The Texas A&M Aggies started their fall camp this week, meaning the season is near. The quarterback battle continues to be the center of attention, but there are some other storylines that could affect the Aggies’ performance in 2022. This year, Texas A&M’s success is mainly dependent on the performance of its stars, which could translate into a playoff appearance. Here are some bold predictions for the Aggies in 2022.
Aggies Have Two Starting Quarterbacks
Just based on potential, this headline is not difficult to understand. Both Max Johnson and Haynes King are capable of starting at the Division I level. However, the quarterback chosen to play can be decided based on the opponent. Johnson offers strengths with the pro-style offense, while King is more of a dual-threat quarterback. Jimbo Fisher can definitely use this to his advantage.
Obviously, the hope is that neither one of these quarterbacks gets hurt during the year. Nonetheless, Fisher can take a risk since the third-string quarterback, Connor Weigman, is an incredible talent and able to start once familiar with the playbook.
Evan Stewart Becomes Primary Wide Receiver
There’s no doubt Stewart has the potential to someday become the best receiver in the SEC. Since the wide receiver room still has some question marks, Stewart could rise above and become the top target. Of course, it’s hard to imagine that this would happen during his freshman year, but Stewart could serve a role much as Mike Evans did a decade ago.
With the recent recruiting class, true freshmen will likely see significant playing time in 2022. If these young players are able to capitalize, Texas A&M could be back as a 10-win team.
Antonio Johnson and Demani Richardson Each Have 80 Tackles
Johnson and Richardson were the leading tacklers other than Aaron Hansford in 2021. The secondary will be the strength of the Aggies’ defense with Johnson and Richardson in the backfield. Johnson fell one short of 80 tackles last year, so it’s a possibility that he could surpass that bound in 2022. Richardson should also take a step up during his senior season, and Texas A&M has to have that hard-hitting demeanor on defense.
Both Johnson and Richardson are arguably the leaders of the defense, and they have to show that by being the voice and aggressive at all times. If that’s the case, the energy will carry throughout the locker room. It all starts by stopping the run game and making offenses know they’re ready to strike.
Devon Achane Has Most All-Purpose Yards in SEC
After Isaiah Spiller left, Achane is the clear starting running back with Ainias Smith being a slot receiver. However, Achane is also used in the receiving and returning games, so it’s very likely that he could rack up quite a bit of yardage. There are a lot of great running backs in the SEC, but Achane could shine above the rest if he gets enough touches.
Concluding Thoughts
Overall, most of these bold predictions are on the offensive side of the ball for the Aggies because people are unsure about the offense’s explosiveness. The uncertainty at the quarterback and wide receiver positions means someone will have to step up to take Texas A&M to the next level in the SEC. The Aggies still have time to regroup before the first game against Sam Houston, but Fisher will need to have his team ready when Mario Cristobal brings the Miami Hurricanes into Kyle Field.
