Six Texas A&M football players have been awarded Preseason Coaches All-SEC honors. This recognition is a testament to their talent but also to the expectations for this season. The vote was determined through a voting process by the 14 head coaches in the SEC. The honored Aggies group includes Ainias Smith, Nik Constantinou, McKinnley Jackson, Demani Richardson, Evan Stewart, and Layden Robinson.
NEWS | 6️⃣ Aggies named to the Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team
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— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) August 22, 2023
Ainias Smith: A Duel-Threat Dynamo
Ainias Smith is a prime example of versatility, showing off his abilities on both offense and special teams. Now embarking on his fifth season wearing the maroon and white, Smith’s track record is nothing short of impressive.. The native of Missouri City, Texas, has seamlessly integrated his skills, catching passes in 27 consecutive games in which he has appeared.
Despite facing a season-ending injury after starting the first four games in 2022, Smith still managed to accumulate 291 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His exceptional 19.4 yards per catch average shows his playmaking capability. Furthermore, Smith demonstrated his skills as a punt returner, leading the nation with his remarkable performance in 2021. His 47 catches and six touchdowns solidify his standing as a key offensive asset for the team.
McKinnley Jackson: Defensive Powerhouse
McKinnley Jackson is a big-time force on the defensive front. He has also earned recognition as a Lombardi Award Preseason Watch List selection. In the 2022 season, he captained the team for a significant portion of the year, making seven starts in the eight games he played. His impressive tally of 37 tackles and seven tackles for loss, including two sacks, underscores his ability to disrupt opponents’ plans. Notably, Jackson’s standout performance against Ole Miss showcased his potential, as he recorded a career-high 12 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
Demani Richardson: Leading from the Secondary
Demani Richardson’s prowess as a team leader and his high-end skills in the secondary have solidified his reputation. His participation in 44 games, missing only a single start, shows his reliability. Hailing from Waxahachie, Texas, Richardson’s total of 73 tackles in the 2022 season and his ranking as 11th in the SEC for solo tackles (48) underscore his defensive acumen.
As a testament to his exceptional skills, he has earned recognition on the Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List.
Evan Stewart: Rising Offensive Star
Evan Stewart has just one year under his belt but is already making waves. His freshman year was a showcase earning him spots on the SEC All-Freshman Team and Freshman All-America team. The 2022 season saw Stewart ranking eighth in the SEC and leading all conference freshmen with an average of 64.9 receiving yards per game. His remarkable 53 receptions highlighted his skills, placing him among the conference’s top 10.
Nik Constantinou: Punting Precision
Nik Constantinou’s role as the Aggies’ primary punter is pivotal. His consistent performance over three seasons and 34 games has been noteworthy. His average of 41.7 yards per punt speaks volumes about his punting prowess.
Layden Robinson: Guardian of the Offensive Line
Layden Robinson’s role as a leader of the offensive line makes him a critical anchor. Starting all 12 games in the right guard position in 2022, Robinson has exhibited his reliability and skill.
In summary, these six players’ recognition as Preseason Coaches All-SEC attests to their abilities and contributions to the Texas A&M football team. It also says a lot is going to be expected from the Aggies in 2023. Anything shy of hitting elevated goals is going to ramp up off-season chatter. With Ainias Smith leading the pack and the collective talent of Nik Constantinou, McKinnley Jackson, Demani Richardson, Evan Stewart, and Layden Robinson, the Texas A&M Aggies are undoubtedly set to be a storyline to watch in the SEC this season.
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