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Texas A&M Football: Assessing the impact of every offseason Aggie transfer

By Matthew Bartlett

Nov 24, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Frank Iheanacho (15) attempts to make a reception as LSU Tigers defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) defends during the fourth quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Frank Iheanacho (15) attempts to make a reception as LSU Tigers defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) defends during the fourth quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Several Texas A&M football players have transferred from the program since last season ended. Which transfer will have the greatest impact on the 2017 team?

When Kyler Murray and Kyle Allen both transferred from the program in the span of a few weeks it looked like the sky might be falling at Texas A&M. It was covered by every major media outlet and snarky comments were made about coach Kevin Sumlin‘s inability to keep the program stable.

We’re a ways removed from that drama, but that doesn’t mean the Aggies haven’t seen any players leave the fold. Counting the latest announcement, seven players will look to continue their football careers elsewhere. Some of those players chose to move on, others didn’t have as much of a say in the matter.

This isn’t a case of Sumlin losing control of his program. Christian Kirk hasn’t packed his bags and headed elsewhere. Yet it’s fair to question the impact of these transfers, both to the 2017 season and beyond.

Rakeem Boyd

Boyd never saw the field at Texas A&M, but his loss will linger longer than his backfield mate James White. Boyd was a three-star recruit out of Stratford High School in Houston. He was a grade risk coming out of high school and it looks like that might have caught up with him.

Rather than sit out a year, Boyd is transferring to a junior college. That keeps the possibility of D1 football on the table next year if he’s able to improve his grades. Him returning to Texas A&M is a far cry from a sure thing, but it’s within the realm of possibilities.

Verdict: Moderate impact

The biggest impact of the Boyd transfer will be felt next season. Texas A&M only signed one running back in the 2017 class, three-star Jacob Kibodi. Losing two running backs in one offseason raising depth questions that will have to be addressed in the 2018 recruiting class. Although this class was expected to be smaller, don’t be surprised if Texas A&M takes two running backs next year.