Tag: Moose Muhammad III

Texas A&M’s receiving corps ranks top 10 heading into the 2023 season

Led by the trio of Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith, and Moose Muhammad III, Texas A&M’s talented receiving corps was ranked in the top 10 in the country by one college football outlet.

Texas A&M has a case to be made for boasting the most talented wide receiver unit in all of college football, and the Aggie faithful aren’t the only ones backing up that claim.

In Pro Football Focus‘ ranking of the top-10 receiving corps in college football heading into the 2023 season, Texas A&M clocked in at No. 9 overall. The only SEC foes to register a better ranking were Georgia (No. 4) and LSU (No. 8). The Maroon and White sit one spot ahead of Alabama (No. 10).

According to PFF College Football Analyst Max Chadwick, the reasoning behind the Aggies’ No. 9 ranking lies in the volume of returning talent with immense upside:

“Evan Stewart immediately showed why he was a top-10 overall recruit, leading the Aggies with 643 receiving yards as a true freshman. The sky’s the limit for him in Year 2.

Moose Muhammad III was right behind him and tied for seventh among SEC receivers last year with 20 catches of 15-plus yards. Ainias Smith had his season cut short due to a broken fibula but led the Aggies in receiving during both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Texas A&M also returns Donovan Green, who was seventh among SEC tight ends with 233 receiving yards as just a true freshman in 2022.”

PFF rightly giving the Aggies receiving corps their flowers is a sight for sore eyes after some recent disrespect on social media. And in reality, their No. 9 ranking feels appropriate given the context. A&M ranked 95th in the country in passing last year (204.2 ypg), but truth be told a stagnant and unimaginative offense handicapped the talent level on the field.

That stands to change in 2023 with Bobby Petrino stepping in as the new offensive coordinator. Throughout Petrino’s coaching career, his offenses have averaged at least 400 yards in 16-of-20 seasons and 30 points per game in 15 seasons. His teams have eclipsed the 500-yard and 40-point thresholds five and three times, respectively.

The creativity of Petrino’s offensive scheme, which allows for multiple players to do damage from various spots on the field, will only maximize what Stewart, Smith, and Muhammad have to offer. Sophomore tight end Donovan Green is an added x-factor, as Graduate Max Wright teased how Petrino has a knack for disguising TEs through different formations.

It’s encouraging to see the likes of PFF understand the immense upside the Aggies receiving corps has heading into the fall. Yet with a talented trio in Stewart, Smith, and Muhammad leading the way, it’s not a stretch to say this unit could make a case for being top five, at least, once the 2023 season gets underway.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee.

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On3 questionably leaves Aggies Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith off list of best SEC WRs

On3 asked who is the best wide receiver in the SEC, and of course, Texas A&M’s own Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith, and Moose Muhammad III were questionably left out.

The disrespect continues to pile up for Texas A&M, and the latest example is taking aim at the Aggies talented receiving room.

Ahead of what should be a wildly entertaining season of SEC football, On3 posed a question to the Twitter landscape that would only ensure (friendly) chaos to ensue in the comments. As arguably the most competitive conference in all of college football, the SEC has no shortage of talented pass catchers.

But most importantly, which wide receiver is equipped to have the best 2023 season, and which is the best receiver of them all?

A fair question, no doubt, but the names proposed by On3 were, for all intents and purposes, disrespectful to the talent level found in College Station. The proposed candidates on On3’s social media graphic were LSU’s Malik Nabers, South Carolina’s Antwane Wells Jr., Kentucky’s Barion Brown, and Alabama‘s Traeshon Holden.

Wait for just a minute…no, Evan Stewart? No Ainias Smith? How about Moose Muhammad III? It doesn’t matter if there’s an “other” recommendation hovering below; this is the epitome of disrespect!

Upon a glance at the ensuing comments, one reply sticks out like a sore thumb: “Could’ve been fun last year with an even better team but was it? No.” And there lies the cause for the Aggies’ disrespect, with recency bias rearing its ugly head once more.

Truth be told, Texas A&M should not be exempt from criticism following an underwhelming 5-7 season in 2022. However, a reimagined offense that should get a jolt of ingenuity from new OC Bobby Petrino should play a role when considering which receivers are in for a successful 2023 season.

Stewart, in just year one, averaged 12.2 yards per reception, and it’s clear he has yet to reach his ceiling of star potential. Muhammad averaged 16.1 yards per reception and logged the best receiving grade of his collegiate career of 77.7 per PFF (which was higher than Nabers, Wells Jr., Brown, and Holden.)

