Texas A&M fans were all abuzz about many things headed into Mike Elko's first season— a new-look defense under a guru head coach, a bevy of transfer talent, and more— but maybe nothing more captured the Aggie faithful's imagination than the potential of five-star signee Terry Bussey.
The Timpson High School product signed with the Aggies after a long battle with LSU, one that concluded in Mike Elko's early days as the A&M head coach. Though he committed to the Aggies early on, the firing of Jimbo Fisher meant that his status was up in the air until late signing day.
He was so highly anticipated that Elko had begun a whole routine of tempering expectations for his first year on his yearly media circuit. Bussey's do-it-all ability in high school, along with his explosive physical talents, meant that he was instant offense wherever he was used.
The Aggies slotted him at wide receiver in his first year, where he looked the part. He didn't break out in any extremely notable way, to be honest, but fans could see his progress as the year went on. With a late start to the 2024 offseason with A&M, though— Bussey didn't arrive until fall camp, after all— that was to be expected.
But what can Texas A&M fans expect with a full year under Bussey's belt? Nothing less than the consummate offensive weapon.
Terry Bussey's year two under Mike Elko's Aggies should see him break out in major way
Bussey can get lost in the shuffle somewhat when discussing the Aggie WRs, given the transfer talent that has come in. KC Concepcion is a major name there, but Bussey's role will be just as vital.
Concepcion is a proven player and resident shiny new toy for Aggie fans, but Bussey's progression from year one to year two will be absolutely key for the A&M receiver group. His modest numbers from 2024— 216 yards on 17 receptions, 102 yards on 16 rush attempts— could triple or quadruple as he gets more comfortable in Klein's system and adjusts to the speed of the college game.
With how highly-touted Bussey is, it can be easy to forget that he played a low level of competition in high school. There's obviously going to be leagues of difference once you're playing in the SEC, and Bussey had a front-row seat to that chasm last year.
As he grows as a receiver, though, he can become a key part of an extremely formidable group. If he stays injury-free and his growth continues apace, he could be one of the best surprises on this Aggie team even as one of the highest-profile names on the roster.