Texas A&M football just picked up another commit in their recruiting class in Fort Bend Marshall quarterback Kaeden Johnson. The Aggies add Johnson as the second player listed as QB in their class, as they already held a commitment from Corner Canyon, UT signal caller Helaman Casuga.
However, this doesn't appear as though it is an insurance move based on a worry that Casuga may be jumping ship— as happened last cycle with Husan Longstreet— or lack of confidence in Casuga's abilities. Rather, while Johnson plays quarterback for the Buffaloes, he has committed to the Aggies as a tight end prospect.
This makes sense once you take a look at his measurements and athleticism. Johnson stands at 6'6" and 215 LBs, with the frame of a guy who can add a lot more weight before things are all said and done. While he's not the most polished passer, his athletic abilities cannot be gainsaid, making this a master move from Mike Elko and company.
Texas A&M football pulls in commitment from Fort Bend Marshall ATH Kaeden Johnson
The Aggies have had a history of success with uber-athletic prospects from Fort Bend Marshall, of course— the most notable of which is now-Miami Dolphins running back Devon Achane. They are clearly looking to continue that legacy of success with a guy like Johnson.
This is a huge credit to Elko and his staff for the evaluation. Johnson was not really discussed as an elite-level prospect by many and was flying under the radar for the most part before momentum between he and the Aggies picked up here recently.
I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a lot of teams begin to try and wedge their way in between A&M and Johnson now that he's a little more on the map, as I'm sure teams will be taking a much longer look at him now that he's committed. Given that Elko and company identified him early on, though, I think we see him end up sticking, even if he does rise dramatically up the rankings.