Tag: Jahdae Walker

Texas A&M’s 2024 starting WR rotation could include a newcomer from the transfer portal

Could former La Tech WR Cyrus Allen end up starting for Texas A&M this season?

It’s fall camp for Texas A&M and new head coach Mike Elko, who has every chance to succeed during his first year with the program after inheriting a talented and experienced roster led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman.

Defensively, Elko and new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman feel that this unit should be the team’s strength, especially due to the program’s loaded defensive line with the return of Shemar Turner and Shemar Stewart.

In contrast, former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton has a chance to become an immediate game wrecker as the Bryan, Texas native has returned home.

However, the offense will continue to take center stage on a national scale, as any success this season will depend on Weigman’s ability to move the ball down the field in the passing game under new OC Collin Klein’s scheme, needing to rely on a wide receiver corps that is relatively inexperienced.

In the video, junior WR Noah Thomas and senior WR Jahdae Walker were joined by a different third receiver in first-team reps, as GigEm 247’s Carter Karels noted that former Louisiana Tech WR Cyrus Allen was listed as the third starter, as the versatile speedster is coming off his career-high 778 receiving yards and four touchdowns during his final season with the Bulldogs.

Texas A&M’s passing offense needs more reliable downfield production with explosive WR Evan Stewart, who transferred to Oregon early in the offseason; Allen could represent that piece to the puzzle and provide Weigman with another dependable option on third down.

If this is the case, the wide receiver unit’s depth suddenly becomes much deeper than previously anticipated, with senior Moose Muhammad potentially rotating in.

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The biggest “what if?” scenarios ahead of Texas A&M’s 2024 season

CBS Sports CFB analyst Bud Elliott provides three factors that could complicate the Aggie’s success in 2024

With less than two months before Texas A&M kicks off the 2024 college football season vs. Notre Dame, “talkin’ season” is slowly coming to an end this month, but don’t worry because CBS Sports’ Bud Elliott is here to provide a realistic outlook for a handful of potential playoff contenders that could endure some pain along the way.

Every offseason, a champion is crowned based on looking up and down a roster, and for many, the Texas Longhorns are that program. However, Elliott made sure to focus on teams that are expected to be ranked and consistently hyped up while also being just an injury or lack of perceived talent away from missing a bowl game altogether.

Joining North Carolina, SMU, Iowa State, West Virginia, Auburn, LSU, Michigan, USC, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma, Texas A&M was the last team he mentioned, and for good reason. Here are Elliott’s two “what if” scenarios for the Aggies to potentially slip up in 2024:

“What if Conner Weigman can’t stay healthy?” 

  • He is coming off a foot injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2023 season after just four games, so, yes, Weigman’s health will be a question heading into the season. But so far this offseason, the redshirt sophomore has worked with new A&M S&C Tommy Moffit to add strength and muscle to further protect his body in the pocket and on the run.

“What if A&M’s receiving core doesn’t scare anybody?”

  • As I’ve referenced throughout the offseason, Texas A&M’s receiving core, especially the wide receiver unit, is talented but relatively unknown. At the same time, junior WR Noah Thomas was the only receiver to make an impact during the Maroon & White spring game. However, the return of tight end Donovan Green paired with former Fresno State tight end Tre Watson could thrive in OC Collin Klein’s system.

“It’s a pretty difficult schedule if they just a little bit on offense.”

  • Texas A&M’s stout defense should be the team’s strength throughout the season, but in agreeing with Elliott, Collin Klein’s motion-heavy, QB-centric offense is built on timing and efficiency. The run game will need to improve for the offense to consistently move the ball down the field.

Texas A&M will host Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31, at 6:30 p.m. CT to open the 2024 season.

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Texas A&M WR Jahdae Walker announces his partnership with NIL affiliate Texas Aggies United

Texas A&M wide receiver Jahdae Walker has partnered with NIL affiliate Texas Aggies United to announce his return for the 2024 season.

Texas A&M’s 2024 offseason has been exciting, to say the least, as new head coach Mike Elko has secured the No. 2-ranked transfer portal class with over 23 commits, paired with the 16th-ranked 2024 recruiting class according to 247Sports.

