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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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Texas A&M Football
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 /

Frank Iheanacho

A 6-foot 6-inch tall, physical wide receiver, Iheanacho was projected to be the next Ricky Seals-Jones. He was a 4-star recruit out of Houston, Texas. “Nacho” as he was called by many, saw action in seven games during his freshman year. He was held without a catch until the Aggies’ bowl game against West Virginia where he caught two passes for 13 yards.

In a somewhat atypical move, he took a redshirt his sophomore season before returning to the field last year.  He still found himself trapped behind the likes of Josh Reynolds, Seals-Jones, and others on the depth chart. Despite the massive turnover at the position, Iheanacho announced he was headed elsewhere.

Verdict: A small impact

It’s not secret that receivers in the 2017 recruiting class come with much acclaim. Jhamon Ausbon dazzled at Friday night lights and the rumblings about Roshauud Paul continue to grow. However, Iheanacho’s size differentiated him from these new recruits and the rest of the receivers on the depth cart.

Seals-Jones was able to create a target for his quarterbacks in traffic. Iheanacho had similar aspirations. Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone will look to recreate that weapon in the aggregate with tight ends this coming season.