Top Aggies to watch versus Arkansas

The Razorbacks and Aggies both come in with a 2-2 record. These players can swing things in A&M's direction.

COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M is down, but not out of contention of a Southeastern Conference title. The No.23 Aggies suffered a pair of early-season losses to a top-10 Tigers but could rebound this weekend at the Southwest Classic versus Arkansas. 

While the Arlington flare has diminished, the two teams play close despite their records. As both enter 2-2, they are far from an even match. The Razorbacks lost to a struggling Ole Miss while Nick Starkel threw a career-high five interceptions against San Jose State. 

A win keeps the Aggies in line to still fight for the SEC West division. A loss will undoubtedly raise more questions once more. Here are five players that will need superb outings to put A&M back on a winning formula. 

QUARTERBACK KELLEN MOND 

As the leader of the Aggies offense, pressure will always be on Mond to succeed. Last week, the junior signal-caller led a comeback against Auburn, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. 

The problem is early miscommunication put the team in that predicament to begin with. And that's been a consistent issue on offense all season. Twice on opening drives, the Aggies could have connected for massive gains, but Mond missed the target. 

The Aggies best chance of winning is starting off the game with a score. Mond will need to be on-point if the team hopes for that type of success. Missteps and overthrows won't fly Saturday against John Chavis' defense. Thankfully, the San Antonio native can win on the ground thanks to his speed. 

WIDE RECEIVER AINAIS SMITH 

The Aggies have a veteran receiver core down in College Station. The only major flaw with the team is the drop ratio. In both losses, A&M's arsenal combined for 13 drops, including two in the red zone. 

One player who has seen early success is Ainais Smith. The freshman has collected seven catches for 81 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns. Following his outing against the Tigers, A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said Smith would see his role expand. 

With a plethora of weapons, the young receiver might not see consistent action. When on the field, he should be Mond's first check. With blazing speed and known for his vertical style of running, the two could combine for big gains or possibly even multiple scores.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE CARSON GREEN 

Establishing a run game will be the most important on offense for A&M. That will start will quality blocking in the trenches. Any lineman could be chosen, but as the veteran, Carson Green will need to set the tone.

As the team's top run blocker, Green will need to work upfield and provide multiple running lanes for Mond and the running backs. The Aggies will predominately run to his side, meaning a blown block could lead to a loss of yards. It also helps that the older Green will be able to help in double-teaming the trenches with freshman Kenyon Green.

The biggest flaw of the Aggies has been their inconsistent run game. Part of the problem lies with the offensive line. It will need to be addressed soon, but for now, Green's side is looking like the way to run. 

CORNERBACK MYLES JONES 

Arkansas' receiving corp is nothing to laugh at, but it's a young roster. Trey Knox is a true freshman while Mike Woods only has 21 receptions in two seasons. Starkel and the offense are likely going to try to spread the ball around to multiple weapons. 

Should the former Aggie get a chance to go deep, Knox is likely his target. That's where Myles Jones long speed will come in handy. A surprise player for A&M this season, the junior cornerback has excelled in man coverage and limited targets his direction. 

 

Jones will likely see a mix of looks from the Razorbacks offense, making him light on his feet and quick to the jump against the run or screen. Arkansas will do whatever to keep the ball away from the middle of the field. Excellent coverage from Jones trumps that hand. 

LINEBACKER BUDDY JOHNSON

Players always will put on a special show in front of their hometown. Two linebackers in the Aggies starting lineup hail close to Arlington, but Buddy Johnson has been the more impressive of the two thus far. 

Leading the team with 21 tackles, the junior has stepped up as the leader of the defense. Growing up in Dallas, Johnson will have a chance to add more numbers to his production in front of his extended family at Jerryworld. 

“It’s my hometown,” the Dallas Kimball alum said. “So when I go back, I can put on a show for my family and friends that come out to the game.”

But on top of Johnson's family, the Razorbacks are a run-heavy team, relying on Rakeem Boyd to do a majority of the damage. Eliminating the run forces Arkansas to pass. Johnson will be the first man to help stop the run.