Five Aggies to watch against Texas State

The Bobcats come to town and A&M is ready for the start of the season. Here's five names you should remember

COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M is set to begin the 2019 campaign on the right foot when Texas State arrives at Kyle Field. Led by former offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, the No.11 ranked Aggies hope to bring their late-season success over to the new year. 

Despite A&M coach Jimbo Fisher believing the Bobcats are an improved roster, the Aggies are heavy favorites at home. If the offense can keep their foot steady on the pedal, the team could be seeing more of the future in the near present. 

With A&M hoping to secure the victory early, here are five names Aggie fans should remember on Thursday night. 

Safety Demani Richardson 

A&M lost seven starters following the 2018 campaign. One came in their secondary as Donavan Wilson is now earning a role on the Dallas Cowboys roster. Despite veteran talent already in place, Fisher said that freshman Demani Richardson would see "significant" playing time Thursday night. 

"Demani right now is number one," Fisher said. "Demani's playing right now and he's number one. He'll be playing and does a lot of really good things. He's had a great camp."

 

Richardson impressed in fall camp following a successful career at Waxahachie. A physical hitter in the open field, the real question will be in coverage. Can the young defensive back exceed against the vertical threat? What will this mean next week when the team plays Clemson?

Expect to find out more about the young defender and his positive traits on Thursday night. 

Linebacker Chris Russell 

Buddy Johnson will be one of the three starting linebackers for A&M this season. The other two spots could be up for grabs following the departures of Otaro Alaka and Tyrel Dodson. 

Freshman will be reshirted for multiple reasons during their first season. Chris Russell will not be one of them. The former three-star recruit has worked as an outside linebacker during the summer and fall camp. 

Anthony Hines and Ikenna Okeke are penciled in as the two starters on the outside. Should the offense build enough of a lead, Russell could see significant snaps in the second half. Despite being young, the 6'2" defender could earn himself more playing time with a big game off the edge. 

  Wide Receiver Caleb Chapman  

Kendrick Rogers is listed as questionable for Thursday night's action. The junior wideout has dealt with a leg injury throughout camp. The team could sit him in to rest for an intense schedule coming over the next few weeks, allowing young talent to flourish. 

If you don't know the name Caleb Chapman, that's fine. The redshirt freshman sat out the entire 2018 campaign. With a year in Fisher's system and working with the veteran talent, perhaps Thursday could be his first chance to earn a larger role this season. 

The 6'5" wideout has the proper size to compete against corners in man coverage and win near the boundary. With little to no film on him, the Bobcat defenders have little leverage to know what's his next news. Chapman could become a reliable target for the offense thanks to his frame. Expect the former four-star to carve out some playing time. 

Wide Receiver Quartney Davis 

Even if the Aggies elect to sit starters late into the game, they'll need to show growth from last season. Jace Sternberger was the Aggies' leading receiver last season and a consistent safety net for Kellen Mond. He's now with the Green Bay Packers. 

With Rogers more than likely sitting, Quartney Davis will be able to show the coaches he can replace Sternberger's production this season. Last year, the rising junior caught 45 passes for 585 yards and scored seven touchdowns. 

Used more for his speed than size, Davis can to take the top off of defenses. Using his assets to his favor, the Aggie wideout should test cornerbacks in biting on a route as he breaks free towards the end zone. He might not play much, but when he's on the field, he should be a must-see player. 

Running Back Isaiah Spiller 

Much like Davis, Jashaun Corbin is expected to replace a focal point of the Aggies' offense. As a freshman, he saw a majority of his snaps on special teams since Trayveon Williams took control on the ground. The problem with that is he's listed a questionable with a hamstring injury. 

Enter Isaiah Spiller, the freshman phenom who has been the talk of fall camp. The four-star rusher has the size and speed to be a complete in the SEC and a compliment to Corbin early on. 

 

Fisher has praised Spiller's work ethic and ability to pick up plays overnight. Rarely having to correct the fresh runner, Should the team elect to sit Corbin, expect him to compete with the first-team offense. Despite being young, Spiller could become the next great back in the SEC with a standout performance Thursday.