Unsung Gem? Texas A&M's WR Jalen Preston Making Most of Opportunity

Jalen Preston's persistence could increase his role in A&M's offense

Texas A&M's Jimbo Fisher wouldn't say he's the biggest fan of the transfer portal, no matter if it benefits his program in the long run or not. Players are always looking for playing time, and often leave a school if they're not getting it. 

Fisher said that young players often forget they're one snap from making an impact on any given Saturday. 

Wide receiver Jalen Preston's time came minutes before kick-off against Arkansas in Arlington. 

During warmups, receiver Chase Lane was ruled out with an undisclosed injury, as was Caleb Chapman. Preston, a junior, has always been considered the "other" receiver. 

If anything, it gave quarterback Zach Calzada another weapon on the perimeter in the team's 20-10 loss to the Razorbacks. 

"There's a young man I have a ton of respect for," Fisher said Monday. "He hasn't seen a lot of reps, but he works his tail off every day, comes to work every day." 

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Preston finished Saturday with three catches for 33 yards, averaging 11 yards per reception. Late in the second quarter, Calzada looked Preston's way after he beat an Arkansas cornerback at the line of scrimmage. 

The ball was tipped by tight end Jalen Wydermyer across the middle, and it fell incomplete. Maybe a little higher and the Aggies enter the second half down 17-7 instead of 17-3. 

"Jalen has always been a great competitor," receiver Ainias Smith said. "Everything that he was doing was expected. I didn't expect anything less."

Fisher credits Preston's work ethic in practice as a key factor to his growth as a receiver. Smith said during this fall camp, there were days he looked like he could be a regular starter. 

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In the SEC, most players believe they can start. Smith says that teammates view Preston as potentially a key contributor. 

"He could be the guy," Smith said. "JP is a great receiver, great guy. I believe he's going to improve as the season goes on." 

Saturday marked the first game where Preston recorded a catch this year. His season high for catches is seven, and has only found the end zone once. 

Preston's commitment to the Aggies and doing whatever is asked has impressed Fisher and his teammates. Some days Preston is on special teams. Others days, he could be be an essential part of the offense. 

The status of both Chapman and Lane for Saturday's outing against Mississippi State is considered day-to-day. The Bulldogs are currently ranked 14th in the SEC in pass defense, meaning A&M could elect to pass more often. 

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Calzada's inconsistencies aside, the Aggies need a stable more options in the passing game. Maybe this is Preston's time. 

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