Texas A&M Football: Grades for every star player so far in 2021

Texas A&M football player grades through five games: Offense, continued. . .

RB Devon Achane: Because the offense has been so bad, Achane’s strong season has gone under the radar so far in 2021. The Texas A&M feature back has had a strong year, already surpassing his receiving total from last season with 118 yards through the air.

As a runner, Achane has been effective, averaging 6.9 yards per carry with 296 yards. Technically, he’s less efficient than he was a season ago, but who expected him to average 8.5 yards per carry again with a new offensive line. Achane has exceeded expectations thus far, even if he’s sitting behind Spiller on the depth chart.

Player Grade: A-

TE Jalen Wydermyer: If there’s been a player whose season could be described as “disappointing,” it would be Jalen Wydermyer’s. Again, this isn’t so much a case of the player himself having a bad year — rather, everybody surrounding him has underperformed.

On a team with a struggling offensive line-quarterback duo, Wydermyer has put up modest stats on the year. The big-bodied tight end has just 176 yards on the year and pulled in his first touchdown reception last week against Mississippi State. Many fans expected him to be able to put those types of numbers up in a single game.

Player Grade: C+

WR Ainias Smith: Ainias Smith is one of very few players on this team who may actually be benefitting from the current offensive struggles of the Texas A&M football team. Because Calzada lacks confidence and is constantly being hurried in the pocket, the Aggies have turned to more shorter passes, which works in Smith’s favor.

The runningback-turned-wide-receiver is now the team’s leading pass-catcher, with 20 receptions, 200 yards, and two touchdowns. It’s not the flashiest season, but he has been a rare piece of consistency on this team.

Player Grade: B+