Eight Aggies Named To Dave Campbell's 2023 All-Texas Team
Dave Campbell Football loves scouting talent in the Lone Star State and Texas A&M is well-represented headed into 2023.
The longtime magazine listed eight Aggies on their first and second-team All-Texas rosters headed into the 2023 season. Receiver Evan Stewart, defensive back Demani Richardson, defensive lineman McKinley Jackson and all-purpose weapon Ainias Smith were listed on the first team, while cornerback Tyreek Chappell, tight end Donovan Green, and offensive linemen Bryce Foster and Layden Robinson were listed on the second team.
Richardson shocked Aggie fans everywhere when he announced he would return for a fifth season. A four-year starter, Richardson has been one of the top defensive players under Jimbo Fisher since arriving on campus in 2019. Last season, he registered career-highs in tackles (79) and pass breakups (5) while totaling two tackles for loss and an interception.
Stewart broke out late in the year as the Aggies' top receiving weapon, recording 53 catches for 646 yards and two touchdowns. Once A&M switched quarterbacks, the 6-1 Frisco standout totaled 258 yards off 21 receptions. He was named to the All-Freshman team for his efforts.
Smith, another surprise returnee, likely would have gone pro if not for a season-ending broken leg suffered last September. He's been the Aggies' most consistent playmaker since 2019, recording 127 catches for 1,612 yards and 17 TDs. Smith's also been effective as a runner and on special teams, recording a touchdown in both roles.
Jackson enters his senior season with expectations for a breakout season after earning SEC All-Freshman status in 2020. A team captain, Jackson recorded a career-high 37 tackles in eight games, including seven tackles for loss and two sacks.
Chappell serves as the Aggies' top cornerback after back-to-back productive campaigns. In 2022, the sophomore registered eight pass deflections and an interception in 11 games. Chappell also totaled 44 tackles and was credited with two fumble recoveries.
Robinson and Foster have been starters when healthy since 2021. Robinson, who drew NFL draft buzz, helped the Aggies post back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons with Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane, respectively. Foster, an SEC All-Freshman in 2021, started just four starts before being shut down for the remainder of the year.
Green didn't earn All-American status, but he was one of A&M's emerging pass-catchers down the stretch. A native of Dickinson, Green replaced Jalen Wydermyer in the passing game, recording 22 catches for 233 yards and two TDs.
A&M, TCU and Texas led the way with eight total selections. UTSA ranked second with seven representatives, while Texas Tech ranked third with five prospects. Baylor (3), North Texas (3), and Southern Methodist tied for fourth place, while Houston and UTEP each had two selections. Rice, Texas State and new member of Conference USA Sam Houston each had one representative listed.
The Aggies open the season at Kyle Field on Sept. 2 against New Mexico.
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