SEC Football - 2021 Texas A&M Aggies Preview
Our Texas A&M Aggies preview 2021 finds that in the past five years this team has been consistently in the mix. Last season, they finished second in the SEC West with an 8-1 record. Ranked fifth in the nation, the Aggies played #16 North Carolina in the Orange Bowl, beating the Tar Heels 41-27. In 2020, Texas A&M produced 32.6 PPG while they allowed opponents 21.7 PPG. Their +6 in turnover margin ranked fourth in the SEC and 25th nationally. Six starters return on offense and nine on defense.
Texas A&M Offense
Dynamic three-year starter Kellen Mond is gone and must be replaced. The leading contenders are freshman Haynes King, who last season completed two-of-four passes hitting for one score, and sophomore Zach Calzada, a red shirt. King is speedy and Calzada has a great arm. The top six receivers return from last season, including wideout Ainias Smith, who grabbed 43 passes for 564 yards and six TDs, and tight end Jalen Wydermyer, who made 46 catches for 506 yards scoring a half-dozen TDs. Smith also rushed for four TDs.
The ground game includes the top two rushers from last season. In 2020, running back Isaiah Spiller rushed for 1,036 yards and nine TDs on 188 carries. Sophomore Devon Achane, who ran for 364 yards on 43 carries scoring four times, is the second man in. The O-line loses four starters. All-American Kenyon Green does return moving from guard to tackles while Tennessee transfer Jahmir Johnson takes over the other tackle position.
Texas A&M Aggies Preview 2021 - Defense
Although All-SEC tackle Bobby Brown III and his 5.5 sacks is gone, the D-line is still stacked. McKinley Jackson, who backed up Brown, steps up to start. In limited action last season, Jackson was impressive recording 13 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two TFL, and four QBH. Last season, DeMarvin Leal, Jayden Perry, and Tyree Johnson totaled 7.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL, and 14 QBH. This is a unit that has the potential to be dominant.
The linebacking unit and the entire team will miss last season’s top tackler Buddy Johnson. Johnson, who was a team anchor and leader, recorded 86 tackles, four sacks, 4.5 TFL, and three PBU. Junior Andre White, who backed up Johnson last season, must now step up. This is a huge challenge for him. The other starting LB, Aaron Hansford, finished second in tackles with 49. He also recorded three sacks, four TFL, and three QBH. The entire starting secondary is back. Corners Myles Jones and Jaylon Jones totaled 11 PBU and two INTs. Strong safety Leone O’Neal Jr posted 48 tackles, two TFL, three PBU, and two INTs while free safety Demani Richardson had 36 tackles, 2.5 TFL, and one pick.
Specialists
The return game on punts, which was handled by Smith last season, was satisfactory. He has breakaway potential. The kick return unit was almost nonexistent. Achane could change that. Our Texas A&M Aggies preview 2021 finds that over the past two seasons, placekicker Seth Small has hit 80 percent (29-of-36) of his field goal attempts. He’s solid. Punter Nik Constantine returns after averaging 40.5 YPP and spotting 13-of-35 within the 20-yard-line.
Texas A&M Aggies Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Texas A&M Aggies preview 2021 notes that on October 9 this team will face a huge challenge when they play Alabama. This team can beat the Tide. If they do, they stand to finish at the top of the SEC West. We’re picking them to end up second. However, that projection is in no way etched in stone.
SEC Football - Texas A&M Aggies 2021 - Predictions:
Second Place - SEC West
Fiesta Bowl vs Cincinnati