Although his 2022 campaign was limited, Smith is a known threat from anywhere on the field, and his versatility gives him an edge versus plenty of SEC competition. Even with his limited time on the field last year, he still averaged 19.4 yards per catch, and he should round out a highly talented receiving trio after returning to College Station this season.

The trials of last season clearly fuel the disrespect leading into 2023. Still, it should only serve as more bulletin board material for the Aggies to assemble an emphatic bounce-back campaign. With that as the primary goal, look for Texas A&M’s talent-laden receiving unit to lead the way.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee.

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College Sports Wire’s Patrick Conn places three Aggies in his 2023 WR power rankings

College Sports Wire’s Patrick Conn places three notable Aggie wide receivers in his newest WR power rankings ahead of the 2023 CFB season.

Outside of the transfer portal losses and Bobby Petrinos’ hiring as Texas A&M’s new offensive coordinator, A&M’s offseason has been focused on “finding the inches,” as head coach Jimbo Fisher has stated over the previous months while reflecting on what went wrong for the Maroon and White during their 5-7 2022 season.

Possessing what many would note as a borderline elite roster from a talent perspective, talent can only take a team so far, and while a majority of the program’s 2022 recruiting class saw extensive playing time last season, their “baptism by fire” experience bodes well heading into 2023.

One position group that tops the entirety of the Aggies roster is the starting wide receiver rotation consisting of returning do-it-all wideout Ainias Smith, Evan Stewart, Moose Muhammad II, and accending sophomore Noah Thomas, slated to be the predominate strength of the offense and a definite safety net for sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman.

This week, College Sports Wire’s Patrick Conn released his 2023 wide receiver power rankings, and to no surprise, three of the Aggies mentioned above wideouts made rankings, starting with Moose Muhammad at No. 5. Ainias Smith’s season-ending injury essentially forced the talented Muhammad, son of longtime Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad into the starting lineup, where he proceeded to put up big numbers week in and week out, ending with 38 receptions for 610 yards and four touchdowns with a 16.1 YPR average. Here is Conn’s take going into 2023:

“Muhammad burst onto the scene for the Aggies offense last season in the absence of Ainias Smith. He was able to take advantage of the opportunity presented, and Muhammad could be a major factor in this upcoming season. Muhammad, Stewart, and Smith make one of the better WR trios in the SEC.”

At No. 9, Ainias Smith is practically destined to rebound after only appearing in four games due to a season-ending leg injury against Arkansas, still putting up respectable numbers with 15 receptions for 291 yards and two touchdowns, including a 19.4 YPR average. Here is Conn’s take:

“Smith only appeared in four games last season but was plenty productive in those games. In 2021, he appeared in 12 games with 509 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Conner Weigman will have Smith, Moose Muhammad, and Evan Stewart on the field next season, giving the Aggies a formidable passing attack.”

Lastly, coming in as an honorable mention sophomore and future superstar Evan Stewart, who came out of the 2022 recruiting Cycle as the No.1-ranked WR prospect in the country, was one of the most productive receivers in the SEC, recording 53 receptions for 649 yards and two touchdowns, and is by far the most talented offensive weapon on the roster. Talent + Experience almost always leads to production, and for Texas A&M, things look good in the wide receiver department.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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Here are the eligible Texas A&M Aggies and projected big board for the 2024 NFL Draft

After just three Aggies were selected in this year’s NFL Draft, the number of eligible prospects for Texas A&M could increase exponentially for the 2024 class.

The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone, and while Texas A&M had only three prospects declare for this year’s draft, it was encouraging to see all three hear their names called last weekend. Fast forward to the 2024 draft, and the volume of Aggies looking to go pro could exponentially increase.

If last year’s performance was any indication, A&M’s underwhelming 5-7 record could have potentially played a role in the likes of Devon Achane, Antonio Johnson, and Jaylon Jones slipping relative to their 2023 projected draft positions. But if the Maroon and White organize a resounding comeback season in the fall, it wouldn’t be surprising to see NFL scouts taking notice of eligible prospects.

With an eye toward the future, the Aggies have a handful of names on the offensive line, in the receiving room, and on the defense that could declare for next year’s draft. And unlike this year’s trio of prospects, there’s a chance for the Maroon and White to boast a potential first-rounder.

Below is the early big board for eligible Texas A&M prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft, including their current projected draft position according to NFL Mock Draft Database.

Texas A&M Spring Football 2023: Wide receiver position breakdown

Spring football for the Aggies is well underway which means it’s time to break down each positional unit. Up next, Wide receivers.

