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Texas A&M Football: Three Freshman Most Likely to Make an Impact in 2017

By Joe Vastano

Aug 27, 2016; Loganville, GA, USA; IMG Academy quarterback Kellen Mond (11) runs against the Grayson Rams during the second half in a high school football duel of top ranked teams at Grayson Community Stadium. IMG Academy defeated the Grayson Rams 26-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Loganville, GA, USA; IMG Academy quarterback Kellen Mond (11) runs against the Grayson Rams during the second half in a high school football duel of top ranked teams at Grayson Community Stadium. IMG Academy defeated the Grayson Rams 26-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s the offseason, prime time to anticipate what comes next for Texas A&M football. For instance, which freshman will make the biggest splash in year one?

The recruiting spotlight is now on the current juniors and the 2018 class. The 2017 players have moved on to their new homes and are starting their college journeys. Now we can start to make out projections. Which of the incoming Aggie freshman has the best chance to make an immediate impact during their first year at A&M.

Kellen Mond

Trevor Knight stepped in to run the show for a single season in 2016. However, now that Knight is gone, the Aggies are looking for a man to take control. The possible candidates for the starting quarterback job are sophomore Nick Starkel, senior Jake Hubenak, and the freshman, Kellen Mond.

Mond was a highly rated dual threat quarterback coming out of highschool and played at IMG Academy in Florida. He flipped from Baylor to Texas A&M following the firing of Coach Art Briles. He will fit in well in Coach Mazzone’s offense if he can win the starting job.

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As it looks now, Mond could be the guy. He’d have plenty of weapons at the receiving and running back position as well as a great line blocking for him. His speedy feet and precision as a passer could put Mond among the top quarterbacks in SEC during the 2017 season.

Jhamon Ausbon

Mond’s favorite target in high school, Jhamon Ausbon has had sticky hands since his youth. With the Aggies losing three of their top four receivers in Josh Reynolds, Speedy Noil, and Ricky Seals-Jones, they don’t have a big deep threat anymore.

Ausbon has been known to catch balls off of deep routes. He demonstrated an ability to grab balls in traffic during his senior year at IMG. If Mond wins the starting job, and that doesn’t seem to be too much of a stretch, they will have great chemistry from the start. Mond and Ausbon will be able to pick apart opposing defenses together and could make for something special.

Anthony Hines

The Aggies have lacked strength and depth at one crucial defensive position for past three years: linebacker. Hines, the number two overall inside linebacker, joins A&M from Plano East High School. Coach John Chavis will most likely have Hines playing at the outside positions due to his closing quickness and vision.

Next: Who Will the Aggies' Starting QB Be in 2017?

Hines will probably start day one against UCLA and has a chance to help restore the linebacker position at A&M along with fellow class of 2018 defenderrs, Devodrick Johnson and Santino Marchiol.

***Rankings from 247sports***