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Projecting Whether Texas A&M Football Upperclassmen Stay or Go

By Graham Harmon

Oct 28, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Turner (5) rushes South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Turner (5) rushes South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mckinnley Jackson, Texas A&M Football
Sep 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson (3) and Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Is McKinnley Jackson a Candidate to Remain with Texas A&M Football?

Jackson was another huge recruiting win for the Aggies, over LSU and Alabama, back in the 2020 cycle. Though he wasn’t a five star, he was still one of the most highly sought after players in the nation, as evidenced by how hard these top programs were going after him. He proved to be a great get for the Aggies, as he saw time even from the very first game of the 2020 season.

Despite this, he has dealt with no shortage of injury issues over the years. Like Chappell, his presence up front has been a little inconsistent; unlike Tyreek, his prototypical size and ability have commended him as a top prospect at the position even from his junior year. Pursuant to that, his declaration to return for 2023 was another big moment for Texas A&M football. He’s played like a star this year and has been one of the top contributors to the Aggie defense.

Jackson is a guy for whom Elko’s return is huge, in my opinion. Like Turner, he was recruited by Elko and to this scheme, so another year on what will be an uber high quality Aggie defense that may be a bit more schematically suited to his strengths could be an attractive option. This one is more of a tossup, but I’m leaning slightly toward Jackson’s return.