Texas A&M football trio will prove to be elite in the Reese’s Senior Bowl

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is a strong opportunity for four-year (or more) college football players to put their talent on display ahead of the NFL Draft. This year, the Texas A&M football team will be extremely well-represented in the yearly competition.

A handful of Texas A&M football players will have a strong opportunity to improve their draft stock.

On January 5th, three Aggies will be playing for the American Team in this coveted bowl game. Those players are Leon O’Neal, Aaron Hansford, and Micheal Clemons. Between these three players, you’ll find 18 years of college football experience — that number won’t be matched by any other trio of players in the game.

Here’s what each Texas A&M football player has to prove in the Reese’s Senior Bowl

S, Leon O’Neal Jr.: Leon O’Neal is a player who could have played another season in Aggieland. The four-year safety had four strong years, posting 161 total tackles, six interceptions, and 10 tackles for loss.

O’Neal is known as a hard-hitter. If he wants to have a “successful” Senior Bowl, he has to play to his strengths. The former member of this Aggie secondary has to use his size, hit hard, and play smart — three things that he did plentifully at A&M.

LB, Aaron Hansford: I actually just broke down why I think Aaron Hansford’s departure could be hugely impactful on Jimbo Fisher’s defense in 2022. That said, the sixth-year senior gave A&M everything he could have.

Hansford is known for his athleticism. The six-year linebacker originally began his career in College Station as a wide receiver before he would make the shift to the linebacker spot full-time. At linebacker, he’d finish his career with a season that saw him become the team’s leading tackler. Because of his background as an all-around athlete, he needs to show off his speed and strength in the Senior Bowl.

DE, Micheal Clemons: Clemons is another player who played college football for a whopping six seasons. Clemons, however, has always had other elite defensive linemen playing alongside him, drawing criticisms that he cannot pass rush effectively without his counterparts.

In the Senior Bowl, Clemons will need to prove that he can do it along. He doesn’t need DeMarvin Leal or Tyree Johnson beside him to put up numbers. His effort will never be an issue, but if Clemons can play smart and show off his strength, he’ll be in a much-improved position for the 2022 NFL Draft.