Texas A&M Football 2017: 5 takeaways from loss to Auburn in Week 10

5. Could Christian Kirk come back to school after all?

Entering the 2017 season junior wide receiver Christian Kirk was expected to be a first round draft pick. He was lauded as one of the best wide receivers in college football and an extremely dangerous special teams star. As things stand right now Kirk is a fringe first round pick. That’s something that most players would take in a heartbeat, but Kirk isn’t like most players. He demands excellence, both from himself and from his teammates.

Kirk should be a first round pick. He’s that talented. The on-field product hasn’t worked out like he’d like it to this year. No. 3 has more muffed punts than return scores and his role in the offense has been diminished due to a variety of factors, many outside of his control. If you were buying and selling stock in this speedster, now would be the time to buy low.

Kirk finished the day with eight receptions for 62 yards and no punt returns. This team is incredibly young. Next season the Aggies will have a more experienced quarterback, running backs, offensive line and most importantly wide receivers. If someone, anyone, can step up and become a down field threat other than Kirk that will open up the field for him to make more plays.

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While Kirk’s departure from Texas A&M football to the NFL Draft has been a forgone conclusion, it might be time for the junior to reconsider. There have been many Aggie wide receivers come back for their senior season. Some, like Mike Evans and Josh Reynolds, have aided their draft stock. Other, like Jeff Fuller, have tanked it. That gamble rests on Kirk’s shoulders.

There’s nothing written in stone any more. Christian Kirk needs to think about coming back for his senior season.