The Texas A&M Aggies enter the 2021 college football season in need of better play from their wide receivers. Last year, Kellen Mond was unable to get high production from his receivers, but Isaiah Spiller’s dominant rushing propelled the Aggies to a NY6 Bowl. Running back Ainias Smith had the most receiving yards for A&M last year, but this needs to change if the Aggies want to win their division. For the Aggies to win the SEC, they will require more consistent performances from their wide receivers.
Aggies Wide Receivers
Surprisingly, every wide receiver for A&M was held under 420 yards receiving last season. Chase Lane had an impressive freshman year with 29 receptions and 409 yards receiving. Caleb Chapman, before he got injured, also performed at a high level, and he can provide some veteran experience for the Aggies. However, other young stars such as Demond Demas will have to step up for the Aggies to become a balanced and prolific offense.
Starters At WR
Lane enters his sophomore year as the top wide receiver for the Aggies, and he’s the only one to play in all 11 games last season. He will have to put up bigger numbers this year to establish himself as the top receiving threat for Haynes King or Zach Calzada. Although Lane was a 3-star athlete, his playmaking ability and versatility in open space is a good addition for the Aggies.
Caleb Chapman is a redshirt sophomore and another projected starter at receiver this season. Chapman’s 150-yard performance against the Gators last year raised some eyebrows, but he unfortunately also got injured in that game. His unique build at 6-5 and 195 pounds makes him a deep threat on the outside. Chapman is bound to wreck havoc on opposing defenses if he gets any one-on-one opportunities.
Demond Demas was a 5-star recruit from the class of 2020, but he only played in four games last season. Demas is one of the most explosive athletes in college football, and he stood out during the Spring drills. Although Demas underperformed as a freshman, he can redeem himself this year as a sophomore starter at WR. Hopefully, Jimbo Fisher will move him from the slot position, for Demas is more of a threat near the sideline.
Other Key Pass Catchers
Ainias Smith is a dependable pass-catcher and should be on the field in most passing situations. He’s arguably the most versatile player in the SEC; Fisher must get Smith involved in more screen plays to stretch the field. Smith could repeat as the Aggies’ leading receiver, and he could even grab 10 TDs this year. He will play a pivotal role at the slot position for Texas A&M, but he should play multiple positions to keep the defense on its heels.
Jalen Wydermyer is a freak athlete standing at 6-5 and weighing 265 pounds. He reminds some A&M fans of Mike Evans and Kendrick Rogers. Wydermyer was awarded All-SEC Second Team honors last season, and he was also a John Mackey Award finalist. He led the Aggies in receptions and was second in receiving yards. If A&M develops a better passing offense and scheme, expect Wydermyer to have a season similar to that of Kyle Pitts last season. Wydermyer is undoubtedly one of the favorites to win the John Mackey award yet again.
Concluding Thoughts
Texas A&M comes into the 2021 season with higher hopes than ever of winning the SEC. The Aggies’ defense has consistently performed well every year, but offensive issues have persisted ever since Johnny Manziel left. The key for the A&M offense to become efficient stems from the wide receivers performing at a higher level. The 12th man can continue to criticize the quarterback play, but what’s the quarterback’s fault if receivers can’t get open? Obviously, other pass catchers such as Smith and Wydermyer will continue to play a pivotal role in the offense; there’s no doubt that they both will perform well. However, if the Aggies want to beat Alabama and have a chance at making the playoff, A&M’s wide receivers must play better. Now, the Aggies’ hopes lie in the hands of Lane, Chapman, and Demas. Embed from Getty Images
