The wide receiver position for Texas A&M so far this year has not lived up to expectations, adding to the stress on what has already been a dysfunctional passing attack. In particular, the Aggies' star transfer, Isaiah Horton, simply has not yet been the red zone touchdown machine that many fans envisioned.
Horton, through the first two games, had already registered three touchdowns on red zone targets; since that point, he has not caught the ball for a single score. In this last game against The Citadel, there was a play that embodied some of the issues we've been seeing out of the unit and Horton in particular: a pass hit no. 7 on the hands but bounced off, falling incomplete on third down and leading to a field goal attempt rather than giving the Aggies six.
It ended up being inconsequential, of course, as A&M won by 41 points, blanking The Citadel in their final non-conference game of the year. However, you want to see a program that is playing to a standard rather than to an opponent— and Horton was not playing up to that standard in the game.
Isaiah Horton's father calls out his lack of effort against The Citadel, which may be just the motivation he needs
It came out in his effort even when he was targeted early, as well, which former Aggie player Jordan Pugh observed in a useful breakdown of the game. You can watch that breakdown at this link or in the embed below.
Horton was specifically called out among the receivers— yes, there has to be some frustration among the receiving corps for the way things have gone so far this season, but the pass game won't get rolling if there is no effort in the dirty work, like blocking, let alone when the ball is coming to you.
It looks like even Horton's own father is of this same mindset, as he apparently left a comment on Pugh's breakdown, agreeing with his evaluation of no. 7's effort for the Aggies. Here's what he had to say:
"Love your film break down and commentary from an X's and O's perspective. You are absolutely correct on my son Isaiah. I am so upset with him and his effort in that game. He knows his effort was piss poor and feels embarrassed as he should. Told him he needs to show resiliency real quick and help his QB and team over these next tough few weeks of the season."Isaiah Horton's dad
Just as a disclaimer, it's important to note that this account does not bear the name of Horton's father, but he's clearly claiming to be him— and some quick internet sleuthing based on identifying characteristics of the account seem to confirm that that's who it is.
If this is indeed Horton's father, then this sentiment is a good thing for Aggie fans. The best thing that a player can have is people close to him who will hold him accountable in situations where he's not giving his all, and that's what Isaiah appears to have in his relationship with his father.
The worst thing that could happen for Texas A&M is for the locker room to completely stop caring. Though things have not gone the way that they should have so far this year, that doesn't appear to be a widespread problem, though you can see that there are some players struggling with that in individual cases. Elko and this staff, however, have done a good job of selecting players who seem to have strong support systems and family environments to help spur them on when things get hard.
That family-based motivation for Horton should stack with the homecoming factor in this upcoming week, as the Aggies are headed to Tuscaloosa, where Isaiah played last season. Every player has down weeks at times— what matters is how you bounce back. If Horton is able to play to his highest standard against the Tide, then it will go a long way towards the Aggies pulling off a big upset this weekend.
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