However, it’s been the plethora of return announcements from members of the Aggies’ roster coupled with their collective partnership with Texas A&M’s official NIL partnership, Texas Aggies United.

On Monday, former Grand Valley State wide receiver Jahdae Walker, who ended his first season in College Station, finishing second on the team with 590 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, joined over a dozen of his fellow Aggie teammates in announcing his return for the Elko’s inaugural 2024 campaign through T.A.G, stating, “Back for More.”

After the departures of veteran do-it-all receiver Ainias Smith (NFL Draft) and the talented Evan Stewart (transferred to Oregon), Jahdae Walker has a chance to become the No. 1 wide receiver for quarterback Conner Weigman, competing for the job with incoming senior WR Moose Muhammad, and incoming junior WR Noah Thomas.

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Texas A&M sophomore QB Jaylen Henderson has ‘very successful surgery’ on right arm

After suffering a right arm injury on the first play of the Texas Bowl against No. 20 Oklahoma State on Wednesday night in Houston, Texas A&M sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson is on the road to recovery.

After suffering a right arm injury on the first play of the Texas Bowl against No. 20 Oklahoma State on Wednesday night in Houston, Texas A&M sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson is on the road to recovery.

Henderson’s journey back to Kyle Field got off to a positive start on Thursday, he shared via X.

“Very successful surgery,” Henderson posted. “I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers!”

The sophomore signal caller was hit and landed awkwardly after completing an 11-yard pass to junior wide receiver Jahdae Walker to begin the matchup. As a lefty, he injured his non-throwing arm.

After the 31-23 loss to the Cowboys at NRG Stadium, Aggies interim head coach Elijah Robinson shared his thoughts on the injury.

“Everybody wants to protect the quarterback and it’s not that anybody did anything wrong,” Robinson said Wednesday. “It was just a good hit on the guy and the guy got hurt. For the most part, those guys rallied around (Marcel Reed) and he responded.”

The specifics of Henderson’s injury have not been released. Sports & family medicine physician Jesse Morse, MD was among those on X speculating about what just occurred in the national broadcast on ESPN.

“Likely a fracture and/or dislocation,” Morse posted. “Hard to tell if he fractured humerus (upper arm), elbow or both. He was fitted for an air-cast which is almost always used for a fracture.”

Henderson wasn’t the only Texas A&M player to get banged up in the bowl game. Walker suffered a left shoulder injury attempting to make a touchdown catch in the first period but he later returned. However, the wideout kept it G sporting a sling in an X post on Thursday.

“Alldae” endeared himself to the 12th Man by not only participating in the contest but also gutting through an injury to record eight receptions for 137 yards. With a nod to Hall of Fame pass-catcher Shannon Sharpe, Walker let an appreciative Aggies fan know that he left it all out on the gridiron.

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Watch: Texas A&M WR Jahdae Walker shows off his skillset with an incredible catch

Texas A&M wide receiver Jahdae Walker is coming off an impressive first season after transferring from Grand Valley State, appearing in eight games during the 2023 campaign while finishing strong, recording 27 receptions, 453 yards, and two …

Texas A&M wide receiver Jahdae Walker is coming off an impressive first season after transferring from Grand Valley State, appearing in eight games during the 2023 campaign while finishing strong, recording 27 receptions, 453 yards, and two touchdowns on the year.

Going into the 2024 offseason, Walker’s place on the depth chart has already ascended after the news that sophomore wide receiver Evan Stewart had entered the transfer portal, while veteran do-it-all pass catcher Ainias Smith announced his entry into the 2024 NFL Draft earlier this month.

Possessing all the traits needed to excel in the SEC, Walker’s performances against Ole Miss (8 receptions, 100 yards), ACU (4 receptions, 88 yards), and LSU (4 receptions, 80 yards) were enough to garner a substantial increase in snaps, with the chance to become quarterback Conner Weigman’s go-to target next season.

