Aggies Fall Camp 2-Deep Depth Chart Projections: Offense
Before their annual preseason training camp even begins, the Texas A&M Aggies will need to be prepared for the high expectations facing them in coach Jimbo Fisher's sixth season.
Things did not go their way last season, as the Aggies finished an embarrassing 5-7 — failing to make a bowl game for the first time since 2008. It wasn't pretty start to finish, though there were some promising moments for Fisher's squad to take into next season.
Before Texas A&M can build upon any kind of momentum, however, it'll need to lock down its starting lineups on both sides of the ball. With that being said, follow along as AllAggies.com predicts what those lineups will look like prior to the start of the fall season:
Quarterback
1) Conner Weigman
2) Max Johnson
Although it seems that the Aggies' quarterback battle is over, Jimbo Fisher would be doing both Weigman and Johnson a disservice if he were to say it. Both players have experience in the Aggies' system, and both showed potential despite the overall lackluster product Texas A&M offered throughout the year.
Weigman has the makings of a top SEC quarterback, and Johnson a solid backup with starter potential, but based on all-around performance, Weigman is likely to earn the starting nod until he knocks himself out of the role or gets injured.
Running Back
1) Amari Daniels or Le'Veon Moss
2) Rueben Owens
Replacing the production that De'Von Achane gave the Aggies will be no easy task. The good news for Texas A&M, however, is that it has three solid options that when put together, can bring a similar level of dominance. Owens has the makings of a future star, complete with speed, elusiveness and toughness — but even he would likely be tossed around by Moss. In the reps he's been given, Moss showed why he'd be a tough player to bring down, with his experience giving him the edge in the pecking order.
Daniels is a strong mix of both Owens and Moss, having a similar build to the rising freshman with the legs of Moss. All-in-all, fans can expect to see lots of game time for all three backs, with their depth chart placement playing a minimal role in their contributions.
Wide Receiver
Receiver-X
1) Evan Stewart
2) Micah Tease
Receiver-Y
1) Noah Thomas
2) Jalen Preston
Slot Receiver
1) Ainias Smith
2) Moose Muhammad III
One of the main highlights of the Aggies' top-10 receiving corps is the fact that all three "starters" are returning. A starting three of Stewart, Thomas and Smith makes for a solid set of options for whoever the starting quarterback ends up being. Smith's decision to return for a fifth season will be one that Texas A&M doesn't want to waste — especially given his speed and pure playmaking talent.
Micah Tease will get a shot to prove himself next season while learning from experienced veterans at the same time — allowing him to develop at a faster rate than most fifth-option receivers. Him, combined with Preston's return and Muhammad, will round out the Aggies receiving room, which says a lot. Having a receiver as strong as Muhammad as a backup should be all opposing defenses need to know about what they're up against when playing Texas A&M.
Tight End
1) Donovan Green
2) Max Wright
Returning Green for the Aggies will be big. He didn't lead the team in catches or yards last season, but he proved to be reliable — one of the most desired traits for a tight end. Green will be a sophomore with only a year of experience, but he'll fit right in with the strong offensive line to help block for Texas A&M's stacked running back room. The Aggies' tight-ends are another unit where both "options" have previous experience in the system, which should also help improve production on the field.
Offensive Line
Left Tackle
1) Trey Zuhn III
2) Chase Bisontis
Left Guard
1) Kam Dewberry
2) Aki Ogunbiyi
Center
1) Bryce Foster
2) Mark Nabou
Right Guard
1) Layden Robinson
2) Jordan Spasojevic-Moko
Right Tackle
1) Reuben Fatheree II
2) Dametrious Crownover
If returning three offensive linemen is a flex in college football, the Aggies have won the competition. All five big men up front for Texas A&M are coming back to Aggieland, with three of them being upperclassmen. Having experience on the line will be a big factor for the Aggies next season, especially with the expected adjustment period coming from the running backs with Achane gone.
Offensive lineman fuel the running game, so if the Aggies can keep their line healthy, the running game may not even notice a significant drop-off from last season, which puts the team in a prime position, especially with the returning receivers.
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