Oh man, the past 4-5 years of being an Aggies fan has easily taken a few weeks off my life. Winless Novembers, QBs transferring mid-season (yes, multiple QBs), and even a coaching change. From the good ole’ JFF days to now, with the ex-ACC powerhouse coach Jimbo Fisher taking over the Aggies, it’s been a roller-coaster for this university. How will this effect 2018? Spoiler: Not all that much.
Last Seasons Record: 7-6 (4-4)
Prestige Ranking: 4.5*
A&M hasn’t exactly been the “powerhouse” of the SEC, let alone the SEC West…but they haven’t been terrible either. A handful of 10+ win seasons and legendary players such as JFF or Mike Evans, this team can put it together and develop players. They aren’t exactly a 5* yet due to the rocky seasons and lack of bigger name bowl wins. People forget, they did get ranked #4 during the 2015 season for CFB playoffs.
Returning Starters: 7
Offense:
OL Colton Prater, OL Erik McCoy, OL Connor Lefear, OL Keaton Sutherland, QB Nick Starkel/Kellen Mond, RB Trayveon Williams, WR Jhamon Ausbon
The majority of the O-Line is coming back, as well as the explosive RB in Williams. Ausbon was a solid WR, but overshadowed by Christian Kirk. The real question for this offense is going to be at quarterback. Both Kellen Mond and Nick Starkel have been splitting reps this offseason and did so last year as well. Jimbo has yet to tell us who is going to get the nod, but I predict it will be Mond due to his passing and running ability.
Defense: 6
NT Keke Kingsley, LB Otara Alaka, LB Tyrel Dodson, LB Buddy Johnson, CB Charles Oliver, FS Larry Pryor
The defense last season was alright, with some great games and not so great names. Big name Armani Watts left and the gap will be shown come the first game of the season.
Special Teams: 1
K Daniel Lacamara
Lacamara was average, only missing six attempts on the season with no PAT misses. Kickers Are People Too.
Key Losses: Christian Kirk, Armani Watts, Kevin Sumlin?
Kirk was one of, if not the most, explosive players on the team last year. Kick returns, punt returns, and lining up at wide out, he made plays everywhere. It was a surprise to me when he slid to the 2nd round of the NFL draft. Armani Watts was a stable presence at strong safety for the past three seasons for the Ags, and his hard hitting presence will be missed. I only put Kevin Sumlin on here because when he was given the boot in the middle of the season, players were pissed. Some left, commits decommited, and fans even got fed up.
Five Year Recruting Rank: 10
The Aggies can recruit and recruit well. Fisher brought over some FSU commits and has even locked down two five-star players from Texas already. It will be interesting to see how he can further improve this team. The #GigEmGang will be killer for the 2019 season
Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member: Keke Kingsley
Alcohol Prediction: Fireball
Every time you see it, you expect it to go smoothly and calm. Once to hit it, you want to cry and regret it immediately. That’s what it is like to be a TAMU Fan.
Outlook:
This season is going to be a weird one. Jimbo is expected to bring A&M to the next level, but with Clemson coming week two (and on College Gameday), we will see what this team is really about. I personally see a 9-4 season, with losses to Bama, Clemson, Auburn, and LSU. Gig’Em.