Texas A&M’s 2022 recruiting class is hopefully on its way to reaching legendary status in the next couple of years, as it is collectively the most talented recruiting class in history on the national stage, and one of the reasons the Aggies are expected to make some noise on the field this season.
Today, On3, one of the leaders in college football recruiting, released their 2022 Preseason True Freshman All-American Team, including three electrifying Texas A&M freshmen from the 2022 recruiting class, which was comprised of 5-Star Wide receiver Evan Stewart, 5-Star Tight end Jake Johnson, and 5-Star Defensive tackle Walter Nolan. Here is On3 writer Charles Power’s explication for each player selected.
Evan Stewart, Wide receiver:
Evan Stewart appears to be Texas A&M’s top pass-catcher entering the season. The former Five-Star Plus+ prospect was the Aggies’ offensive MVP from spring practice and caught eight passes for 78 yards and a touchdown in the spring game. Stewart’s ascent has continued into fall camp, as he’s earned steady praise from Jimbo Fisher and anyone associated with the Texas A&M program. The Frisco (Texas) Liberty product is a dynamic receiver who pairs high-end athleticism with advanced route-running ability and ball skills. Stewart figures to be a high-volume target for Texas A&M as early as week one. He ranked as the No. 8 overall prospect and No. 2 wide receiver in the 2022 On3 Consensus.
Jake Johnson, Tight end:
Jake Johnson was the most technically advanced route-runner and pass catcher at tight end in the 2022 cycle. The NFL legacy has a nuanced game, with the ability to create separation within his routes while showing a large catch radius at the high school level. Johnson is one of three talented true freshmen tight ends in College Station along with Donovan Green and Theo Melin Ohrstrom. We know Jimbo Fisher loves targeting tight ends in the passing game, and our feeling is Johnson is the most skilled pass-catcher of the group on campus at this time. The talent is there to provide another needed target early on. Johnson was the No. 73 overall prospect and No. 1 tight end in the 2022 On3 Consensus.
Walter Nolan, Defensive Tackle:
Walter Nolen was the headliner of Texas A&M’s historic 2022 signing class — one that included four Five-Star Plus+ prospects and nine On3 Consensus five-stars. The Powell (Tenn.) High product has missed some of fall camp with an injury but is working his way back into action. Nolen has cut significant weight and is down to under 300 pounds after getting up over 340 prior to his senior season. Even though he’s playing on a defensive line that is very likely the deepest group at the position nationally, we would not be surprised to see Nolen make an impact once he gets up to speed. The On3 Consensus’ No. 1 prospect in the cycle has a unique combination of size, athleticism, power and pass rush ability.
As all three freshmen have impressed during fall camp, Evan Stewart is steadily in the running for a starting spot at the X wide receiver postion, while Johnson and Nolan are currently seen as high-end rotational players during their first season.
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