The Texas A&M football team will have more than a handful of departures this season. Heck, the Aggies could very well have four players selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft with names like DeMarvin Leal, Isaiah Spiller, Kenyon Green, and Jalen Wydermyer all having declared for the NFL Draft.
One player, however, might be the biggest loss for the Texas A&M football team of all.
That player is Aaron Hansford, a guy who was in Aggieland for six years. You’re reading that right — the A&M linebacker was around for two years of the Kevin Sumlin era with an extended stay in College Station due to injuries.
Texas A&M football LB Aaron Hansford’s departure may have the biggest impact of any loss this offseason
While Hansford is far from the biggest name that will be departing the Texas A&M football program this season, he might be the most impactful.
The now-former Aggie linebacker is the perfect example of how important it is to have patience at the college football level. In fact, Hansford saw minimal action in his first three seasons as a Texas A&M football player. Even when he was in the game, he was playing as a wide receiver, making three catches for 39 yards.
He’d eventually make the switch to linebacker under Jimbo Fisher, where he’d transform into one of the best in recent memory in Aggieland. Perhaps the reason why he’s going under the radar is because of his modest stat lines — as a linebacker, he recorded 153 total tackles with 18.5 for loss and seven sacks.
This included a breakout sixth year where Hansford finished with a team-high 89 tackles to go along with 8.5 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He’d recover another fumble on the year and deflect four passes.
If I could, I wouldn’t even tell you the stats here. Hansford, especially with his extended experience, was a game-changer for the Aggies. On a defensive unit that was covered from top to bottom with youth, including freshmen starting in the secondary and on the second level of this defense.
Hansford’s experience will help guys like Edgerrin Cooper, who started as a freshman in 2021, develop as young players. The Aggies may have more young linebackers playing early, especially if five-star Harold Perkins re-commits to the 2022 class.
WIth Hansford gone, there will be players who can fill this leadership role but it won’t be the same. Don’t expect the defense to fall apart but don’t be surprised if you see this defensive unit go through some growing pains with the loss of some stars and a new defensive coordinator in DJ Durkin.
Hansford’s departure will be felt.