Tag: Texas A&M 2023 Recruiting Class

WATCH: Texas A&M Football welcomes the 2023 freshman class in entertaining fashion

Texas A&M’s talented media team put together a “welcome wagon” of sorts for the Aggies’ talented 2023 freshman class.

Amid the Aggies’ ongoing fall practice schedule, the 2023 college football season is now just two weeks away, while Texas A&M is set to kick off their crucial 2023 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 2, against New Mexico inside what should be a packed Kyle Field.

Ahead of their ninth practice on Friday afternoon, Texas A&M’s entertaining Aggie Cam released yet another piece of fantastic content after asking nearly every player the ultimate question: Do Aliens truly exist?

Shifting the focus to the Aggies’ talented 2023 recruiting class, who are entering their first full season with the program, the Aggie media team put together a rousing welcome wagon of sorts for the nearly 40-plus players, including several notable transfers, headlined by former five-star defensive tackle DJ Hicks Jr, and five-star running back Reuben Owens, who is poised to see the field this season regularly.

Texas A&M leads the SEC in returning production as a bulk of the Aggies’ historic 2022 recruiting class has returned. High expectations have already been placed on several newcomers outside of Hicks and Owens, as former four-star cornerback Jayvon Thomas has reportedly made waves this fall while competing for a starting spot opposite veteran corner Tyreek Chappell. In contrast, former four-star offensive lineman Chase Bisontis is poised to see extensive playing time in the trenches.

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ESPN names Aggies’ defensive lineman DJ Hicks among the best true freshmen in 2023

ESPN named Texas A&M incoming defensive lineman DJ Hicks as one of the best true freshman of the 2023 class.

With the 2023 college football season just around the corner, fans will get an opportunity to see some of the best recruits of the current cycle take the field. While it’s not a guarantee that every true freshman will get snaps in year one, there are those that are simply too skilled and talented to keep them on the sideline out the gate.

ESPN unveiled their annual list of the best 2023 recruits at, well, everything. Which freshman signal-caller is the most accurate passer? Who is the past rusher with the highest motor? These are just a few of the questions that the worldwide leader in sports sought to answer.

Texas A&M has a talented 2023 recruiting class coming in this year, and for ESPN, one name stands out among them: defensive lineman DJ Hicks.

ESPN named Hicks as the “most powerful” when it comes to true freshmen on the defensive line. The Katy, TX product is currently the eighth-best prospect in ESPN’s 300 rankings:

“Among the most explosive players in this class, Hicks plays with great effort and tenacity. There often seems to be a wake of carnage in his path. He will fire off the ball and be a disruptive force, but you see his power when he meets resistance. He consistently jolts blockers and powers through them. The son of a high school coach, he knows the game well to match his power. He should be a factor for the Aggies in Year 1.”

Out of Paetow High School, the versatile interior defensive lineman is a matchup nightmare against opposing offensive fronts, no matter if you’re putting him in a 4-3 or 3-4 formation. With advanced body control, stellar lower body strength, and power at the point of attack, Hicks boasts all of the prerequisites you want in a force on the defensive line.

Hicks has a prime opportunity to step in and provide valuable depth behind a defensive front that has immense upside in 2023 but has a chip on its shoulder, nonetheless. The Aggies gave up 208.8 yards rushing per game and managed just 19 sacks in 2022, but with a year of experience under their belt, this unit is expected to take a major leap in the fall.

For Hicks, the goal ahead is crystal clear: to be an absolute terror for opposing offenses and be a force of disruption by any means necessary. Given that he’ll be mentored by the likes of McKinnley Jackson and Fadil Diggs, Hicks’ development in 2023 should be a treat as he works to establish himself as a fulcrum for the future.

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2023 3-star OT and Aggie signee Naquil Betrand will reportedly reclassify to the 2024 class, and take a post grad year at JP Collegiate

2023 3-star OT and Aggie signee Naquil Betrand has announced that he will reclassify to the 2024 class and take a post-grad year at JP Collegiate.

Some late-night news dropped on Sunday night concerning 2023 three-star offensive tackle Naquil Betrand, who has made the decision to reclassify to the 2024 recruiting cycle and will attend JP Collegiate in Matthews, North Carolina, for the 2023 football season to gain more on-field experience and sharpen his skills on the offensive line while hopefully increasing his recruiting ranking in the process.

Betrand, according to 247Sports, is ranked as the 33rd offensive tackle and the 8th-ranked player in Pennsylvania, committed to Texas A&M last August and signed with the program in December. Standing at 6-6 and 350 pounds, Betrand possesses the size, strength, and athleticism to thrive at the next level, though, like any player at his level, development is needed to see playing time down the line.

Concerning the 2023, Betrand’s absence puts a dent in their offensive tackle depth going into the year, one of the thinnest position groups on the roster. Jimbo Fisher and his staff will continue communications regarding his future with the program. Good luck, Naquil!

