Texas A&M Football: Spring 2018 wide receiver depth chart
By Robert Ford
First String
As we’ve seen in the past from Jimbo Fisher offenses, the offense will be very balanced and will usually showcase one or two receivers. In 2013, the Seminoles had two 1,000 yard receivers. In 2014, they only had one 1,000 yard receiver, but that receiver caught 99 passes.
The 2015 season was without Jameis Winston and the offense struggled. Three receivers caught over 55 passes. In 2016, it was more of receiver by committee with the leading receiver catching 56 passes. Last year and with the injury to Deondre Francis, the offense really struggled with top pass catcher hauling in 40 catches.
I look for the 2018 Aggie offense to resemble the early years that Fisher had with the Seminoles. With a healthy Nick Starkel, I expect to see at least one 1,000 yard receiver with the chance to have a second.
Leading the way will be the following:
Jhamon Ausbon stepped in right away in 2017 and played very well. He hauled in 50 receptions and I would argue that number would’ve been closer to 75 had Starkel not missed half the season. The bowl game gave Aggieland re-assurance that he could take the reins from Christian Kirk and become the next great Aggie receiver. Look for Ausbon to have a big 2018.
Camron Buckley and Paul are a toss up for the starting slot position. Buckley showed flashes in 2017 and I expect him to take a big next step. He caught 17 passes in 2017, look for that number to jump into the 30’s or 40’s with a healthy Starkel.
Jalen Preston is the wild card in this group. Can he pick up the offense during fall camp? If he does and with his size and speed, Preston will be a candidate for conference freshman of the year. Let’s hope he can come in and be Ausbon all over again.
I personally cannot wait for the spring game for a couple of reasons. First, I want to see what type of offense we’re running. Second, I want to see which of these guys is picking things up and wants to take the next step. I left Quartney Davis, Hezekiah Jones and Moses Reynolds off these groups, but with a new staff, every role is practically up for grabs including Ausbon’s.
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The wide receiver unit will be expected to be consistent. The big play has always been a big part of Fisher offenses, but looking back at the stats from FSU, the staff will want one thing more than anything and that is limit the drops.
We’ll break this group down again right before the season starts to see if this list is accurate and to see which guys made the move in the right direction.