Is redshirting season upon Texas A&M?
COLLEGE STATION - In recent weeks, players around the College Football have begun the trend of redshirting. Whether a player suffers a season-ending injury or chooses to start fresh the following season, players are electing to end their 2019 campaign early.
Houston's D'Eriq King is the most notable from this season. After a slow start, the Cougars quarterback elected to call it a season with the hopes he will return to TDECU Stadium. There are also rumors that King could leave the program and head to somewhere such as Oklahoma.
Missouri's Kelly Bryant saved his redshirt a season ago. Formerly a member of the Clemson Tigers, following his demotion to Trevor Lawrence, the senior left the program four games into the season. He now has thrown for over 1,000 yards this season in Columbia.
Texas A&M could be next to begin seeing players start to redshirt. Kick returner Roshauud Paul already announced his redshirt, which could be a sign of his impending departure from College Station. The early enroll will graduate this year, leaving two years of eligibility on the table.
But moving forward, who else could be redshirted to save another season? Several names are easy to pinpoint while others could be a late addition to the list. Some will also be freshman while others could veteran's looking to add another year to their plan.
Several first-year players have already lost their chance to redshirt this season. Offensive lineman Kenyon Green, safety Demani Richardson, running back Isaiah Spiller and wide receiver Ainais Smith are now starters for the Aggies. Their redshirt chances are now null and void. Tight end Jalen Wydermyer has also played in five games, making him ineligible this season.
Tight end prospect Baylor Cupp will likely get the nod for a redshirt burn this season. Expected to compete for the Aggies starting tight end in place of Jace Sternberger, Cupp suffered a season-ending leg injury during fall camp. Meanwhile, running back Jashaun Corbin could likely gain a redshirt after suffering a hamstring injury that ended his year against Clemson.
But then there are players that could go either way depending on Jimbo Fisher's choice. Cornerback Elijah Blades, the nation's top junior college defensive back, has seen limited action this season. Suffering multiple injuries, the former Oregon commit has only played in three games, registering nine total tackles.
The same could be said for linebacker Andre White Jr., who's promising fall camp has taken a hit. Playing in three games and registering five tackles, perhaps the Aggies could better use his skills in the future and let him rest now. Quarterback Zach Calzada could be another option should the team view him as Kellen Mond's successor.
Part of the reason Fisher was granted a 10-year contract was due to the hope of sustaining success in College Station. Keeping players who could be a part of the long-term plan around is as, if not more important than recruiting.
Should a player not be considered a factor of the Aggies' plan this season, a redshirt could be looming. Following the trend of Houston, A&M would be wise to keep as many former commits in the Maroon and White for as long as possible.
With teams such as Alabama and Georgia expected to take hits in next season's NFL Draft, having a veteran roster could make the Aggies a top threat in the SEC. Sometimes, new is better. Other times, why change a formula?
