Texas A&M Football 50 in 50: Backups to watch this season

LB Anthony Hines III

The Aggies are four-deep with talented linebackers this year and you could see Mike Elko rotate them, and that’s especially true for Hines. He was the highest ranked player in the 2017 recruiting class for a reason.

With Alaka and Dodson already in the fold, and Johnson getting reps with the first team in practice, Hines may find his way onto the field as a pass rusher. He would undoubtedly improve his NFL Draft stock if he’s able to show that kind of versatility. He had three sacks in limited action in 2017.

DT Justin Madubuike

Even with Keke moving over to defensive end this week due to Michael Clemons’ injury, Madubuike did not find himself with the first team, at least as of this writing. The defensive MVP of spring practices has not beat out Daylon Mack or Jayden Peevy in the rotation.

However, he’s still supremely talented. He was the highest ranked recruit from the 2016 class. He has impressed in the spring in back-to-back seasons and will definitely be part of the defensive tackle rotation in 2018.

S Leon O’Neal Jr.

The Aggies are loaded with talent at safety for this season and the coming seasons. O’Neal was the prize of the 2018 class and he was joined by another 4-star safety in Jordan Moore. Current starters Wilson and Tucker are proven assets, but don’t be surprised to see Elko get the dynamic freshman into the mix.

Fisher has already been on record saying the hype surrounding this kid is real.