The Texas A&M Football program has been absolutely obliterating the recruiting trail during the last two cycles, strategically plotting out their dominance since Jimbo Fisher touched ground in College Station, Texas in December of 2017. Since then, the program has steadily climbed the recruiting ranks year by year, signing a handful of 5-star talents each season, culminating in what is currently seen as the greatest recruiting class in not only program history, but the greatest of any recruiting class to date.
Now, as any recruiting nerd will tell you, on paper, these classes are something to be very excited about, but in order for them to hold up over time, the highly ranked players they contain must produce on the gridiron, with a select few contributing as soon as they step on the field for the first time. For the upcoming 2022 season, here are the four true freshmen who have a chance to compete for snaps right away:
1. Evan Stewart (Wide Receiver): As one of the top ranked WRs and athletes in the 2022 class, Stewart made his name known to Aggie fans everywhere during the spring game, catching 7 passes for 75 yards, while making a number of eye popping plays throughout the game. At 6’1″, 175, Stewart is a leaner wide receiver, but as a former track star, has the speed and athleticism to get on top of defenders and separate at a high rate, becoming an instant deep threat on any play.
2. Anthony Lucas (Defensive End): With Michael Clemons, DeMarvin Leal, and Jayden Peevy all leaving for the NFL, Lucas, who stands at 6’5″, 275 has the chance to make an immediate impact off the edge in multiple fronts, quickly showing his ability in the spring game, accounting for 8 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 tackles for loss. With incredible burst for his size, accompanied by great hand use and pad level, Lucas has the chance to become a scary option off the edge from the start.
3. Walter Nolan (Defensive Line): As the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class, Nolan has a chance to join the defensive rotation sooner than later. At 6’5″, 300 pounds, Nolan has the size to push the pocket with speed to power paired with strong hands while providing a violent disposition defensively. With the defensive line facing departures, a “youth movement” of sorts may take shape with other players such as Lebbeus Overton, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, Anthony Lucas and Shemar Stewart, and Nolan has the opportunity to lead that group in snaps from day 1.
4. Chris Marshall (Wide Receiver): Is is just me, or is Chris Marshall the most underrated player in the class? with Caleb Chapman entering the transfer portal, Size on the boundary is sorely needed for the Aggies, and with Marshall standing at 6’4″, 200 pounds, he has the the speed, athleticism, and catch radius to become a nightmare matchup for defensive backs straight out of the chute.
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