Texas A&M Football: Who will lead the Aggies in tackles in 2021?

Leon O'Neal, Texas A&M Football Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Leon O'Neal, Texas A&M Football Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Texas A&M Football
Aaron Hansford, Texas A&M Football Mandatory Credit: John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M Football LB Aaron Hansford is the most experienced returning tackler on the team

The obvious answer to replace Buddy Johnson as the team’s leading tackler would be the super-senior himself, Aaron Hansford. Hansford has been around for what seems like forever. And it if seems that way, it’s probably because he arrived in 2017.

Hansford arrived as a 4-star recruit, ranked in the top-150 of his class.

Over the past few seasons, he has actually been extremely productive, accumulating 68 tackles, 10 for loss, and 5 sacks, most of which came in the most recent two seasons of his career.

In 2021, he should be a leader for a defensive unit that will look to be among the best in college football. Hansford will highlight a defense that is filled with senior leadership, so don’t be surprised if his stats reflect that.

Last season, Hansford was the team’s second-leading tackler with 49. In 2021, there’s no reason that he shouldn’t be capable of moving into the leading tackler spot. Watch for Hansford to be among the best linebackers in the conference.