Spring football for Texas A&M is well underway, which means it’s every fan’s obligation to parse through the depth chart ahead of what will be an important 2023 season. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered by breaking down each positional battle, beginning with arguably the most important position on the roster.

The Aggies wide receiver room gained two new members from the 2023 recruiting class as 4-star wideouts Raymond Cottrell and Micah Tease join the room, while the biggest news remains the return of swiss-army-knife do it all slot receiver Ainias Smith returning his final season in Aggieland.

With that, here is how the depth chart is currently constructed this spring, and potentially at the start of the 2023 season:

Returners (2022 season stats)

  • Sophomore Evan Stewart, Starting X receiver: 53 receptions, 649 yards, and 2 touchdowns in 10 games during the 2022 season
  • Senior Ainias Smith, Starting Slot receiver: 15 receptions, 291 yards, and 2 touchdowns in 4 games during the 2022 season.
  • Junior Moose Muhammad III, Starting Z receiver: 38 receptions for 610 yards and 4 touchdowns in 10 games during the 2022 season.
  • Sophomore Noah Thomas: 5 receptions for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns in 5 games played during the 2022 season.
  • Senior Jalen Preston: 7 receptions for 89 yards and 1 touchdown in 12 games played during the 2022 season.

Departures

  • Sophomore Chris Marshall (transferred to Ole Miss)
  • Junior Yulkeith Brown (transferred to Tulane)
  • Senior Chase Lane (transferred to Georgia Tech)
  • Senior Devin Price (transferred to App State)

Key thoughts and predictions:

The hiring of offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino should bring an element of explosive play to an offense that ranked 100th in the country in points per game last season, utilizing the immense talent of a starting lineup consisting of Stewart, Smith, and Muhammad that would present a weekly matchup nightmare for any defense unable to match the collective speed and athleticism within an extended route tree.

The biggest issue for the unit that may seep into the regular season is overall depth, as UTEP transfer Tyrin Smith’s status with the program remains in flux, as he is currently present at spring practice, yet still has the option to leave and return to UTEP at any time.

The potential this group has in unison with presumed starting quarterback Conner Weigman obviously depends on both the play-calling and performance of the offensive line next season, but if things begin to gel in the first couple of weeks, we’re talking about one of the more dangerous passing offenses in the SEC and the country.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

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WATCH: Moose Muhammad’s insane one handed touchdown catch

WATCH: Moose Muhammad’s insane one handed touchdown catch

It’s the coming out party for the Aggies young players on primetime national television against the #5 ranked LSU Tigers, and Moose Muhammad III has been front and center.

With freshman quarterback Conner Weigman getting the ball to him, Muhammad has showcased everything that gave fans hope that he could become a true weapon.

The best play of the night involving Weigman and Muhammad was undoubtedly the 21 yard touchdown on the first snap of the 4th quarter. Up 24-17 at the time, the Aggies were driving thanks to big runs by Amari Daniels, and some completions to Muhammad and freshman wideout Evan Stewart.

Then, Moose made magic.

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Texas A&M leads Florida 24-20 at halftime in an offensive shootout

Texas A&M leads Florida 24-20 at halftime in an offensive shootout

The Aggies entered their Week 10 matchup against the Florida Gators with a glimmer of offensive optimism after freshman quarterback Conner Weigman absolutely shined in a loss against the Ole Miss Rebels last weekend, but that optimism was short-lived after word came out that the flu made its way through the Texas A&M locker room throughout the week, leaving the team without six players and 3 starters, including Conner Weigman against the Gators because of it.

In a game where defense is optional with over 500 combined yards so far, the shorthanded Aggie offense led by quarterback Haynes King in his 5th start this season relied on star running back Devon Achane early and often, scampering 65 yards in the first offensive play of the game, and scoring a 5-yard touchdown a couple of plays later. King later connected with Achane for a 5-yard touchdown pass, as the Aggies took a 14-10 lead.

As I said before, defense has been optional for both teams, as the Aggies have surrendered two rushing touchdowns to quarterback Anthony Richardson from 10 yards and 60 yards out, as the latter score eventually gave the Gators a 17-14 lead, and after adding a couple of field goals from both teams, the score stood at 20-17 with nearly five minutes remaining in the second quarter.