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Texas A&M Football Recruiting: several 2024 prospects recently placed the Aggies in their Top program lists

Texas A&M received much attention last week, as several 2024 prospects placed the Aggies among their top preferred programs lists.

Texas A&M’s 2024 recruiting class quite literally exploded (in a good way) in the last two weeks of June, as the now 13th-ranked class, according to 247Sports team rankings, adding the likes of WR Drelon Miller, OT Weston Davis, LB Tyanthony Smith, Edge Gabriel Reliford since Monday, and to kick off July, four-star wide receiver Jaylan Hornsby committed to Aggies on Saturday afternoon.

So far, 15 prospects, including two quarterbacks, three wide receivers, three offensive linemen, one tight end, two defensive linemen, one safety, and three, and yes, three blue-chip linebackers, which is certainly a sight for sore eyes for every Aggie fan reading this. With full steam ahead, Jimbo Fisher and his staff set their sights on several priority prospects, including five-star wide receiver prospects Terry Bussey and Cam Coleman, who remain slight favorites to land with the Aggies when all is said and done.

Last week amid the flurry of commitments, several blue-chip prospects in the 2024 cycle released their top program lists. By the looks of it, nothing is Fisher as July presents a litany of opportunities to continue this momentum ride. Here are five 2024 prospects who recently placed Texas A&M in their top program lists.

The rest of the 2023 class, including 5-star DT David Hicks Jr. have made it College Station

As of Monday, several high-profile members of the 2023 recruiting class have made it to College Station.

We are nearly three months away from the start of the 2023 season, and to add a little more excitement to what we in the sports writing world call the “summer lull,” the rest of Texas A&M’s roster, including several key members of the 2023 recruiting class has made it to campus as of Monday, May 29.

Headlining this group is five-star defensive tackle David Hicks Jr., who recently competed in the UIL Track & Field Championship, earning a bronze medal in the discus event with a recorded throw of 182′-6″. As an incoming member of one of the most talented and deepest defensive line units in the country, Hicks, who is reportedly up to 280 pounds, provides versatility also to see time at the defensive end spot and will undoubtedly compete for snaps as soon as fall camp arrives.

The rest of the list in the 2023 cycle includes the following players:

  • Four-star Quarterback Marcel Reed (2,198 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 944 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns in 2022)
  • Four-star defensive end Rylan Kennedy (61 tackles, 10 TFL, five sacks in 2022)
  • Four-star cornerback Bravion Rogers (24 tackles, 2 INT, 1 PBU in 2022)
  • Four-star Athlete Dalton Brooks (120 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 INT, 1 FB in 2022)
  • Three-star OT Naquil Betrand
  • Three-star Linebacker Chantz Johnson (70 tackles, 10 TFL, two sacks)
  • Three-star defensive tackle Samu Taumanupepe (60 tackles, 6 TFL)
  • Three-star Punter Tyler White (42.3 yards per punt with a long of 62 yards, 79-81 on PATs, 10-12 FG as a kicker in 2022)

Outside of the arriving 2023 class members, several transfer portal additions, including former Boston College cornerback Josh DeBerry (50 tackles in 2022) and offensive lineman Finn Dirstine, former Jackson State linebacker Jurriente Davis (39 tackles in 2022), former Rice fullback Jerry Johnson, former Fresno State quarterback Jaylen Henderson, and former Colorado State running back David Bailey (20 carries for 61 yards in 2022) have also made their way to campus.

Last but not least, one of the more intriguing transfer portal addition is former Grand Valley State wide receiver Jahdae Walker, who, at 6-4 provides immediate depth to what is already a lethal starting WR unit, yet depth has been an issue, providing Walker a chance to work his way into the rotation this Fall.

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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Top 2023 JUCO OL Amaury Wiggins places Texas A&M among his Top 5 program list

Texas A&M is a finalist for the Top 2023 JUCO offensive lineman Amaury Wiggins, who places the Aggies within his Top 5 program list

Texas A&M’s focus on building one of the deepest offensive line units ahead of the 2023 season is very understandable after what we all witnessed in 2022, as a rash of injuries and inexperience plagued what could have been a very competent group.

With nearly every starter returning, including the recent news that former Boston College guard Finn Dirstine will transfer to the program for the 2023 campaign, the current depth issues have now been remedied. However, Fisher and his staff may not be finished making additions in the trenches after all. On Wednesday, one of the top 2023 JUCO offensive linemen, Amaury Wiggins, placed the Aggies within his Top 5 program list, joining Penn State, Illinois, Miami, and Arkansas.

Standing at 6-4 and 310 pounds, Wiggins has continued refining his blocking technique and footwork at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, leading to over 20 plus offers as the Aggies offered him back on May 10. This is yet another step in the right direction as Fisher tries to emulate the 2020 season performance in the trenches, knowing that winning at the line of scrimmage is the first step to dominating the time of possession and opening the playbook offensively.