While most of us were enjoying Christmas Day with our loved ones, from the looks of it, Walker was hard at work refining his skillset, showing off an incredible one-handed catch during one of A&M’s bowl game practices, snagging the pass while maneuvering through the middle of the field.

With a nickname like “alldae” it’s no surprise that the chatter surrounding Walker’s future in Aggieland will be the talking point of the offseason, and if he’s making plays like this, except a big game during the Aggies TaxAct Texas Bowl against the No. 20 Oklahoma State on Wednesday, Dec. 27.

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Five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. Mississippi State

Will the Aggies’ secure bowl eligibility? Here are five players to watch out for ahead of Texas A&M’s home bout with Mississippi State.

Texas A&M’s (5-4, 3-3 SEC) 2023 football season has been underwhelming, to say the least, as sixth-year head coach Jimbo Fisher has once again landed on the evergrowing “hot seat” list as his future at the helm is still somewhat unknown with three games remaining.

After falling to Ole Miss 38-35 last Saturday, Texas A&M has dropped five straight to the Rebels and the Aggies’ upcoming opponent, Mississippi State (4-5, 1-5 SEC). Yes, this is very ugly on its face, but a chance to beat the Bulldogs for the first time in two seasons will at least place a much-needed bandage in the form of bowl eligibility.

This will be the Aggies’ first primetime kick-off of the season, and at this point, it may not mean that much to those watching from home, but for Aggie fans attending the game, expect a raucous crowd with plenty of implications still on the line. While the Bulldogs have dealt with plenty of adversity, quarterback Will Rogers is still listed as day-to-day but is 2-1 against A&M, including three touchdowns in their 2022 meeting.

This week, we have provided several storylines to help provide the full scoop on what to expect on Saturday night.

Focusing on the players that need to make plays this weekend, here are the five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. Mississippi State.

Texas A&M Football 2023 Midseason Grades: Wide receivers

Texas A&M’s receivers were hot to start out the season, but have since cooled off amid a sluggish offense in the last month.

The Aggies Wire team is doing the same with Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2), looking to take a breather and reassess heading into the bye week. Namely, there’s no better time to take a pulse check on how the Aggies have fared through the first half of the season, with a deep dive on each positional group.

Next up, we’re looking at the Aggies wide receivers, headlined by Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith, Noah Thomas, Moose Muhammad III, Jahdae Walker, and more.

Highlights

Enough cannot be said for the play of Stewart and Smith through the first half of the season. Both are tied for the most receiving yards among all Aggies with 451 yards apiece. While Agent Zero has yet to find the endzone through the air, he already has one kick return for a touchdown back in Texas A&M’s win over Arkansas.

Stewart, meanwhile, is tied with Thomas for the most receiving touchdowns for A&M through the first half of the season (4).

The loss of Conner Weigman to a season-ending foot injury was a tough pill to swallow, as the Aggies’ high-octane offense was on full display, and the talent level from the wide receivers corps proved to be a central factor.

Areas of improvement

Thomas’ four receiving touchdowns came during the first two weeks of the season, with three alone in A&M’s season opener versus New Mexico. He totaled 74 receiving yards in Week 1, but since then, he’s surpassed the 40-yard receiving mark just once in last week’s loss to the Vols.

Muhammad, meanwhile, seems to be the odd man out in what is, in reality, a crowded receiving room. He has just 14 receptions for 130 receiving yards and one touchdown, with the latter coming all the way back in Week 1. Muhammad’s 9.3 yards per reception mark a steep decline from his 15.7 average over the previous two seasons.

Final grade: C+

The Aggies rank seventh in the SEC in receiving yards per game (268.1), which is solid but by no means up to par given the talent level in the receiving room. Granted, not all the blame should be shouldered on the players. Weigman’s injury undoubtedly impacts how potent this offense can be through the air, and A&M’s porous pass protection from the offensive line doesn’t help.

Still, the drop-off over the last month can’t be ignored. Since throwing for 399 yards in a Week 3 win over UL Monroe, the Aggies haven’t surpassed the 300-yard mark. Over their last four games, they’ve averaged 216.3 yards per game through the air.

