It’s finally here folks, the start of a new college football season, and more importantly, the beginning stages of the 2022 Texas A&M Football campaign as fall camp has officially begun. Earlier this afternoon, the annual first-day press conference was held, offering the media a chance to ask offensive and defensive team leaders wide receiver Ainias Smith, and defensive back Antonio Johnson questions regarding team philosophy, their outlook on the season, etc.
Right out of the gate, Ainias Smith, who is entering his senior season and final year with the team, described the 2022 offenses’ internal mindset, while continually learning from the mistakes they made during the 2021 season:
“Let’s just say all the keys are being put into motion that we need. Right now, the mindset is totally different. We came up short and lost some games we felt like we shouldn’t have. Now, we’re coming back for vengeance.
“We’re expecting to be very explosive. I’ll just say that.”
While discussing the talented 2022 class who are collectively gearing up to become heavy contributors on both sides of the ball as soon as the September 3rd opener, Smith opined on what they bring to the table, and his leadership role within the offense as the senior member of the wide receiver core:
“The young guys, they came in with a different mindset. It’s driving the older guys to compete a whole lot more. There is a whole lot of competition everywhere. This year, it’s like a brotherhood.”
“Our leadership is there. Our keys are there. Everything has been clicking.”
Finally, teammate and fellow speaker Antonio Johnson later described Smith’s leadership qualities and importance to the team moving forward in camp and leading into the season:
“He’s a leader. On offense, he’s that guy who will be whoever he needs to be… It shows his versatility. In the backfield, out wide, punt return. He’s just a leader and people look up to him.”
Whoever secures the starting Quarterback position this season for the Aggies will be heavily relying on Ainias Smith every week, but more so need his leadership qualities to lead a relatively young offensive unit within the treacherous SEC landscape.
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