After the Aggies finally forced their first defensive stop against the high-flying Florida offense, the (at least for today) lethal combination of Haynes King and Devon Achane led an 80-plus-yard drive as Achane yet again punched it in for a score to take the 24-20 lead heading into halftime.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

Recruiting update: Multiple future recruits will attend Ole Miss game this weekend

Eight 2023, 2024, and 2024 recruits will attend the Aggies’ primetime matchup with the 15th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday

The Aggies are gearing up for their primetime matchup with the 15th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday night in what should be a packed Kyle Field as the team hasn’t played in front of the 12th man in 42 days, one of their longest stretches in the program’s history.

Since the start of one of the busiest news weeks for the Aggies season, ranging from player suspensions to season-ending injuries, one of the stories that fell under the radar came to light later in the week, as eight 2023, 2024, and 2024 recruits will visit College Station this weekend, and attend the Ole Miss game set to kick off at 6:30 PM CT. on the SEC Network.

The eight players who will be attending the game are listed as current Texas A&M commit, 2023 defensive tackle David Hicks Jr., 2023 Texas commit Malk Muhammad, 2023 Edge Tomarrian Parker, 2023 Michigan State commit, running back Kedrick Reescano, 2024 quarterback DJ Lagway, 2024 defensive tackle T.A. Cunningham, 2024 linebacker Payton Pierce, and 2025 quarterback Bekkem Kritza.

Yes, Texas A&M is 3-4 and 1-3 in the SEC, but this is one of the most important weekends not only for a team looking to win their first game in nearly a month, but for a staff that needs to impress the eight highly touted recruits in attendance enough for them to really consider the Aggies late in the recruiting process. Gig ’em, and BTHO Ole Miss.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

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Texas A&M Preseason Profile: Wide receiver, Moose Muhammad III

Moose Muhammad III looks to carve out a bigger role on offense

Going into the 2022 football season, Aggies Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas A&M roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Jimbo Fisher this season.

Moose Muhammad III is entering his redshirt sophomore season at the slot wide receiver position for Texas A&M, looking to continue developing at the position this season behind senior and offensive leader for the Aggies, Ainias Smith. If you’re one of the older football fans reading this, you probably recognize the last name, as Moose Muhammad’s father is Muhsin Muhammad, a 13-year NFL wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears, playing nine seasons with the Panthers during his career.

Muhammad’s early playing career began at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in three varsity seasons at wide receiver, he accumulated 2,976 receiving yards on 175 receptions for 31 touchdowns, while recording a career-high 63 receptions for 1,270 yards and 17 touchdowns during his 2019 senior season.

As a priority prospect for the Aggies during the 2020 recruiting cycle, Muhammad visited College Station on May 10th, 2019, and ultimately committed to the program on June 3rd, 2019, and signed on December 18th. In his first season during the 2020 season, Muhammad chose to redshirt after 3 games. During the 2021 season, Muhammad appeared in 8 games while making the most of the snaps he received throughout the year, tallying 10 receptions for 153 yards and 4 touchdowns while making one of the better one-handed catches of the season against New Mexico in Week 3.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Height: 6-1

Weight: 195lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking

Class of 2020: 4-Star player ranking, 7th ranked player in North Carolina, 28th ranked wide receiver prospect in the country

Career Stats

Year G Rec Yards TDs
2021 8 10 153 4

PFF Rankings (Team Rankings)

Year Offense Receiving
2021 67.3 67.3

Depth Chart Overview

Moose Muhammad III is currently projected as the rotational slot wide receiver in Texas A&M’s pro-style offense, led by head coach Jimbo Fisher, and offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey. Muhammad is slated as the primary backup to Ainias Smith (Senior) and presumed to rotate with Yukeith Brown (Sophomore). From a scouting perspective, Muhammad was also seen as a slot receiver at the collegiate level, and going back to the LSU game last season where he recorded 2 receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown, it seemed inevitable that if Ainias Smith had departed for the NFL a year early, Muhammad would be squarely in the running to start at the slot receiver spot.

However, standing at 6-1, 195lbs, he is big enough to play the X or the Z based on the formation and matchups. Muhammad’s skill set is not of the straight line burner variety and instead relies on his elite traits ranging from his impressive quickness, footwork, and route running ability, displaying great vision in the open field, while adjusting well as the catch point, and can separate as well, or better than a bulk of the wide receivers on the roster. Moose Muhammad III is a valuable commodity at the wide receiver position from a depth perspective, and has a chance at carving out a bigger role on offense to start the season than initially planned.

Players’ Photo Gallery

Nov 20, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Moose Muhammad III (7) during the first half against the Prairie View Am Panthers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Moose Muhammad III (7) scores a touchdown against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

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