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2023 5-star forward Ron Holland has de-committed from Texas. Should the Aggies make a move?

It was reported that 2023 5-star forward Ron Holland has de-committed from Texas. Do the Aggies have a shot?

Texas A&M should be on high alert after news dropped that 2023 five-star forward Ron Holland announced his de-commitment from Texas through a statement released on his personal Instagram account.

This isn’t just your everyday player asking to be released from his letter of intent, because Ron Holland is by far one of the most talented players in the 2023 cycle, ranked 6th in the county, and ranked as the No.1 prospect at the forward position and the state of Texas. Standing at 6-8 and 195 pounds, Holland has the size, athleticism, and shooting ability to become a reliable big wing, one of the more sought-after positions in today’s NBA.

The Aggies are not known for their recruiting prowess when it comes to basketball, as head coach Buzz Williams is more known for his skills in developing three and four-star recruits, while his only five-star signee since his arrival in Aggieland is current reserve guard Manny Obaseki out of the 2021 recruiting cycle. Holland hails from Duncanville, Texas, just two hours away from College Station, so in terms of a drastic change in scenery, this would not be the case.

Texas A&M was one of the first teams to offer Holland back in early 2020, and even though his other two finalists in Arkansas and UCLA may have the edge after his de-commitment, it’s time for Williams to swing for the fences and finally add another premier talent to an already highly competent roster heading into the 2023 season.

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2023 3-star C Brandon White commits to Texas A&M

Texas A&M and head coach Buzz Williams received a huge commitment from 2023 3-star Center Brandon White on Saturday

BOOM! Texas A&M has officially landed one of the few remaining 2023 prospects in the 2023 class, as three-star center Brandon White out of Spencer, North Carolina, and The Donda Academy will continue his playing career with the Maroon and White starting next season.

According to 247Sports, White is ranked as the 24th center, and 26th prospect in California, where The Donda Academy is located. White is ranked as a four-star recruit, and the 13th center prospect in accordance with Rivals. White chose the Aggies over multiple North Carolina-based programs such as Wake Forest, NC State, and Charlotte after spending the majority of his high school career in North Carolina with North Rowan, and Winston-Salem Christian before transferring.

Standing at 6-10 and 205 lbs, White has developed into one of the more sought-after athletic big men in the class, possessing the needed length and size to become a defensive threat in the paint (averaged 2 blocks per game last season), and hopefully develop his offensive skill set once he gets to work with Aggies’ head coach Buzz Williams.

Needing more size in the paint as A&M’s starting front court in Henry Coleman and Julius Marble enter what is poised to be their final seasons with the program, landing White is a great start in preparing for the future. Congratulations, Brandon! Gig ’em!

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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Former Aggies Commit, Johnny Bowens chooses Oregon

Aggies miss out on 4 star DL Johnny Bowens

Johnny Bowens, a 4-star defensive line prospect in the class of 2023, was committed to the Aggies in the spring, before decommitting over the summer. Many insiders believed that the Aggies were in a good place to add Bowens back to their 2023 class after the Converse Judson senior returned to College Station for multiple visits starting with the late July pool party, and continuing into the fall.

Despite the fact that Bowens took multiple visits to other schools including Oregon and Texas in the fall, there was a sentiment that he might be the second player to commit twice to A&M in the same cycle, joining Bravion Rogers.

However, on Thursday afternoon he announced that he would be committing to the Oregon Ducks, giving the folks in Eugene plenty to be thankful for.

It’s a tough loss for an A&M program looking for ANY momentum in the field and on the recruiting trail as they prepare to wrap up their 2022 season.

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Five star 2023 linebacker Anthony Hill decommits from Texas A&M

Domino’s falling for Texas A&M Football: Five star 2023 linebacker Anthony Hill decommits from A&M

College football struggles are a vicious cycle. Poor performances on the field lead to players deciding they don’t want to be a part of your program any more. Meaning current players leave through the transfer portal, or prospects either decommit, or leave you out of their recruitment entirely.

On Monday, following the Aggies fifth consecutive loss, a 41-24 drubbing at the hands of the Florida Gators, the first domino fell in what could be a tough stretch for the Aggies.

Five star linebacker, Anthony Hill, the 17th ranked player in the nation, and the country’s top 2023 linebacker recruit announced that he is decommitting from Texas A&M.

The announcement comes less than 48 hours after he was at Kyle Field for the second week in a row to watch the Aggies struggle on the field, and will likely not be the last of this kind of announcement over the coming weeks.

We know the Aggies will continue to work hard to bring Hill back in the fold, but the odds are stacked heavily against them, as Hill, who chose A&M over Texas in July, will be visiting Austin soon.

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