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
Leon O’Neal, Texas A&M football Mandatory Credit: John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M Football S Leon O’Neal could surprise fans and collect a high tackle amount

This one might be kind of a stretch, but if there is a safety who can lead the team in tackles, it’s Leon O’Neal. O’Neal has been an extremely reliable safety for the Aggies and will be another player who steps into a leadership role in 2021.

O’Neal came into College Station as a high 4-star recruit, ranked in the top-75 of his class. He would receive significant playing time instantly, and after a few years with the Aggies, it seems like he still hasn’t hit his ceiling as a player.

In 2021, O’Neal will be another player who knows the game well. He is the definition of a player that is always in the right place at the right time, something that could show up on the stat sheet at the end of the season.

Last year, the safety finished third on the team in tackles with 48, just a single stop less than Hansford, the team’s leading returning tackler. If there is a non-linebacker who will lead the team in stops, it’ll be O’Neal.

That said, expect one of the players listed to be at the top of the list at the end of the year, though there are a handful of guys who could surprise and steal that spot.