an offer from UT following the win, Paul enrolled at A&M as a wide receiver; his skills as shot-caller may be beneficial for an Aggies team that hasn’t had a consistent quarterback since Jonny Manziel. Currently, there are seven other quarterbacks on the roster.
Anthony Hines III (Plano East, ILB)
The USA Today defensive player of the year accounted for 235 total tackles and 138 solo, totaling 640 tackles in his career with Plano East; the average combined tackles usually peaked around 20 per game. Hines fielded over 90 offers before selecting the Aggies, a team thrilled with the prospects of securing the nation’s best inside linebacker for a team that lacks depth at the position. The Plano native’s size and speed makes him a useful option at shifting his play to the outside and his versatility will be critical at stopping the run.
Hezekiah Jones (Stafford, WR)
Jones was one of eight players that jumped the Waco ship after coach Art Briles was fired over the offseason. During his senior year, the No. 18 ranked receiver had career highs in both receiving yards (675) and touchdowns (14). With Aggies receivers Ricky Seals-Jones and Speey Noil declaring for the draft and Josh Reynolds graduating, A&M has been desperately trying to pad the depth at the position with talent.
Freshman Christian Kirk will return, but running backs Trayveon Williams and Keith Ford rank next in receiving yards; young receiver commits should make an immediate impact on the offense. Keep an eye out for Jones, Paul, Camron Buckley, and Jhamon Ausbon to all vie for a slot in the starting lineup.
Connor Blumrick (Pearland, QB)
The Pearland pro-style quarterback suffered a season ending injury during the first game of his senior campaign, tearing a ligament that required surgery and eight months of recovery. Currently, Blumrick is cleared for exercise, but not contact this spring; he will use his advantageous size (6’6) as a means to impress the College Station coaching staff, but it’s unlikely that he will make much of an impact his freshman year. Last season, Blumrick threw for 1,343 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Jared Hocker (Birdville, OT)
With talented lineman Jermaine Eluemunor and Avery Gennesy off the roster, coach Jim Turner will have to retool the A&M offensive front. Similar to Blumrick, Hocker is coming off of an injury, but should be fine to suit up once training camp begins. With size and versatility, the Aggies hope that Hocker can fill any of the five positions at the line of scrimmage.
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