If the Maroon and White hope to steer their season back on track to a strong finish, something has to give on offense. If A&M can address their shortcomings on the offensive line, alongside some added ingenuity via play-action or through some motion, it should help reawaken the receiving performance that was on display earlier in the year.

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Here are the five keys to victory as Texas A&M faces Auburn in Week 4

From bottling up the Tigers’ run game to letting Conner Weigman cook, keys to victory as Texas A&M welcomes Auburn in Week 4.

Three weeks of college football is in the books, but Texas A&M’s (2-1) season truly gets underway on Saturday. The Aggies welcome Auburn (3-0) to Kyle Field in Week 4, in what will mark the start of SEC play.

Both teams are much improved from the last time they met late in the 2022 season. The Hugh Freeze era for the Tigers is off to a 3-0 start, while Bobby Petrino has the Aggies’ offense humming with a top-three ranking in the conference.

Those factors set up what should be a highly competitive game between two programs eager to steer their season on the right trajectory. A&M, of course, is in the midst of a pivotal 2023 campaign that may very well determine the future of Jimbo Fisher in Aggieland.

A win on Saturday would only lend more truth to the foundation being built in College Station, highlighted by a talented offense that can stake its claim as one of the best in the SEC.

Here are the five keys to victory as Texas A&M welcomes Auburn to Kyle Field for their first SEC matchup of the season.

Five players to watch in Texas A&M’s Week 4 home matchup vs. Auburn

Will the Aggies’ pass rush wake up? is Auburn a legit threat on offense? Here are five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M vs. Auburn.

Texas A&M (2-1) will host the surging Auburn Tigers (3-0) on Saturday afternoon, as kick-off is set for 11:00 a.m. CT, inside what should be packed Kyle Field as the SEC schedule starts off with a bang.

Featuring a first-year head coach in Hugh Freeze, the Tigers have yet to find an identity on offense. Still, their undefeated record speaks for itself behind a competent secondary, a group poised to give Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman fits early in the game before he eventually settles into a rhythm.

Coming off of a 47-3 win against UL Monroe, Jimbo Fisher’s resilient team is, of course, led by Weigman’s solid start under center, featuring one of the best-receiving cores in the country. Still, the Aggies’ defense remains a weekly question mark outside of the, so far, solid rushing defense.

Within last Saturday’s victory, several starters, including wide receivers Evan Stewart and Noah Thomas and center Bryce Foster, surprisingly missed the game due to undisclosed injuries, and even though their absence failed to affect last weekend’s outcome, they will be greatly depended on in SEC play. While all three, also including freshman tackle Chase Bisontis, who went down with an injury mid-game, are expected to return on Saturday, it will take a complete team effort to leave the weekend with a W.

Combined with multiple pre-game storylines, here are five players to watch ahead of Texas A&M’s Week 4 SEC clash with Auburn.

Social media reacts: Conner Weigman is dealing as Texas A&M takes 27-3 lead vs. UL Monroe

Haven’t you heard? Conner Weigman is that guy! The sophomore was dealing as Texas A&M took a 27-3 first half lead over UL Monroe.

Texas A&M (1-1) has an early 20-3 lead on UL Monroe (2-0) through the first half, and there’s a central reason for the early advantage: Conner Weigman.

The sophomore quarterback was absolutely dealing through the first two-quarters of Saturday’s matchup with the Warhawks. All the chatter leading up to gameday was how the Aggies needed to bounce back after last week’s loss to Miami. Suffice it say Weigman heard that loud and clear, and dare I say, took it personally.

Weigman got Texas A&M on the board early with a beautiful touchdown throw to Jahdae Walker to close out the first quarter. Walker, alongside Ainias Smith, proved to be the favorite target for Weigman as Evan Stewart did not dress out for Saturday’s game, likely to preserve him for next week’s matchup with Auburn.

Weigman finished the first half with 19/23 passing, 287 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and one rushing touchdown. His rushing score marked his second of the season and the 10th overall of his early collegiate career. Thanks to Weigman cooking in the pocket, A&M ended the first half with 359 total yards of offense.

Here are the best social media reactions to Weigman’s red-hot first half against UL Monroe.